To find an individual's parents' names on Social Security Death records, you must first find the individual in the Social Security Death Index. With the Social Security Death Index, you can get information regarding an individual's birth date, death date, Social Security number, state/county code of residence, last residence zip code, and the zip code where the death benefit lump sum payment was sent.

In addition, with a name, the Social Security number that you get from the Social Security Death Index, and $7, you can obtain a copy of the individual's original application for a Social Security card. This often contains much information of genealogical interest. Write to:

Freedom of Information Officer
4-H-8 Annex Bldg.
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235

You can find out right now if your ancestors are listed in the Social Security Death Index without even leaving your computer! This free search can help you by telling you if your ancestor is actually listed in the Social Security Death Index. Once you find a listing for your ancestor, you can instantly create a letter requesting a copy of their application for a Social Security card (Form SS5) by clicking "Write It"

You also can access the Social Security Death Index in several other places. For example, many larger libraries have the Social Security Death Index on CD-ROM. You can also search it here at Genealogy.com. In addition, you can use the index through the FamilySearch computer. This a computer system at the Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Social Security Death Index is also available at the National Archives and some of the regional branches of the National Archives. Contact your local branch of the National Archives to find out whether or not they have the Social Security Death Index before you make a special trip. For addresses and phone numbers of the National Archives and each of the regional branches, see the topic National Archives. You can also purchase the Social Security Death Index on CD-ROM through selected software and genealogy product resellers.

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