Requesting Old Records for Deceased Parent
Hello! I am not sure if this type of question is okay in this forum. If not, my apologies.
I need to obtain the old Social Security Records for my deceased mother. She obtained SSDI in the late 1960's or early 1970's. She was born in the 1920's and passed away in 1980's. I have a copy of the death certificate, with her SSN on it. Of course, I can prove that I am her daughter from my birth own certificate.
I have searched the databases that are available online --Ancestry,the National Archives, etc. I am surprised that I got zero hits when I entered the data that I have in various combinations, which is basically everything that might lead to her records: her maiden name, her married name, her mother's name, her father's name, date of birth, date of death, birth place, SSN, spouse's name, and so on.
I am particularly interested to find out when the initial SSDI determination was made, and who her represenative payee was (I know that she did not get the funds directly herself on account of her disability). Is it possible that her records no longer exist? Would these records be something I can get through an FOIA request? What kind of information would I need to provide with the request? Would it be preferable to go into an SSA office to make the request, or to submit the form by mail?
Thanks to any and all who can provide help.