As a POA who lives 350 miles away, I am trying to get as many documents mailed to me and not my blind, demented mother who has random caregivers and service people wandering in and out.
Certain things have been easy enough, but Social Security, IRS, state programs I am concerned will open up a can of worms if I try to change the address through them. Has anybody just used a change of address to get mail forwarded to them? Are there any other good methods?
Mom refuses to move closer to me. I will have to get guardianship and force her if I want to make that happen and I’m just not quite there yet.
GOOD LUCK.
Do everything digitally, paperless. Create online accounts in portals. There's very little reason to get actual snail mail anymore. Businesses are happy to not spend money on postage.
I bought a mail box that required a key to access. I left Prestamped, self addressed envelopes for a trusted person with a mailbox key to mail important docs in. Made it as easy as possible for them to help out.
My DH picks up mail for a neighbor. Opens it and texts her photos of mail. She comes in every few months and picks up hardcopies. Works well. Not much mail and right next door.
The service is free.
Perhaps this might help in your situation?
To create online Social Security access for your mom, go to the My Social Security portal at ssa.gov/myaccount, select "Create an Account," and follow the prompts to register with either Login.gov or ID.me. You will need your mom's Social Security number, a valid email address, and a US mailing address to complete the process, which includes verifying her identity online or in person.
1. Gather necessary information
Your mom's Social Security number
A valid US mailing address
A valid email address (you will need to create one for her if she doesn't have one)
A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, for identity verification
2. Go to the Social Security website
Navigate to the My Social Security portal at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Click the "Create an Account" button.
3. Choose a credential service
You will be given the option to create an account with either Login.gov or ID.me.
Select one of the options and click "Create an Account" on the next page to be redirected to their site.
4. Create login credentials
Login.gov: Enter an email address, create a strong password (at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters), and set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
ID.me: Enter a personal email address, create a strong password (at least eight characters, with one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and one number), and set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
5. Verify your mom's identity
You will be redirected to a page to verify her identity.
You will need to provide personal information and may need to take photos of a government-issued ID and a selfie.
The information provided must match what the Social Security Administration has on file.
Ensure the name and address are entered exactly as they appear on official documents, such as her Social Security card and driver's license.
6. Complete the process
After verifying her identity, you will be redirected back to the Social Security website.
Review and agree to the terms of service to gain access to her account.
For SS, I assume her checks are direct deposit. Her annual correspondence can be set up bu mail or on line