Lifting Up the Voices of Social Security Beneficiaries
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 18, 2019
Elder Abuse is something most people don’t like to talk about. Yet, research shows that as many as two million elders are abused in the United States every year. With the help of our partners at Social Security, the National Center on Elder Abuse believes we can all find a solution to physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful abuse against the elderly.
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides the latest information, research, training, best practices, and resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our agency was first established by the U.S. Administration on Aging in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center.
At the heart of elder abuse is a leading factor of abuse — social isolation. Isolation, in this context, means a scarce amount of close relationships and social contact with family and/or friends. Research shows that older adults who have poor social networks are consistently more at risk. Although social isolation can show up in many ways, building strong community support is essential to deterring abuse.
Social Security is a pinnacle of reliability and steadfastness for older adults. When Social Security speaks, people listen. We applaud the agency’s efforts to communicate with and provide resources for the elderly.
The other day a frightened 84-year-old gentleman contacted our offices. He received a call from “Social Security” stating that his Social Security number and Medicare information had been compromised. They needed him to verify his information over the phone. At first, the call seemed legitimate but then he thought it was odd that Social Security would call him to verify his personal information. He hung up, fearful that someone was trying to steal his identity. We assured him he did the right thing and instructed him to report that information to the Office of Inspector General online or by calling (800) 269-0271.
We also urged him to report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site related to Social Security scams. He was grateful for these resources and relieved to know where to file his report. This infrastructure of support empowers individuals.
You can help us in our endeavor to Lift Up the Voices against elderly abuse by downloading our Support and Tools for Elder Abuse Prevention, STEAP. Together, we can build a society that, as we age, embraces the power, wisdom, and beauty of years of learning and growing.
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About the Author
Julie Schoen, Deputy Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Julie Schoen, Deputy Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Comments
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Louis H.
I Appied for Social Security within three weeks or more I was awarded 100% disability from the VA. But when i gave a copy to Social Security. One week later I was Denied!
I don’t understand why. I contact Washington D.C.
Social Security office twice and never received a reply back. You don,t know how angry i was.
Nah
Two different programs with different qualifications
PELLEGRINO P.
VERY INFORMATIVE AND WILL BE HELPFUL TO ME IN THE TWILIGHT OF MY YEARS. I AM 86
SEEMA D.
These scams imposters are on rampage these days. We (me and my husband) receive several phone calls from IRS scam imposters, claiming that we owe taxes. They leave the messages; demanding that we pay the amount immediately with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They even threaten to arrest us if we don’t pay. We just ignore them as AARP magazine does publish articles on the similar scams from time to time to bring awareness to elderly senior citizens. The calls of this nature also can be reported by calling TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.
John B.
If you’re a victim of elderly abuse get a gun and protect yourself even if it’s a family member.
A. Q.
This number below call my # many time of course I didn’t answer unknown caller .. but here is the message left in my voicemail =
I knew it’s a scammer I hope the phone number listed can get them .New voicemail from +18000509213.
Related to your social security number. We have been forced to suspend your social security number with immediate effect due to this all your social benefits will be canceled until further clearance. In case you feel this is due to an error. You may connect with legal cell of Social Security Administration in order to connect with a Social Security Administration officer, press one now, in case we did not hear from you. Your social will be blocked permanently to connect with the officer now, press one and your will be automatically be connected with the concerned departments. We did not receive any input their citizen in order to speak with Social Security Personnel regarding your social security, press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials. Press one now to connect
sandra b.
i thank youll for helping us
Leslie F.
Why are our local utility companies, and owners allowed to demand our SSN in order to establish service?
I have been trained for many years Not to give out our SSN….
Richard W.
I hope most people that were born and Educated in The United States of America know why it was Colonized and fought for INDEPENDENCE from Britain. It was because of Double Taxation by the British government. We are going right back to the type of government. Start SS you pay taxes into SS fund. You retire draw SS of which that amount is taxed again.Then if you go further if that per son wants to work and makes to much during the year. They are taxed again at the end of the year. So if you want to help abuse of the Elderly start with the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Do away with all the taxes after Retirement. I am 74 years old and do pretty well. Please don’t disregard this comment. The elderly needs help. This is the financial part. Thank You
Tom
You can thank Ronald Reagan for taxing your Social Security. getting government off your backs?
edel g.
trabajo como voluntario en Piper center for social servicios,Inc en el senior companion program of SW florida y he observado como a algunos ancianos que atendemos se les abusa, y muchas veces se niegan a denunciarlo, en un caso use los recursos del banco donde el recibe su cheque de ayuda suplemntaria y se pudo resolver que la hija y la nieta le siguieran sustrqyendo el dinero de su ayuda, pero el siempre se nego a realizar una denuncia, es importantisimo toda la informacion que se le pueda brindar a estas organizaciones para que los voluntarios aprendamos tambien a manejar estos casos con suficiente destreza
John B.
Que, que?
Lacak R.
Hello Edel
Obrigado pela informação que você forneceu. Há quanto tempo você trabalha na Flórida? Obrigado saudações da Indonésia
Abank R.
hello Indonesia
Arlene B.
I watched as my Mom was neglected everyday. My sister & her husband lived with her claiming they took care of her all day. My Mom would not allow me to do what was right because she thought my sister and husband were better than sliced bread. I know my sister slept all day due to her own illnesses. Mom did have lunch and dinner when it was made for her. So What I’m saying is look deeper if you have suspitions. trust the belly barometer