How to Get a Deceased Person’s Social Security Number

Key Takeaways

• A deceased person’s Social Security number (SSN) is often required for legal, tax, or estate-related tasks.
• You can usually find the SSN on the death certificate or tax documents.
• Access is limited to legal representatives, next of kin, or those with a valid interest.

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When managing the affairs of someone who has died, you may need their Social Security number for tasks like filing taxes, settling debts, or closing accounts. As the executor of their estate or next of kin, you might be wondering how to find the Social Security number of a deceased person, especially when documents are missing or unclear. This article will help you understand how to get a deceased person's Social Security number safely and legally, where to look first, who has permission to access it, and how to request it through official government channels.

Why You May Need a Deceased Person’s SSN

There are many legitimate reasons you may need the SSN of a deceased person, especially during the estate settlement process. Common needs include:

• Filing the Deceased’s Final Tax Return. The IRS requires the individual’s SSN for their last year of income and any tax obligations.
• Notifying Government Agencies, Banks, and Credit Bureaus. These institutions require the SSN to prevent identity theft and officially close accounts.
• Managing Probate or Claiming Benefits. Life insurance companies, pensions, and financial institutions often require the SSN to verify identity and process claims properly.

Where to Look for the SSN

Before filing any official requests, try locating the SSN through existing documents. This is usually the quickest way to complete a Social Security number lookup without waiting for government processing times.

• Death Certificate. In many states, the death certificate includes the person’s SSN. Access is typically granted to next of kin, estate administrators, or individuals with a documented legal interest. If you are handling estate matters, this is often the easiest starting point.
• Previous Tax Documents. Forms like W-2s, 1099s, or copies of previously filed tax returns usually include the SSN. If you have access to the deceased’s files or tax software accounts, check these documents first.
• The Social Security Card. If the card is still in the person’s belongings, this provides the full SSN directly. Look in personal files, safes, lockboxes, or other places where important documents were stored.
• Other Official Documents. Insurance policies, Medicare paperwork, pension statements, and employment files often include a full or partial SSN. These can help you verify identity or locate the full number through official channels.

Requesting an SSN from the Social Security Administration

If you cannot locate the SSN from personal documents, your next step is to request records from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is the official and most secure method for a lookup of a Social Security number of a deceased individual.

• Use Form SSA-711. The SSA allows individuals to request a copy of the deceased’s original SS-5 (the application for a Social Security number) by submitting Form SSA-711. This form requires:
  
  • Proof of death (such as a certified death certificate).
  • Proof of your identity.
  • Proof of your legal authority (if applicable), such as court-issued letters of administration.
• Possible Redactions. If you are not the person’s immediate family member, the SSA may redact parts of the SSN to protect privacy. Only surviving spouses, next of kin, or legal representatives generally receive the unredacted version. This is the safest official method for how to get a Social Security number for a deceased person when documents are unavailable.

Who Can Access a Deceased Person’s SSN

Not everyone can obtain this information. Privacy laws remain in effect even after death.

Those who typically have access include:

• Surviving spouses or next of kin.
• Executors or legal representatives of the estate.
• Individuals with a clearly documented legal interest, such as those managing insurance claims or government benefit cases.

Others may be denied access. The SSA prioritizes identity protection, and restrictions remain strict to prevent fraud and misuse.

Important Considerations and Legal Limits

When conducting a deceased Social Security number lookup, keep the following in mind:

• Illegal Use Is Prohibited. Using someone’s SSN without proper authority, even after their death, is a federal crime. Always ensure your purpose is strictly legal and related to estate management.
• Avoid Third-Party Lookup Services. Many websites claim to offer instant SSN lookups for deceased persons. These are often unreliable or outright scams. They may steal your data or provide incorrect information.
• Protect the SSN Once Found. Identity thieves frequently target deceased individuals. Store the number securely, and only share it with trusted institutions when necessary.

Conclusion

Finding a deceased person’s Social Security number is often necessary for estate administration, and it must be handled with care, legality, and respect for privacy. Whether the SSN is listed on a death certificate or retrieved through the SSA, always safeguard this sensitive information to help prevent identity theft. When in doubt, work with a probate attorney or rely on official government processes to ensure you follow the correct procedures.

For assistance with estate administration, Elayne’s Automated Estate Settlements platform is available to help.

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FAQs

Q: How to find a dead person’s Social Security number?
Check the death certificate, tax documents, personal files, or request it from the SSA using Form SSA-711.

Q: Can you get Social Security from a dead relative?
Survivors may be eligible for benefits, but eligibility depends on relationship and circumstances. The SSA can guide you.

Q: What happens to the SSN of a dead person?
The number remains permanently assigned but is flagged as belonging to a deceased individual to prevent misuse.

Q: Does a death certificate have the deceased Social Security number on it?
In many states, yes. However, access may be restricted to next of kin or estate representatives.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with a licensed professional to address your specific situation.