A trusted individual is a person you designate to access or manage certain aspects of your account on your behalf. This feature is found under Account Settings > Personal Information.

Common reasons people use this feature

• Supporting an elderly relative
  Adult children often help aging parents manage accounts online. A trusted individual designation is the proper, secure way to do this — no password sharing required.
• Planning for an absence
  Going on an extended trip or having planned surgery? A trusted person can manage your account while you are unavailable, without any disruption to your services.
• Illness or declining capacity
  If you are managing a health condition or planning ahead for the future, you can designate a carer, spouse, or adult child so they are ready to step in if and when needed.
• Help with technology
  Not everyone is comfortable managing online accounts independently. A family member or trusted friend can handle updates and correspondence on your behalf.
• Peace of mind
  Even if you never need someone to step in, having a trusted person in place means you are prepared — similar to having a named contact on an insurance policy.