How Do You Search for Deceased Parents’ Social Security Numbers?
The Social Security numbers of deceased parents are often found on some identification and government documents, such as a Social Security card, Social Security number printout, W-2 form, 1099 form and passport. Some states also require parents to write their Social Security numbers on their children’s birth certificates.
A copy of the deceased’s Social Security number can also be requested from the Social Security Administration. Under the Freedom of Information Act, the administration provides a copy of the Social Security card or card application, as long as a person is deceased. The Social Security Administration has the right to withhold the information if no valid proof of death is presented for a person under 120 years old.
The applicant must fill out the application for a Social Security card or the SS-5 form and provide proof of the deceased person’s death, such as a death certificate, police report, obituary or news article, then pay a fee. The applicant may choose to send the application through mail or fill out an online application for faster processing. The fee can be paid by credit card, check or money order. Depending on the application, the Social Security Administration may send a photocopy of the Social Security card or a computer extract of the card application of the deceased person.
