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  1. Type the first name of your ancestor in the Given Name text box.

  2. Type the last name of your ancestor in the Surname text box.

    NOTE: Use the MARRIED name for female ancestors. 

  3. OPTIONAL: If this is a common name and you know the birth year OR the death year, click either Birth or Death next to Add a life event.  NOTE: Do NOT click any of the other choices under Add a Life event or Add a relationship.

    For birth information, type the birth year in the From Year box AND in the To Year box under Estimated Year (Range).

    For death information, type the death year in the From Year box AND in the To Year box under Estimated Year (Range).

  4. Click the Search button.

  5. Review your results.  Click a result of interest.

  6. When you locate your ancestor, copy all information including SSN, birth date, death date, last residence, and state of issue.

    NOTE: The Last Residence field lists the last known residence area identified when the person applied for the benefit.


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