1) From what I have found for an individual to be included in the SSDI, there had to be a death benefit paid. I have found a number of persons who I know died in the 1950s and 1960s who have SSNs but are not in the SSDI. 2) If the individual retired prior to about 1955 and was in a number of professions including govt civil service, he/she may not have had SS. I had an granduncle who was an attorney who never had SS. 3) As late as 1983, someone working in civil service could choose that retirement system and opt out of SS, at least that is what I was offered when I was selected for a position with the Texas Extension Service back then. Bill BOYLE - searching for BOYLE in 1770-1799 Limerick, Limerick and 1800-1825 Nenagh, Tipperary