How to Get a Copy of Your Parents' Social Security Forms for Family History Research?

Answer 1

You may someday want to research your family history or you may wish to do some research on your genealogical background. As you probably already know, just about all Americans either fill out, or has another person fill out, a Social Security application in order to obtain their Social Security number. You may be able to obtain your parents’ original application, or at least obtain a copy, from the Social Security Administration.

1. The official form that is used to apply for a Social Security number used to be known as Form SS-5. This name has changed over the course of these past few decades, though it is certainly a useful name to keep in mind when you are researching your family history. This is definitely the case for back when Social Security was a new concept, because it was normally filled out for the adults rather than the children like in today’s world.
2. A Social Security application will usually include:
   • Applicant’s full name, and maiden name, if appropriate.
   • Complete address information
   • Current employer
   • Date and place of birth
   • Full names of both parents, including mother’s maiden name
   • Race
   • Date of Employment
   • Applicant’s signature
   It is clear that this is a wealth of information that is very beneficial if you are going to compile a family history.
3. Because you are a third party, you will only be able to obtain the copy of an applicant’s Social Security application if the applicant has already died. Try to collect as much information about the applicant as you can, though it is best if you have their full name and their Social Security number.
4. If you do not have their Social Security number or their full name, you will need to at least offer some similar information, such as the names of their parents, their address and so on. Offering this additional information will enable the Social Security Administration to confirm that you are getting the record for the right person and not somebody with a similar name.