All Blog Posts (6)

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

Question What information is available from Social Security records to help in genealogical research? Answer Records potentially available from SSA include the Application for a Social Security Card (form SS-5) and information from the "claims folder" for past recipients of benefits. In any case, to obtain any of this information from SSA you will need to file a Freedom of Information Act request. The detailed procedures are as follows: To search our records for the information… Continue