Without knowing how to access a deceased individual’s Social Security Application and Claims Index record, you won’t be able to verify an ancestor’s place of birth, location of residence or parent names.  Instead, you’ll continue to wonder if that record can answer a genealogy research question or get you unstuck from a genealogy brick wall dilemma.

Here’s how you can get access to the record through a request known as a FOIA or Freedom of Information Act request.  It is ideal to have the deceased individual’s Social Security Number.  If you don’t, you still can go ahead with the request.

Step 1.  Online Go To https://www.ssa.gov/foia/ 

Step 2.  Click on Make A FOIA Request.

Step 3.  Click on Request a copy of Deceased Person’s Original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) or Numident Record.

This will bring up more information about the process.  The top paragraphs give options of getting what you need either online or by mail.  There is a fee for receiving a copy.

Step 4. Complete the request form and submit along with fee payment.  

That’s all you need to do.

If you need more information about the Freedom of Information Act, visit https://www.foia.gov/faq.html