Help someone you love apply for Social Security and more

This Valentine's Day, take time to remind your loved ones that 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 -at www.ssa.gov/ssi. 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 at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability. Create a personal mySocial 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 at www.ssa.gov/myaccount 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 mySocial Security account. If you don't have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. 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 nonmedical reasons at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html. To discover more ways you can assist others, please visit www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/. Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary. [email protected]