Many may not realize this, but a Social Security Death index search, while seemingly the last word (most perceive this because it is most definitely the “root” death record repository for the nation) it is not, actually.
What most do not understand about the limitation of this repository is that it is “claim-dependent.” That means that, until a “next-of-kin” files for the $250 Social Security Death Benefit, no entry as to the death is made into the system, rendering it useless as a ‘competent’ repository, but certainly good as “one place to search.”
That means, ostensibly that there is no “one-stop shopping” place for death searches, and almost certainly assures anyone interested that still the best place to search for death files is in the jurisdiction where the death occurred, as the law mandates record keeping at those levels, where no publicly available index (except the social Security Death Index) exists on a national basis, excepting law enforcement, which like the SSDI has its limitations, as well.
