How to Request Social Security Records for a Deceased Relative

You may be able to get information on a relative through the Social Security Administration.

Obtaining the Social Security records of a deceased relative can offer insight into various information about the individual. Depending on how much information is available on a given individual you may be able to see when the individual came to the United States (or when they were actually born), benefits they received, who their parents were, where they were born, military enlistment, various financial records, and date of death. Information is available on a case by case basis and may vary widely.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a printer
• Envelope with postage

Instructions

1. Visit the link in the Resources section of this article to download and print a copy of the form for a request of a deceased individual's Social Security records.

2. Start filling out the form by indicating whether you want a Social Security records search done by the person's Social Security number or by their name. Results may vary depending on which information is on file. Note that fees will vary depending on which option is chosen.

3. Fill out information regarding the individual. You will need the individual's full name, date of birth and Social Security number. If you do not have all of this information you may fill out the deceased individual's parent information section instead.

4. Fill out the requester's information section, which includes your own name and address. Write out a check for the amount listed to Social Security Administration. If paying by credit card, click on the second link in the Resources section of this article, print out the payment form and fill out your credit card information.

5. Seal the form(s) in an envelope and address the envelope to:

   SSA OEO DERO FOIA

   PO BOX 33022

   BALTIMORE MD 21290-3022

   If using Express mail instead use this address:

   SSA OEO DERO FOIA

   300 N GREENE ST

   BALTIMORE MD 21290-030

Tips & Warnings

• Social Security records have been kept since 1936. Information is not available for people born before 1865.

• It may be considered against the law to falsify records or request records for an individual whom you are not affiliated with.

References

• Social Security Administration Customer Help

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Form for request of social security records
• Social Security Administration: Form for credit card payment