Social Security Number on profiles?

Question

Hi everyone,

One of my cousins has sent me a descendant chart for our ancestors and they include some of the SSN's that she knew about and recorded after their deaths. I was just wondering what the policy is, if there is one, of using/listing a deceased ancestors SSN on their profile. Of course, by deceased, I mean that someone who's been dead for nearly 50 years at least.

 

Is there a policy can I add them? Or is that something that you just link to a document that might have it.

Answer 1

Hi Michael. Good question.

I don't think there's a privacy reason not to include Social Security numbers for deceased persons, since they're published in the Social Security Death Index. (But I know I always have this lingering hesitation myself. Probably just out of habit.)

Comments

I feel the exact same... I have *omitted for entry to WT* on my records :p

 

Even though I found their social online, ha.

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I worked for a state welfare agency, and live in a border state. It is amazingly easy for people to reinvent  themselves with very little info.

Answer 2

I wouldn't do it. But then I am aware of alot of people who create new identities.

Answer 3

Social Security numbers are all eventually recycled.  It is doubtful the listing of numbers with profiles of deceased folks would have any impact.

Comments

The Social Security Administration says the numbers are NOT recycled.

Answer 4

You can read what you do not know about social-security numbers by going to the WikiTree profile of: Ida May "Aunt Ida" Fuller

Note: I attempted to edit the profile a few moments ago and corrupted it? Edits not taking, probably because of other activity with this profile

Note 2: Bio display repaired.

Comments

How interesting.  Personally I omit SS#s.  I don't think they add anything and I have heard of people using SSN#s.  There are plenty of them sold to illegal immigrants.

Answer 5

What happens to your social security number when you die? http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/10/happens-social-security-number-die/