What You Need to Know About the Social Security Death Index Master File
Whether you are searching for the death of someone you are related to or are interested in finding out about a specific death, it is crucial to know how to access the Social Security death index master file. The Social Security death index master file provides information about deaths that were reported to the Social Security Administration. The information in this file is provided to identify the causes of death and give a detailed description so that the deceased’s family can learn more about the person who died. It is also used to identify erroneous reports that can harm the living.
Searching for a specific death
Using the Social Security Death Index is a good way to locate a person who has died. The database contains several records, which are updated regularly. However, it is important to note that not all deaths are listed in the database.
Some names in the Death Master File are abbreviated, while others may be nicknames. You should be aware that the SSA only has some of the information available for some people. You should also be mindful that not all people have been reported to the SSA.
There are three main ways to search the Social Security Death Index. The first method is simply entering a name, birth date, and death date. You can then narrow your results.
The second method is to search by first or last name. You can then narrow your results by state, year of birth, or location. You can then choose to download the data. Each download is password-protected and requires associated fees. You can also download raw CSV data files.
The third and final method is to search by social security number. The SS-5 application form includes a social security number and the applicant’s birth date and place. You can then use the social security number to request additional information from the Social Security Administration. The SSA has a website, ssnchron.html, where you can find a listing of certified organizations that allow you to search the Death Master File.
You should note that the SS-5 form does not include the names of the applicant’s parents. If you have a family member listed on this form, you should get a copy of the death certificate.
Erroneous death reports cause harm to the living people
Approximately 7,000 to 14,000 Americans are falsely declared dead each year. The most common reason for an incorrect death label in the US is a clerical error. For the most part, the only way to correct this oversight is to seek help from an advanced practitioner. However, you might not have to go that far. You could call a local emergency medical service provider or your local coroner.
The CDC boasts an extensive database of reportable deaths in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each state’s requirements are published on the agency’s website. Some states have specific rules, but a county or city clerk should be able to answer your query. Depending on the jurisdiction, your local coroner may be a better bet than the medical examiner. For the most part, most funeral homes and hospitals are equipped with instructions for reporting a deceased person to the coroner. Some of the more technologically advanced may even require that you make an appointment, although this is only sometimes the case.
The CDC has created a series of best practices for county and city officials to combat the problem. In a recent review of data from the CDC, the agency noted that “there is a large disparity in the quality of death certificates from county to county. For example, the CDC reported that drug-induced deaths in the state of Maryland are 21% higher than the state average.” It is also worth noting that the CDC is not a county-based organization but rather a federal agency. Thus, the difficulties mentioned earlier will likely persist for years.
Accessing the Social Security Death Index
Whether you’re researching your family’s history or looking for a deceased relative, accessing the Social Security Death Index Master file can help you with your search. The Social Security Administration has been storing and providing access to the Death Master File since 1988.
The SSA’s Death Master File (DMF) is an electronic database of all deaths reported to the SSA. The DMF contains 83 million records. These records include first and last names, date of birth, and death. The file has been updated monthly.
The SSA DMF is not an exhaustive list. It is only a partial record of all deaths. The SSA receives information from many sources, including states, federal agencies, and financial institutions. The accuracy of the information may vary.
The SSA only has records for some people, especially not those born outside of the United States. The Death Index does not include all deaths from 1962 to mid-March 2014.
The SSA’s Death Master File has been criticized for enabling fraud. However, it has proven useful in medical research and in preventing identity theft. Two main ways to access the information are through the NTIS or the SSA.
The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) sells public death files. Each download is password-protected and costs an associated fee. This service has proven helpful to genealogists, historians, and medical researchers.
The SSA’s Death Master file has been tested and found to be more sensitive to males than females. It was also less susceptible to foreign-born decedents than American-born ones.
A few errors are reported on the Death Master File, including typos, omissions, and missing data. There are some abbreviated names and nicknames in the death index.