SSDI Mgr's Page

Published: December 13, 2008 12:00 am

We have lots of decisions to make when we are the family historian

I have always written to the readers of this column how important it is to research all collateral lines and not just your direct ancestors.

As a Hatt researcher I answered a query on GenForum, asking if anyone knew anything about Oliver Perry Hatt. I answered that query and probably told the person asking the question more than they cared to know. I received a thank you and later r… Continue

Woman Says Being Declared Dead Ruins Life

Laura Todd Says She's Been Dead On, Off Again For 8 Years

Reported By Nancy Amons

POSTED: 5:10 pm CST February 15, 2008
UPDATED: 4:59 pm CST February 16, 2008


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Nashville woman said that having to prove she’s alive over and over is ruining her life.

Video: Woman Says She's Tired Of Being Declared Dead

Laura Todd said an 8-year-old typo is affecting everything from her credit to her tax return.

"I don't think people real… Continue

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of death records created from the United States Social Security Administration's Death Master File Extract. Most persons who have died since 1963 who had a Social Security Number (SSN) and whose death has been reported to the Social Security Administration are listed in the SSDI. It contains the records of over 82 million people and was last updated on 7 October 2008.

Unlike the Death Master File, the SSDI is available free online from severa… Continue

Government Still Declares Living Woman Dead

Laura Todd Says Situation Prevents Her From Living

Reported By Nancy Amons

POSTED: 2:40 pm CST February 20, 2008
UPDATED: 7:27 pm CST February 20, 2008


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A woman who has been considered dead found out recently that the government still doesn't believe she's alive.

According to government paperwork, Laura Todd has been dead off and on for eight years, and Todd said there's no end to the complications the situation creates.… Continue

Historical Context: Begun in 1935 by the Social Security Act signed into law by FDR, more than thirty million Americans were registered for the economic security sanctions by 1937. From 1937 to 1940, payments were made in one-lump sums amounts with the first amount being seventeen cents. Following amendments in 1939, the payments turned into monthly benefits and increased. Following further amendments in 1950, cost-of-living increases were awarded to those who were receiving benefits. From 1950… Continue