Prepping for my "Free and Almost Free Genealogy" talk this week, I double-checked the cost of sending for an ancestor's Social Security (SS-5) application.
Although there is a fee for obtaining SS-5 documents, they are filled with detail. Don't bother with the "computer extract" which usually doesn't have all the details on the actual application. Go straight for the "photocopy of original application" even though it costs a little more. You want to see the original with your own eyes!
When I couldn't find my great-grandma's maiden name any other way, I paid to get my grandpa Isaac's Social Security application.
As shown directly above, Isaac applied for a Social Security card on December 1, 1936, giving the following info on his application:
- First name and surname
- Home address
- Employer name and address
- Current age AND birthdate AND birthplace (including country)
- Father's full name
- Mother's given and maiden name
- Sex, color
- Date of application and signature
Today, as shown at top of this post, the cost of a photocopy is only $21. Rarely does a genealogy record get cheaper. If you, like me, want to get more info about an ancestor who had a Social Security account, I encourage you to spend the money to see the photocopy. IMHO, the investment can be quite worthwhile. Here's the link to get started.
Always nice when the cost goes down! Last year, the UK Probate Service lowered the cost of ordering wills from £10 to £1.50. We're all hoping it doesn't go up again!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for this update. And you are correct -- the prices just seem to go up and up, so your post brings good news!
ReplyDeleteTess and Molly, thank you for reading and commenting! I do hope other records get cheaper as time goes on.
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