Resources

The official resources you'll actually need

Every link below is a government agency or established nonprofit — the primary sources our guides cite. Bookmark this page; you'll be back.

Government agencies

SSA Representative Payee program — required to manage a parent's Social Security benefits (a POA is not accepted).
Social Security survivor benefits — the $255 death benefit and survivor claims. Phone: 1-800-772-1213.
Medicare — form CMS-1696 appoints an authorized representative.
VA Fiduciary Program — for managing a veteran's VA benefits.
IRS Form 2848 — the IRS's own power of attorney form.
USA.gov: When a loved one dies — the government's own after-death checklist.
Benefit Finder — screens what assistance your parent qualifies for.

MissingMoney.com — the official multi-state unclaimed property database (NAUPA). Search every state your parent lived in.
NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator — insurers search their records for lost policies, free.
AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized free credit report site; lists every open account.

National Institute on Aging — evidence-based caregiving and legal/financial planning guides.
Alzheimer's Association — 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900.
Eldercare Locator — connects you to local aging services by ZIP code.
Family Caregiver Alliance — state-by-state resources and practical guides.

NAELA — the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys directory, for finding a real elder law attorney.
AARP financial & legal caregiving hub — deep library on POAs, banks, and family money.
Do Not Call Registry and DMAchoice — cut the scam calls and junk mail.
FTC fraud reporting — if a parent has been scammed, report it here; it matters for investigations.

We link only to official and established sources. This page is general information, not legal advice.