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SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 1:28AM GMT
Classification: Query
I am hoping for some insight/advice:

I recently wrote to the SSA to get a copy of a relative's application for SSN under FOIA. I was looking for names of his parents, which are unknown. This ancestor was orphaned at a young age and went into foster care. He never told his children the names of his parents, or the names of the foster family he lived with, so I was hoping for the names on the SSN application.

I got the copy from the SSA and sure enough, there were the spaces for the names. All obscured with white out so the names were illegible. I filed an appeal with the SSA and was told "sorry, but we can't divulge the names without knowing if they are dead or alive" which I can't find out without knowing the names! The worst part? THEY would know. They are the keepers of this information! So frustrating!

Does anyone know how to proceed from here? Where else can I look to find the parent's names? I would love suggestions/advice because I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now.

Thanks for any input you can offer!
Sharon

Re: SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

Posted: 26 Jun 2013 3:25AM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 26 Jun 2013 3:29AM GMT
It is frustrating. Chalk it up to the new SSA policies.
How old was this person when he received his Social Security card? If he was in his teens or younger, you can try to "back" into the names by matching his address at the time with a city directory for that period, especially one that lists addresses and then shows the names of the people who reside at that address.

Re: SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

Posted: 26 Jun 2013 4:12AM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 26 Jun 2013 4:14AM GMT
What a GREAT suggestion! I've been so obsessed with the frustration of having the SSA turn me down that I haven't been able to think straight.

He was 15 and it was 1943. His parents were immigrants in NYC, so hopefully they were listed on a directory. He was in the Military, so we are trying military records next, but he probably listed his foster family as his contacts. Too bad he wasn't a little bit older, there would be a draft registration card.

Thank you for your advice. I'm going to try a City Directory and welcome any further suggestions!

Re: SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 5:24PM GMT
Classification: Query
Can you find any documentation that states he was orphaned? This would provide prove that his parents, whoever they are, were indeed dead.

Re: SSN Application Request Denied! What next?

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 9:21PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 14 Dec 2013 9:26PM GMT
Here are the reasons that you received a redacted SSN application (the "120-year rule) for the person whom you're researching.

* The date of birth for the deceased must have occurred at least 120 years ago.
* The parents of the deceased must also be be deceased.
* If 120 years have not passed since the deceased person's birth date, then you must provide proof of death to the SSA for both parents of the deceased. Otherwise, the SSA will redact the information from the SSA application in the interest of privacy of one or both parents who may still be alive.

SOURCE: GN 03350.005 Freedom of Information Act Requests: I. SS-5 Requests Involving Extreme Age, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203350005
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