Social Security Death Master File
You can use this file to confirm
details you already know, or provide clues for further research.
Following are a few examples of how this information can further your research
efforts.
Surname and given name. Use these names to confirm the legal spellings
of deceased individuals' names.
Social security number. Use this number to confirm that your information
is targeted to the right individual. This can help establish legal rights
to information and benefits.
State where SSN was issued. This will pinpoint where an individual
resided and where further information might be available.
Date of birth. Use this date to confirm information you already have,
help correct an incorrect record, or clarify an incomplete family record.
Date of death. Use this date to confirm information you already have,
help correct an incorrect record, or clarify an incomplete family record.
State where the individual died. Use this information to trace where
a person was living before he or she died.
ZIP codes of last residence or lump sum payment. Often individuals
travel to other localities for assisted care or medical treatment before
their deaths. This information can lead to hospital records or other pertinent
information.