Allen, My grandfather doesn't show up in the online SSDI index either. But, with a copy of his death certificate and proof of his social security number (in my case I had the original social security card in my possession), I was still able to obtain a copy of his SS-5. All it means is that you won't be able to use one of those auto-generated letters. Instead you'll need to write a letter, stating that you have proof of death (the death certificate) and proof of the social security number (in your case what was included on the death certificate). That's really all you need -- along with sending the proper fee of course. There are many possible explanations for why this person doesn't show up in the SSDI, but they really don't matter if your only purpose is obtaining a copy of the SS-5, since that can still be done. -- Mary AllenAmet@aol.com wrote: > Hi > > I finally obtained the D-C for one Frank (=Francis) Stevens, who died in > NYC on Sep 19, 1958. > > It states, typed, that his SS # was 088-03-5994, and that he was born in > 1873. > > But when I enter that SS # in the SSDI, it gives NO result at all, or > name, so I can't use it for an SS-5. > > Any clues? > > Thanks. > > Allen