Stuck on a government or utility website? Most people stall at the same few spots: proving who you are, a code that never arrives, a form that wants a document you don't have handy. Below is what each site is for, our plain-English help for it, and the official site. When it still won't go, PJ, a local in Solana Beach, sits down and does it with you in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff and Encinitas.
The sites people get stuck on
| Site | What you go there to do | Our help | Official |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare.gov plan finder | Compare 2027 plans in open enrollment, Oct 15 to Dec 7 | the comparison worksheet · open enrollment, step by step | official site |
| Login.gov and ID.me | Prove who you are to reach Social Security, Medicare and the IRS online | sign-in and ID help | official site |
| Patient portals (MyScripps, MyUCSDChart, Sharp) | Test results, doctor messages, appointments | each system's help line | |
| my Social Security | Your benefit letter, the 2027 raise, a replacement card | the 2027 raise | official site |
| SDG&E My Account | The CARE or FERA discount and its renewal letter | the renewal letter · CARE and FERA income limits | official site |
| BenefitsCal | Apply for CalFresh or Medi-Cal | apply for CalFresh · apply for Medi-Cal | official site |
| ClaimIt (state unclaimed property) | Search for money the state is holding in your name | how to search and claim | official site |
| California DMV | A free senior ID card, REAL ID | free senior ID · REAL ID or passport · is my car recalled? | official site |
| County property tax | Due dates, the homeowners' exemption | check your bill · due dates |
Before you start any of them
- Have your photo ID, your Social Security number and your phone at the table. Most sign-ins text a code.
- Write down which email you used for each site. Most "I can't get in" problems are a forgotten email, not a password.
- Nobody legitimate will call and ask for a code that was just texted to you. Hang up and call the agency back on its own number.
PJ does it with you
PJ comes over, works through the site with you at your own computer or phone, and leaves a one-page note of which email, which sign-in method and where the papers are. You type the passwords; he never keeps them. Family Assist, $30 an hour.
More local answers
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
Who can help me with a government website in North County San Diego?
PJ, a local in Solana Beach, sits down with you and works through it at your own computer. You type the passwords. Family Assist, $30 an hour.
Why can't I log in to Social Security or Medicare online?
Both use Login.gov or ID.me to prove who you are. The usual snags are the ID photo, the selfie, and a texted code that doesn't arrive. Our sign-in help page walks through each one.
What should I have ready before using a government website?
Your photo ID, your Social Security number, your phone for texted codes, and the email address you used for that site.
Know someone who needs this?
Got a question about this? Ask PJ a question. A real person in Solana Beach texts you back.
Something changed here? Text PJ the fix: if it changes this page, you get $5. How it works.
Spotted something new around town? Text it in. What do you want to see here? Ask PJ for a page. No login, a real person reads it.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.