Social Security Death Index?

Question:

Social Security Death Index?

While trying to do some family research, I used the SSDI Search on my grandfather.
I know his name, birthdate, state of birth, last known residence, date of death.

Thing is, he doesnt come up in the SSDI... like he never existed?
Is there a reason why someone wouldnt show up in the SSDI?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) includes most deceased individuals who died after 1962 and who also owned a Social Security number.

Not everyone who had a Social Security number is in the Social Security Death Index. My paternal grandfather had a Social Security number and died in December 1963 and he is not listed. I've been told it is because he received a pension from the railroad and that some railroad pensions included their Social Security Payments. If a person worked for a railroad after 1936 he might have qualified for a pension from the Railroad Retirement Board in lieu of Social Security. That's why researchers don't find those ancestors in the SSDI. Most of the RR employees' Social Security numbers begin with the digits 700 through 729. Researchers can write to: Railroad Retirement Board, 844 Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

The reasons why your grandfather doesn't appear in the SSDI could be that his death was not reported to the Social Security Administration, or it may have been reported incorrectly. It may be the case, too, that the individual's last name was misspelled or a middle given name was used as the primary given name. In searching the SSDI, you may want to try a Soundex search (searches for a similar sounding name) or try using the deceased's middle name(s).

Beyond these reasons, I'm not sure! I hope this helps. Take care.