Are you concerned about protecting your older relatives and friends from elder abuse? The pandemic highlighted the disproportionate impact of tragedy on underserved communities, including older adults, who face high rates of elder abuse, fraud and nursing homes deaths.
It’s important to remember that elder abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or financial status. We are committed to helping and preventing further victimization – especially in underserved communities.
Fraud
A recent Federal Bureau of Investigation report showed that elder fraud has increased. Older adults in the United States reported over $1.6 billion in losses in 2021. This includes victims of COVID-related scams. Older adults in the U.S. also lose nearly 25 times more money to scammers than other groups, an estimated $113.7 billion a year.
Reporting fraud can be difficult and older adults tend to underreport – especially when money is lost. Many older Americans are unsure about the reporting process or feel too embarrassed to report. Understaffed Adult Protective Services offices can also cause long processing times and underreporting.
We work hard to protect beneficiaries from Social Security and government impostor scams. You can learn more about protecting your loved ones at blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters and our “Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams” webpage at http://www.ssa.gov/scam.
Please share these important resources with your family and friends.
Reporting changes that affect SSI
Did you know that certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments? Sometimes your circumstances may change after you apply for or begin to receive SSI. When that happens, it’s important for you to tell us about these changes. This will ensure that you receive the benefits to which you’re eligible.
Here are some common changes you must report if you have applied for or receive SSI:
Changes in income, wages or self-employment income;
Starting, stopping or changing jobs;
Changing your address or persons moving in or out of the household;
Changes in marital status (including any same-sex relationships);
Having more than $2,000 if you are single or $3,000 if you are married in resources that you can cash in, sell, or use to pay for food and shelter; and
Changes in resources, including money in financial accounts and buying or selling extra vehicles, stocks, investments, or property.
For a complete list of reporting responsibilities for all our programs, please read our publication, “What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income” at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11011.pdf.
