Member Login
Help & FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Helper-ID — how it works, what it costs, and how your information is protected.

Getting Started

What is Helper-ID?

Helper-ID is an emergency identification system. It gives first responders, family members, and bystanders instant access to your critical information — emergency contacts, medical details, allergies, and more — without needing a phone, app, or internet connection.

It works through a physical NFC tag or card you carry with you, or through a CODE+PIN lookup from any device.

Who is Helper-ID for?

Helper-ID is for anyone who wants to be prepared — but it's especially valuable for:

  • Seniors and older adults who are out in the community independently
  • Children and teenagers, especially those with medical conditions
  • People with chronic conditions, allergies, or complex medications
  • Athletes, hikers, cyclists, and anyone who spends time outdoors
  • Families who want to be prepared as a household
  • Communities — 55+ residential communities, schools, athletic programs
How do I get started?

Two ways to start:

  • Free PDF (DIY): Download a pre-formatted emergency profile, fill it out, and manage everything yourself. No account needed. Create a free PDF →
  • Full Membership ($55/yr — Full Service): We handle everything — setup, hosting, and delivery. NFC tags shipped to you, live hosted profile with CODE + PIN access, member dashboard, ongoing support.

See all options →

Do I need to download an app?

No app required — for you or the person reading your tag. Your profile is accessed through a standard web browser. Any modern smartphone can read an NFC tag or use the CODE+PIN lookup without installing anything.

NFC Tags

What is an NFC tag and how does it work?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is the same technology used in contactless credit cards and Apple Pay. An NFC tag is a small chip that can be embedded in a keychain, card, sticker, or wristband.

When someone taps their smartphone to your Helper-ID tag, it instantly opens your emergency profile in their browser — no app, no code entry required.

What phones can read NFC tags?

Most modern smartphones can read NFC tags:

  • iPhone: iPhone 7 and newer (iPhone XS and newer scan automatically without an app)
  • Android: Most Android phones from 2015 onward — NFC must be enabled in settings

If someone doesn't have NFC, they can still access your profile using the CODE+PIN lookup at helper-id.com.

Where should I put my NFC tag?

The best place is wherever you'll reliably have it when you need it. Common options:

  • Keychain or key fob
  • Wallet card
  • ID badge or lanyard
  • Wristband or medical bracelet
  • Helmet, backpack, or gear bag
Can I update my profile after writing the NFC tag?

It depends on which plan you have.

Full Membership (hosted profile): Yes — your NFC tag points to your hosted profile URL. Update your information in your dashboard and the tag automatically reflects the changes. No re-writing needed.

Free PDF (DIY): Your tag links to a static profile you wrote yourself. To update it, you'd need to re-write the tag with the new information.

Profiles

What information is on a Helper-ID profile?

You choose what to include. A complete profile typically has:

  • Name and photo
  • Emergency contacts (name, relationship, phone)
  • Blood type
  • Allergies (highlighted in red for immediate visibility)
  • Current medications
  • Medical conditions
  • Primary physician
  • Insurance information
  • Advance directives or special instructions

You can leave any field blank. Add only what's useful to someone helping you.

What is CODE+PIN access?

CODE+PIN is how someone accesses a hosted profile when they don't have NFC — or as a backup. Every hosted profile has a unique 6-character CODE and a PIN. Enter both at helper-id.com to view the profile.

The CODE can be printed on a card, written on a medical bracelet, or shared with family members. The PIN is what prevents unauthorized access.

Can I have multiple profiles on one account?

Yes — household memberships are designed exactly for this. One account, one subscription, multiple profiles (for a spouse, children, or other household members). Each profile gets its own CODE+PIN and NFC tag.

See household pricing →

What does the free PDF do?

The free PDF generator creates a printable emergency card with your information — formatted for readability under stress. You can print it, laminate it, and carry it in your wallet or store it at home.

It's not a hosted profile and doesn't include NFC or CODE+PIN access, but it's a great starting point. Try it free →

Membership

What's the difference between the plans?

Two options — DIY or Full Service:

  • Free PDF (DIY — $0): Printable emergency card. You manage everything yourself. No hosting, no CODE+PIN, no NFC tags included.
  • Full Membership (Full Service — $55/yr): We do it all. Hosted profile with live CODE + PIN access, NFC tags shipped to your door, member dashboard, ongoing support.

Compare options →

What happens if I cancel my membership?

Your profile remains accessible until the end of your current billing period. After that, the hosted profile is deactivated — meaning CODE+PIN and NFC access no longer work.

Your data is not immediately deleted — you have 30 days to export it or reactivate. After 30 days, the data is removed from our systems.

Can I get a refund?

Annual memberships can be refunded within 30 days of purchase if you're unsatisfied for any reason. One-time purchases have limited refund eligibility depending on whether physical goods have shipped. See full refund policy →

Privacy & Security

Who can see my profile?

Only someone with both your CODE and PIN can view your hosted profile. The CODE is not secret — it can be printed on a tag or card. The PIN is what controls access. You decide who to share it with.

Helper-ID staff do not access member profiles unless specifically requested by the member for support purposes.

Is my medical information safe?

Yes. Medical data is stored encrypted at rest and is only accessible via a successful CODE+PIN lookup. We don't sell, share, or use your medical information for any purpose other than serving it to someone who has authenticated with your credentials.

See full data practices →

Can I see who has accessed my profile?

Yes. Every access to your hosted profile is logged — including the time, access method (NFC or CODE+PIN), and the IP address of the device that accessed it. You can view your access log in your member dashboard.

What happens to my data if I delete my account?

All data associated with your account is permanently deleted within 30 days of your deletion request. This includes your profile, emergency contact information, medical data, access logs, and any uploaded photos. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

To request deletion, email [email protected] with the subject "Delete My Account."

Communities & Groups

Can Helper-ID work for a whole community or organization?

Yes — and this is where Helper-ID is most impactful. When everyone in a community has a profile, first responders and staff have reliable access to information across the entire group, not just one person.

We work with 55+ residential communities, schools, athletic programs, and other organizations.

Is there group or bulk pricing?

We are currently working on group pricing models. If you are interested, please let us know. [email protected]

How does Helper-ID work for 55+ communities?

Helper-ID is designed to be low-tech and easy to use — making it a natural fit for 55+ residential communities, active adult neighborhoods, and senior programs.

Each resident creates a profile with the information they choose to share — emergency contacts, medical notes, allergies, insurance. They get a unique CODE and PIN they can keep in their wallet, on a keychain, on a bracelet, or wherever makes sense for how they live.

When help is ever needed, anyone — a neighbor, staff member, first responder, or family member — enters the CODE + PIN at helper-id.com. The profile opens instantly. No app. No phone required on the helper's end either.

The power of Helper-ID in a community setting is that when everyone has a profile, the whole community is more prepared — not just individuals. Learn more about the community model →

Still have questions?

We're a small team and we respond personally. Reach out anytime.

Email Us → See Plans