Help Someone You Know Apply for Social Security and More
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: April 20, 2023
Social Security helps people in all stages of life. We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits. Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to:
Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Check if the person you are helping qualifies for SSI – and also apply – on our SSI page.
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits
When the unexpected happens and a loved one can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, our disability benefits can be a lifeline. Find out more on our Disability page.
Create a personal my Social Security account
If your loved one is planning for retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits, they can create a free and secure my Social Security account and view their Social Security Statement.
Check the status of a pending application for benefits
Checking the status of an application is quick and easy with a personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on our website.
Appeal a decision for benefits
If someone you know was denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal. We provide information on how to appeal decisions for both medical and non-medical reasons.
To discover more ways you can assist others, please visit our Information for People Helping Others page. Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media!
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Tags: Disability, my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Ben A.
I’m having problems navigating this process. I can’t correct the security questions. I know I answered right; but don’t know what was inputed previously. I’m about to retire. I need help before hand
Ann C.
Hi, Ben. It sounds like you are referring to having difficulty creating your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to create your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.
Beverly C.
I am trying to help my husband file for disability. I keep getting the “We’re sorry. We cannot process your request”. I called the SSA office, but could only set up a phone interview for next month. Online would be a whole lot easier for him since he has neck cancer, and cannot talk. The SSA office also recommended I try a different browser. I tried 3 different browsers on 2 different computers! No luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Roseann R.
How can I find out if I would collect more on my divorced husbands account. We were married 15 years and neither has remarried?
Ann C.
Hi, Roseann. Thanks for your question. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit our Benefits Planner. For additional specific questions, you can can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.