Social Security Applications and Claims Index

A new index has been appearing in our search results, and we've had a few questions about it. So here is information about the US Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.

Here is an excerpt from Ancestry's explanation of the index:

You may also find details on changes made to the applicant's record, including name changes or information on claims that were recorded. The most common types of claims noted include: Original SSN (when the original application was submitted to obtain a SSN), Life Claim (when a claim was made for disability or retirement benefits), Death Claim (when a claim was made by a surviving family member for death or survivor benefits), and Duplicate SSN (usually used when an application was made to replace a SS card, it may also indicate a change in SSN or that more than one SSN was assigned).

Read here for more information. Scroll to the information below the search box.

Recently, it was asked if we could use this index as a death source.

If there is a death date, go ahead and use it as a death source. Check Ancestry and Other in your death sources, and fill in the name of the index.

If you find a death claim, and there is no death date, you may assume that the person is dead by the date of the claim and use it for a death range (remember, all ranges are QC3).

If you find a life claim, then you MAY NOT use this as a death source. It is a claim for benefits by the individual while she or he is still alive.