Can't update SS address for 72yo friend with memory issues - online access denied

Definitely make an in-person appointment at your local SSA office. For someone with memory issues, this is the most straightforward approach. Bring whatever ID she has (even with the old address), any medical documentation of memory issues if available, birth certificate if she has it, and any SS benefit statements you can find in her home. The SSA can update her address, reissue a new card, and make sure all her benefits info is current. They deal with these elder assistance situations regularly.

my mom had this EXACT problem!!! old address, couldn't find her card, memory going downhill fast. complete nightmare dealing with SS. we tried going to the office but the wait was like 3 hours and my mom got too confused sitting there. ended up taking 3 trips to get everything fixed.

You'll need your friend to designate you as her "representative payee" if you want to handle her Social Security matters. This requires specific paperwork and potentially a doctor's statement about her capacity to manage her benefits. Without this designation, SSA employees are limited in what they can discuss with you due to privacy regulations. For the appointment, bring: - Her current ID (even with wrong address) - Utility bills showing her current address - Medical documentation if available - Birth certificate - Any financial statements showing her SS deposits Call ahead to see if the office requires any specific forms completed before the appointment.

Been there! Get ready for a nightmare of waiting forever on hold with SS just to get an appointment. It took me 6 calls and 3 hours on hold trying to help my aunt with almost the exact same issue last month. She couldn't remember her old address so we kept getting locked out online.

just fyi they might not let u help ur neighbor unless u have legal authority like power of attorney or something. my dad tried to help his friend and they wouldnt even let him in the appointment

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: You do NOT need to be a Representative Payee just to help someone update their address with SSA. Rep Payee is specifically for someone who manages another person's benefits due to incapacity. For address changes and getting a replacement card: 1. Your friend needs to be present 2. She needs ID (expired is usually acceptable) 3. You can accompany her as a helper without legal authority However, if her memory issues are severe enough that she can't understand or participate in the process, then yes, legal authority would be needed (POA, guardianship, etc.).

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THE ONLINE STUFF!! The SSA website is USELESS for these situations. My mother-in-law had dementia and we tried for WEEKS to get her stuff updated online. Complete joke. The security questions asked about credit cards and loans from 20 years ago she couldn't remember! Just go in person and bring EVERY document you can find.

Since several people have mentioned authorization issues - you have a few options based on the level of help your friend needs: 1. Informal assistance: Your friend attends the appointment and you just accompany her as support (no formal authorization needed but limited in what you can do) 2. Appointed Representative: Form SSA-1696 allows you to help with specific SSA matters without full control over benefits 3. Representative Payee: More formal arrangement if she cannot manage her benefits at all (requires more documentation) Option 1 or 2 sounds most appropriate for your situation. You can download Form SSA-1696 from ssa.gov.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I talked with my neighbor and her son yesterday. We're going to schedule an in-person appointment, and her son will take the lead since he's family. I'll go along as additional support. We'll gather her ID, mail showing her current address, and birth certificate beforehand. I really appreciate all your guidance on navigating this process!