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  1. Type the first name of your ancestor in the First Names text box.

  2. Type the last name of your ancestor in the Last Names 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 under Search with a life eventNOTE: Do NOT click any of the other choices under Search with a life event or Search with a relationship.

    For birth information, type the birth year in BOTH boxes under Year (Range).

    For death information, type the death year in BOTH boxes under 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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