This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RBestrom7380 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.sonoma/6072.3.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Melanimays (MeLani Solie Maysenhalder) wrote: "Ron, doesn't last place of residence sometimes mean where the last SS Check was sent to and necessarily residence of decedent?" In this case, the Social Security Death Index: Margaret Marron, born 21 June 1879, died March 1972, SSN: 557-05-9458. "Last Residence" Petaluma, Sonoma County, CA. The CA Death Index identified she died in Sonoma County, so between the two, I'd expect that was where she died. As to the "Last Residence:" No, it is not related to a benefit check or the final lump sum payment (death payment, today about $255.00). The Social Security Administration (SSA) calls this "address" simply as the "Home of Record." I have found this location many States from where the person actually lived, or died. On one occasion I found the month/year of death was actually when the local court had declared the person dead. Notification had gone to the SSA at that time by someone It "is" a good clue, but you can't use it as verification. I always use the States Death Index if possible, as it shows where the person died. But even that is not an indicator where the person LIVED. People die traveling, visiting others, etc. A little background. The Social Security Death Index is NOT a listing of persons who received benefits. It is not even called the SSDI by the Social Security Administration. It is the Death Master File (DMF). It is a database of SSA records of deceased individuals whose death was reported to the SSA. This reporting is done in connection with filing for death benefits by the family, but today most US States require the reporting by funeral homes, County Coroners, etc. The DMF is used by governmental agencies, SSA, IRS, credit card companies, law enforcement, etc., to detect fraud. I have always recommended that even children's deaths be reported, as their SSN's are even used in fraud (Persons often file for tax benefits on persons who have died, sharing of these SSN's is rampant). The DMF is sold by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) in database by the master listing and updates to genealogy organizations (Family Tree Maker, Ancestry.com, etc. ... YOU c! an buy a copy). They then post it as the SSDI. The cost is tremendous. Full explanation: http://www.ntis.gov/products/ssa-dmf.aspx The DMF/SSDI is NOT a database of deceased persons who have held SSN's or persons who have received benefits, or family received survivor benfits. It's just a listing of persons having an SSN, whose death was reported to the SSA. Some current links to this information: http://genealogy.about.com/library/authors/ucporter1c.htm http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rwguide/lesson10.htm >From Ancestry.com (may or may not be available to non-members): http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693&enc=1 also their Frequently Asked Questions: http://search.ancestry.com/search/dbextra.aspx?dbid=3693 As to the relationship of Patricia, I agree with your guesses. More info/connection on her would be interesting. Ron Bestrom Tacoma, WA Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.