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One of the first databases new family history researchers use is the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). Why? Because it is online and it is free. However, the SSDI has some distinct drawbacks because of some of its inconsistencies. This Quicksheet explains the background of the SSDI, what data is in it, the inconsistencies, and where it can be searched.
The SSDI started as an electronic resource in 1962. The great majority of entries are for those who died after 1962. There are some in the database whose date of death was as far back as 1937. Some legal aliens and railroad retirees are included in the database.
A person may appear in the database if their death is reported and the person has a Social Security number, not always a certainty. But those two factors are mandatory.
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