The Social Security Death Index -Frequently Asked Questions

This informative Social Security Death Index FAQ page was recently compiled with reference to the official United States Federal Government source: Social Security Online i.e. www.ssa.gov/ (The Social Security Administration's web site provides full information about Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance Benefits, and Supplemental Security Income. The site also provides wage reporting information for employers.)

Question: How is The U.S. Government protecting Social Security Death Index files, records and SSN numbers?

Answer: In the wake of September 11th and with the ongoing problem of identity theft, (including theft of the identity of a deceased person), people who apply for a new SocialSecurity number must now furnish at least two documents to establish their age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. And now Social Security must verify the birth record for all U.S.-born applicants age one and older.

Question: Can non-US Citizens obtain SSN numbers?

Answer: The SSA no longer assigns Social Security numbers and issues cards to noncitizens for the sole purpose of applying for driver's licenses. This change makes Social Security numbers less accessible to people who may use the numbers for fraudulent purposes. i.e., for identity theft. The SSA will continue to assign numbers to noncitizens who have INS permission to work. (People who have been thoroughly checked out by Immigration.) Numbers are required for identification in so many computerized areas of American life now.

*Question: Is there a simple, low cost way to lookup Social Security numbers?

Answer: Yes. There is a tool that online investigators use to find SSNs and a person's last known address. The web site for download is here: Net Detective 2008 This investigative software will facilitate your searching of the SSDI - The Social Security Death Index. The newest version is 100% web-based and you only need a web browser to operate it for unrestricted use, once you sign up for the service.

Question: Can this tool also give me access to other U.S. Public Records?

Answer: Yes. A wide range of Government databases can be searched, including Court Records, (50 States) Driving and Criminal Records, Adoption files, hidden assets, and there is even a section on gaining legal access to read your own FBI file. You are permitted access by Freedom of Information provisions in US Federal Law.

Question: How are Social Security numbers presently being used, and are there any problems?

Answer: There are two main difficulties with the way SSNs are being used these days. The first is that they are used (by different organizations, including hospitals, banks, share brokerages, driving licence authorities, universities, schools, etc.) as if they were both a representation of identity and a secure password-(some banks). The second problem is that they have become a widely used identifier which can be used to tie multiple records together about a single individual. In this Age of Information, they are used to integrate various Government departmental databases; thus issues arise about control, privacy, civil rights and freedom. Given the pressing present need for increased levels of National security, it is reasonable that some degree of individual freedom be sacrificed to ensure stricter Immigration control and general security. The SSN has become a de facto identity card in the United States of America, though that was not the original intention.

STATES FOR ONLINE DATABASES:

Alabama, Maryland, Indiana, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, West Virginia , Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, Montana, DC., Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Jersey, Vermont, Illinois, Utah, Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Washington, South Dakota, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Tennessee, California, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Kentucky, Colorado, New Hampshire, Kansas, Virginia , Delaware, Maine, Texas, Connecticut, Alaska, North Dakota, Michigan, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Searching U.S. Govt. records for simple SSN# trace and verification can now be performed here at socialsecurity.gov related public records access servicing pages. Find SSDI and SSindex at ssa.gov online. The official Federal homepage.

This information was last updated: November 11, 2008 10:40 PM