Researching the vital records such as marriages and births for your ancestors is becoming more and easier with each passing day. Public records are now more accessible than ever, including the Social Security Death Master File. The Social Security Death Master File is the largest available online database. Using this service you will be able to search the database at no charge. The United States Social Security Administration is responsible for compiling and maintaining the Death Master File.
The Social Security Death Master File is made up of more than sixty-five million death records. These files, however, are not all of the deaths that have occurred in the United States. Not all deaths are reported to the Social Security Administration, especially the deaths that took place before the Social Security Administration was established in 1935 as well as some that are most recent.
The Social Security Death Master File can assist you in genealogy research project in a number of different ways. In fact, the Death Master File is one of the most popular searches for genealogists today. You can find out information about the date of birth and date of death in addition to the last know city of residence for the deceased. This is a great place to begin you search if you are trying to construct your family tree and track down as much information on the members of your family as possible.
Additionally, whenever available, the social security number of the deceased is also listed. This information is exceptionally valuable to the Office of Homeland Security, credit companies, insurance companies and similar other. If a person is deceased, it is obvious that they will no longer be using their social security number. Therefore, because the social security number is searchable in the database, you will be able to quickly discover any incorrect or fraudulent social security numbers that may be used.
While genealogy research is one of the most common uses for the Social Security Death Master File, fraud prevention is another popular use. Appropriate organizations and agencies update the information listed in the Death Master File on a weekly basis to make sure that any pension payments, etc. is stopped in order to save the taxpayer money. This is done mainly because stopping a pension check is usually the last thing on the minds of bereaved family members when a loved one passes.
Gaining access to the Social Security Death Master File is now easier than you have ever imagined could be possible. In addition, you can take advantage of the benefits that searching these records will provide without having to pay any fees. If you are interested in finding out more information than simply confirmation of death, date of death and other basic information, then it may be necessary for you to order a copy of the death certificate or other related death records. |