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Social Security

Deceased Individual SS Record Request (Form SSA-711)

Request Social Security records of a deceased person.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

See official fee schedule

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Typical timeline

3 to 6 months

Category

Social Security

Who qualifies

Open to anyone seeking records of a deceased individual. You may need to provide formal proof of death if the death is not yet recorded in Social Security system files.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Gather Decedent Details

    Collect the full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names for the deceased individual.

    Watch out: Searching without an accurate SSN requires additional research fees and may delay processing.
    Common rejection reason: Incorrect or incomplete identifying information preventing SSA from finding the record.
  2. 2

    Obtain Proof of Death

    Secure an official death certificate, published obituary, or cemetery record if the individual died recently.

    Watch out: If the death occurred recently and is not yet in SSA records, unverified requests are rejected under privacy rules.
    Common rejection reason: Missing proof of death for individuals born less than 100 or 120 years ago.
  3. 3

    Select Record Type

    Indicate whether you need an extract (computer record) or a photocopy of the original Form SS-5 card application.

    Watch out: Original application photocopies provide handwritten signatures and parental details; extracts contain less historical context.
    Common rejection reason: Unclear selection of the requested document type.
  4. 4

    Submit Request and Payment

    Send Form SSA-711 with the required payment or file electronically through the SSA eFOIA web portal.

    Watch out: Fee payments sent by mail must be made by check or money order; cash is never accepted.
    Common rejection reason: Submitting an incorrect payment amount or invalid payment instrument.

Documents you'll need

  • Form SSA-711

    The completed request form specifying the deceased individual's information and desired records.

    Note: Can be mailed or submitted online via FOIA.

  • Proof of Death

    A death certificate, formal obituary, or official mortuary record.

    Note: Required if SSA does not already have death data on file.

  • Payment Authorization

    Check, money order, or online credit card authorization covering search and copy fees.

    Note: Fees are non-refundable even if no record is located.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

Check my eligibility

Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.