This Valentine’s Day, consider supporting your loved ones by helping them understand the different ways Social Security can assist people at various stages of life. There are many online services made available by Social Security for applying for benefits with ease and convenience. Among these services are:

  • Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Check eligibility and initiate the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssi.
  • Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): In the case of serious medical conditions preventing a loved one from working, SSDI can provide crucial help. Visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability for more information.
  • Creating a personal my Social Security account: This is beneficial for those planning for their retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits. It is easily done at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
  • Checking the status of a pending application for benefits: A personal my Social Security account makes the process of checking the status of an application straightforward.
  • Appealing a decision for benefits: If a friend or a family member has been denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal. Guidelines for appealing both medical and non-medical decisions can be found at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html.

To explore more ways to assist others, visit www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/.

Social security benefits can be an important financial lifeline for many, especially in their post-retirement years or during tough times. By understanding these services, you can provide important help to your loved ones when they need it the most. Remember: knowledge is a gift, and sharing it can make a significant difference.

For those based in California, the Employment Development Department (EDD) also provides important services related to disability insurance, paid family leave, and unemployment benefits. Getting in touch with EDD can sometimes be challenging due to high call volumes. However, there are helpful resources such as eddcaller.com that can assist individuals in best navigating these services and knowing how to get a hold of EDD most effectively.