Learn how to obtain a copy of an Social Security Application, how to use Social Security records in your genealogy research, what the digits in a SS number mean, and browse through a listing of known errors found in the SSDI. Includes information on the records of the Railroad Retirement Board.
Determine the state in which a Social Security number was issued using the following chart.
The names of over 64 million Americans are included in these free online search engines for the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). In most cases, the last name is the only search field required.
The names of over 64 million Americans are contained in the SSDI, a "must search" for people looking for U.S. ancestors who have died since 1962. Learn what the SSDI is, how to search it (it's free) and what to do when you can't find your ancestor.
Learn how social security records can help you as a genealogist from Pamela Boyer Porter, CGRS, CGL.
You can learn information about where to look for your ancestor by just knowing their social security number.
A brief history of Social Security from the U.S. Social Security Administration.
Find everything you could ever want to know about Social Security numbers including the numbering scheme, the story of who got the first Social Security card (and when), who received the lowest number (and why) and the story of the most misused Social Security number in history. From the U.S. Social Security Administration.
A wonderful FAQ by Regina Gualco covering the why, when, where, how, and what of Social Security Applications.
An overview of the records held by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board which may be of interest to genealogists by Rhonda McClure. Also includes information on searching out railway company records.
If your ancestor worked in the rail industry after 1936, then the Railroad Retirement Board may have information which will assist you in your genealogical research.
If you had a family member who worked for the railroad, the Railroad Retirement Board records should be a stop on your research track according to George G. Morgan in "Along Those Lines..."
Julia M. Case, Myra Vanderpool Gormley & Rhonda McClure provide information and links for using the Social Security Death Index and Railroad Retirement Board Records in your genealogy research.
Some of the most informative U.S. resources can be records from our ancestors' federally-administered retirement programs' files. These include the Social Security and Railroad Retirement programs, which are similar yet unique unto themselves. This is the first of a three-part discussion by George G. Morgan.
A brief chronology of the Social Security system, tips on locating records for your ancestors and a list of common misconceptions of the scope of the SSDI. By genealogy columnist, Jake Gehring.
Along Those Lines author, George G. Morgan, provides a brief history of the Social Security System and details on how to obtain copies of Social Security application forms for your ancestors.
