Social Security Death Index
Enter your ancestor's name below and we'll search SSDI to help you learn more.
Discover Your Family’s Secrets Using The Online Social Security Death Index
Begin your journey into your family's past by exploring the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). This is a crucial tool for people interested in their family history. It helps confirm important dates like birth and death, where your ancestors lived, and where they got their Social Security card.
To get the best results, we recommend combining the SSDI with obituaries from local newspapers (also found in our online archives), to learn even more about your ancestors e.g. where they worked, their interests, and their family life.
What You Can Find in the SSDI:
- Name of the person who died
- When they were born and when they died
- How old they were when they died
- Where they lived and got their Social Security card
- You can use this info to find out more about any medical conditions that might run in your family.
Why Use GenealogyBank's SSDI Database?
Our records are linked with other useful genealogy tools, making your research easier. You can find your ancestor's official death record and then learn more about their life from newspaper archives. By searching our comprehensive database, you can find out about almost all deaths in the U.S. When you look for someone, you'll get results that include both the obituary or death record and the SSDI info, so it's easier to make sure you've found the right person.
How To Learn More About Your Ancestors
Once you find someone in the SSDI, there are lots of ways to learn more about them:
- Check local newspaper archives for obituaries or other stories about their life.
- You can get a death certificate or records from a funeral home if they have any.
- The SSDI might also show where the person's money went after they died. This can help you find other relatives who might have known them well.
- You can ask for more info from the SSA using the SSDI.
Here are some best practices when searching our online SSDI archives:
- Names in the SSDI might be shortened, so it's good to start with just a first name.
- Try different ways of spelling names or other details.
- Use birth or death dates and places to help narrow your search.
As you can see, the SSDI is an important tool for learning about your family's history. It helps you fill in gaps and find out more about your ancestors' lives. By using this resource wisely, you can piece together a clearer picture of your family's story.
For more tips on navigating our online database, check out the GenealogyBank Learning Center.
