Talk:Social Security Death Index

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[edit] Accuracy and context

This article needs to take into account information available from the Administration's website about different forms of the Index and the fact that the Adminstration does not endorse any derivative sources. See, for instance, http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=149. Further, not everyone who has died who has a SSN will appear; this is evident if you try to map published obituaries to an instance of the Index (as I've done personally). This is explained in part at http://helpdesk.rootsweb.com/ssdi/missing.html. Finally, access to application records via Form SS-5 should be included. If I have time later, I will make these additions to the article, but I invite someone with more experience, maybe a professional genealogist or a person who has worked with the Master File at the Administration, to do a better job than I could. Regards, User:Ceyockey (talk to me) 07:10, 30 January 2006 (UTC)

Rewrote second paragraph. Corrected "There are several websites that offer it online, many of which are affiliated with the Mormon Church." Many sites offer the SSDI online, but I know of only one affiliated with the LDS church: FamilySearch. Expanded on the reason the SSDI is invaluable by listing information provided. Expanded on the "hand written application form" by naming the form and indicating what it contains. Added "Further Reading" section with link to RootsWeb's SSDI tutorial and SSA article on genealogical research. NextExit 07:00, 3 June 2006 (UTC)