PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
First Aid and Emergency Health Care
How to Request a Welfare Check for Someone Download Article Co-authored by Kenneth Childs and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: August 26, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
What is a welfare check?
|
How to Request a Welfare Check
|
What justifies a welfare check?
|
What happens during a welfare check?
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Kenneth Childs and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kenneth Childs is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Investigator at Paramount Investigative Services based in LA, California. With over 25 years of experience as a private investigator, he has worked a variety of high-profile cases and served as an expert witness, proving his capabilities in the field and in the courtroom. Kenneth has self-published several books, including "How to Become a Private Investigator", "Catch a Cheating Wife", and "Catch a Cheating Husband". Paramount Investigative Services is the highest-rated private investigation firm in Los Angeles offering a wide variety of services, like child custody investigations, difficult service of process, personal injury investigations, background checks, and more. Kenneth has been prominently featured on Access Hollywood, The Dr. Phil Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Buzzfeed, and in LA Magazine. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 473,099 times.
Do you have a friend, loved one, or acquaintance that you just can’t seem to get in touch with? A welfare check (also known as a wellness check or a police welfare check) could be the solution that you’re looking for. Read on to learn exactly what a welfare check is, as well as how (and when) to request one. With a simple phone call, you’ll be one step closer to reaching the person you’re worried about.
Things You Should Know
Police officers perform welfare checks on behalf of concerned friends, loved ones, acquaintances, and co-workers.
Request a welfare check by either calling 911 or a non-emergency police number.
A consistent lack of contact, mental health crisis, and suspicious activity near someone's home all justify a welfare check.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
What is a welfare check?
Download Article
A welfare check is when a police officer physically stops by someone’s home to see if they’re okay. Regular citizens don’t actually perform welfare checks—instead, they call law enforcement and request an officer to check in on a friend, loved one, neighbor, or co-worker.[1]XResearch source Local police officers respond to the request and knock on the person’s door to see if they’re safe and doing well.[2]XResearch source
Welfare checks are commonly requested for elderly loved ones and neighbors.
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:
How to Request a Welfare Check
Download Article
1 Call a local police non-emergency number or 911. Always call 911 if you suspect that the person is in active, immediate danger (like a suicidal friend or loved one).[3]XResearch source Dial the police non-emergency number for serious but not necessarily life-threatening concerns (like a neighbor you haven’t heard from in a few days).[4]XResearch source
Check your police department’s website to find the non-emergency number. If you’re calling on behalf of a distant friend or relative, be sure to call their local precinct.
2 Explain who you’re requesting the welfare check for and why. Let the operator know the full name of the person you’re worried about, as well as where they live. Then, explain why you’re worried about the person in question and/or why you think they could be in danger.
“I wanted to request a welfare check for my neighbor Jane Kelly who lives on 300 Apple Road. She hasn’t gotten her mail in several days and I haven’t seen her around the neighborhood at all. She’s 81, so I’m worried that she might have fallen or suffered a medical emergency.”
“I’d like to request an immediate welfare check on my friend Josh Adams. He lives in apartment 17B in the Meadow Springs apartment complex on 700 Main Street. He just posted a suicide note on social media, and I’m afraid that he might take his own life.”
3 Wait to hear back from the police officers. If the welfare check goes well, law enforcement officers will likely call you back with an update. If the welfare check doesn’t go well, the officers will focus on the most immediate issue at hand.[5]XResearch source
Let’s say you requested a welfare check on your elderly aunt. The police stop by and find that she’s fallen and injured herself. In this case, they’d call for medical assistance before calling you back.
Advertisement Section 3 of 4:
What justifies a welfare check?
Download Article
1 A consistent lack of contactThe occasional missed call or text isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but a consistent lack of communication definitely is.[6]XResearch source A consistent lack of contact could include:
An elderly neighbor who hasn’t left the house in days
A diligent co-worker who’s inexplicably absent from work for several days in a row
A responsive friend who hasn’t responded to texts or calls for multiple days
2 Suicide riskWelfare checks are commonly called for people displaying suicidal tendencies—this might be a concerning text, a bizarre post on social media, or a confession over the phone. An urgent welfare check can potentially save someone’s life and help them get the mental health support that they need.[7]XResearch source
You can request a welfare check for a friend or loved one who’s experiencing any type of life-threatening mental health crisis. When making the call, ask if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is available to help the person in need—CIT officers are best equipped to handle these types of situations.[8]X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental IllnessGrassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source
3 Suspicious activity near a person’s homeDoes your neighbor’s home look broken into, or do you see suspicious people prowling near their home? Call the police and request a welfare check—this allows law enforcement to quickly assist potential victims.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 4 of 4:
What happens during a welfare check?
Download Article
1 Police knock on the person’s door and see if they’re home. After knocking or ringing the doorbell, the officers will announce themselves and wait for someone to answer the door. If the person in question is fine, the police will contact the original caller with an update.[10]XResearch source
Ask the police officer if you can go with them during the welfare check, especially if you suspect that the person could be having a crisis. It could be comforting for them to see a familiar face during the check-in.[11]XResearch source
2 Officers investigate around the home if nobody’s around. Police may walk around the person’s home and see if they can get an idea of where the person may be and what’s going on. They may also inspect the garage/parking lot to see if the person’s car is nearby.[12]XResearch source
Police officers will also check the person’s mail to see if they have any letters or packages piling up.
3 Officers collect background information and do a little research. Law enforcement might knock on neighbors’ doors, check the call history at the person’s home, and dig into the person’s medical history. In some cases, officers might check nearby hospitals and jails to see if the person is there.[13]X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental IllnessGrassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source
Police will ask neighbors if they’ve seen the person recently, or if they know about any spare keys the person might have to their home. They might also contact the person’s family and friends for this type of information.
4 Police forcefully enter the home if they feel the situation calls for it. Believe it or not, police are allowed to enter a person’s home without a warrant if they think that person’s life or safety could be in danger. Ultimately, this decision depends on the specific situation.[14]XResearch source
Police will often search for an open window or another point of entry before breaking into the home.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare (in a case of possible abuse or neglect), call your local police precinct or Child Protective Services (CPS) office to make a report. Once you’ve made the call, a CPS employee will check up on the child. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a person’s health and safety! Don’t hesitate to request a welfare check if you suspect that someone is in danger. Thanks Helpful 70 Not Helpful 12
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How to File a Missing Person Report in the USA12 Resources to Help You Find a Lost Loved OneHow to Stop Someone from Committing SuicideHow to Ask Someone If They Are OkayMental Hospitals: A Complete Guide to Involuntary & Voluntary CommitmentHow toHelp Someone Who Is Thinking About Committing SuicideHow toCall for HelpHow toPrevent a SuicideHow toFind Out if Someone Has Been ArrestedHow toCall 911How toHelp a Suicidal FriendHow toStop Someone from Jumping Off a BridgeHow to Help a Friend in NeedHow toBaker Act Someone Advertisement
Co-authored by: Kenneth Childs Private Investigator This article was co-authored by Kenneth Childs and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kenneth Childs is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Investigator at Paramount Investigative Services based in LA, California. With over 25 years of experience as a private investigator, he has worked a variety of high-profile cases and served as an expert witness, proving his capabilities in the field and in the courtroom. Kenneth has self-published several books, including "How to Become a Private Investigator", "Catch a Cheating Wife", and "Catch a Cheating Husband". Paramount Investigative Services is the highest-rated private investigation firm in Los Angeles offering a wide variety of services, like child custody investigations, difficult service of process, personal injury investigations, background checks, and more. Kenneth has been prominently featured on Access Hollywood, The Dr. Phil Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Buzzfeed, and in LA Magazine. This article has been viewed 473,099 times. 183 votes - 85% Co-authors: 8Updated: August 26, 2025 Views: 473,099 Categories: First Aid and Emergency Health Care In other languages Spanish Chinese Czech Japanese Italian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 473,099 times.
Reader Success Stories
Roger R.
May 23, 2023
"I am a 76-year-old single, retired, mental health professional. As I age and keep aware of societal problems, I realize that I may be vulnerable. I live in a rural area of North Carolina. I will set up a wellness check for myself."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Kenneth Childs Private Investigator Co-authors: 8Updated: August 26, 2025 Views: 473,09985% of readers found this article helpful. 183 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote
Roger R.
May 23, 2023
"I am a 76-year-old single, retired, mental health professional. As I age and keep aware of societal problems, I realize that I may be vulnerable. I live in a rural area of North Carolina. I will set up a wellness check for myself."..." more
Community Review
Jan 28, 2023
"I am doing research for a short story writing assignment, and the simple straightforward explanation was very helpful (though I'm probably not the intended target demographic)."..." more
Anonymous
Oct 4, 2023
"Good guidance for a welfare check on a friend who lives alone in an appartment and has serious health issues, and has been out of touch with me and others for over 5 days."..." more
Anonymous
Sep 14, 2023
"My sibling once suggested this instead of calling police for a noisy party next door. Solid advice! Now I understand why."..." more
Anonymous
Jul 21, 2023
"This showed me how to actually go about getting a wellness check done for someone I'm concerned about. Thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Mental Health QuizTake QuizDepression TestTake QuizAre You Best Friends QuizTake QuizAm I a Bad Person QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to File a Missing Person Report in the USA12 Resources to Help You Find a Lost Loved OneHow to Stop Someone from Committing SuicideHow to Ask Someone If They Are Okay
Trending Articles
Psychopath TestWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizIf I Were A... Quiz
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?What Are Narrow Clavicles? Plus, How to Build Shoulder Width with Exercises
Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About
Am I Gay QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend Quiz
You've Seen These All Over Your Feed
10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & MoreWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink Questions
Featured Videos
How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPersuade a Girl over TextHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toMake Hibiscus Tea
Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥
Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?
Your Daily Dose of Fun!
When Will I Get My First Period QuizAm I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizAm I Cool Quiz
Categories
Health
First Aid and Emergency Health Care
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Kenneth Childs and Janice Tieperman 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Kenneth Childs Private Investigator This article was co-authored by Kenneth Childs and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kenneth Childs is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Investigator at Paramount Investigative Services based in LA, California. With over 25 years of experience as a private investigator, he has worked a variety of high-profile cases and served as an expert witness, proving his capabilities in the field and in the courtroom. Kenneth has self-published several books, including "How to Become a Private Investigator", "Catch a Cheating Wife", and "Catch a Cheating Husband". Paramount Investigative Services is the highest-rated private investigation firm in Los Angeles offering a wide variety of services, like child custody investigations, difficult service of process, personal injury investigations, background checks, and more. Kenneth has been prominently featured on Access Hollywood, The Dr. Phil Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Buzzfeed, and in LA Magazine. This article has been viewed 473,099 times. 183 votes - 85% Co-authors: 8 Updated: August 26, 2025 Views: 473,099 Categories: First Aid and Emergency Health Care In other languages Spanish Chinese Czech Japanese Italian 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
450 
A welfare check is when a police officer physically stops by someone’s home to see if they’re okay. Regular citizens don’t actually perform welfare checks—instead, they call law enforcement and request an officer to check in on a friend, loved one, neighbor, or co-worker.[1] Local police officers respond to the request and knock on the person’s door to see if they’re safe and doing well.[2] 
1 Call a local police non-emergency number or 911. Always call 911 if you suspect that the person is in active, immediate danger (like a suicidal friend or loved one).[3] Dial the police non-emergency number for serious but not necessarily life-threatening concerns (like a neighbor you haven’t heard from in a few days).[4] 
2 Explain who you’re requesting the welfare check for and why. Let the operator know the full name of the person you’re worried about, as well as where they live. Then, explain why you’re worried about the person in question and/or why you think they could be in danger. 
3 Wait to hear back from the police officers. If the welfare check goes well, law enforcement officers will likely call you back with an update. If the welfare check doesn’t go well, the officers will focus on the most immediate issue at hand.[5] 
1 A consistent lack of contactThe occasional missed call or text isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but a consistent lack of communication definitely is.[6] A consistent lack of contact could include: 
2 Suicide riskWelfare checks are commonly called for people displaying suicidal tendencies—this might be a concerning text, a bizarre post on social media, or a confession over the phone. An urgent welfare check can potentially save someone’s life and help them get the mental health support that they need.[7] 
3 Suspicious activity near a person’s homeDoes your neighbor’s home look broken into, or do you see suspicious people prowling near their home? Call the police and request a welfare check—this allows law enforcement to quickly assist potential victims.[9] Advertisement 
1 Police knock on the person’s door and see if they’re home. After knocking or ringing the doorbell, the officers will announce themselves and wait for someone to answer the door. If the person in question is fine, the police will contact the original caller with an update.[10] 
2 Officers investigate around the home if nobody’s around. Police may walk around the person’s home and see if they can get an idea of where the person may be and what’s going on. They may also inspect the garage/parking lot to see if the person’s car is nearby.[12] 
3 Officers collect background information and do a little research. Law enforcement might knock on neighbors’ doors, check the call history at the person’s home, and dig into the person’s medical history. In some cases, officers might check nearby hospitals and jails to see if the person is there.[13] 
4 Police forcefully enter the home if they feel the situation calls for it. Believe it or not, police are allowed to enter a person’s home without a warrant if they think that person’s life or safety could be in danger. Ultimately, this decision depends on the specific situation.[14] 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.