The Social Security Administration’s Death Master File is available online.
Plan sponsors can now collect data found in the file (known as the DMF) via an Internet Web search or as raw data on a CD.
By cross-referencing deaths listed in the file with current plan payments made, you can reduce errors and minimize the risk of fraud.
The file lists more than 65 million recorded deaths.
Each file includes:
- Social Security Number
- Name
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- State/county of residence
- Zip code of last residence
- Zip code of lump sum payment
However, the Social Security Administration does not have all death records for everyone.
Just because a name is not listed in the Death Master File does not always mean — or provide definitive proof — that the person is alive and should still be verified.
But the DMF is a helpful tool for plan administrators.
Social
Security Administration Tool for Reducing Errors, Fraud Now
Online
