TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) hosted the virtual 2021 Senior Summit, an annual event that welcomed nearly 400 elders and advocates from across the state of Florida to honor the many contributions of Florida seniors and highlight entertainment, celebrations, and stories throughout the Sunshine State.

Have you ever thought you might need to visit a Social Security office?  Chances are you do not.  You can probably conduct your business with us without even leaving your home.  Our online services page at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices provides you a wide variety of self-service options you can use on your phone, tablet, or computer.  You can even apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare online.

The past year has been difficult for everyone, including educators and their students.  Our nation’s teachers have adapted, pivoted, and provided for their students in ways they had never imagined possible.  This year, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 2 through May 8, and honor all educators who prepare our children for the future. 

People who struggle with low-income, limited English proficiency, homelessness, or with mental illness have historically relied on meeting with us in person at our local offices to get the help they need.  Currently, Social Security offices are open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions.   

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15.  On this day, and throughout the month, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people. 

Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity.  Scammers may even use the identity of someone who is receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal mySocial Security account.  If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccountto see the following information about your claim:

Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’s journey.  If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions.However, you can continue to apply for a replacement Social Security card online and by mail.  Before requesting a replacement card, please remember that you might not need the physical card.  Most of the time, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. 

The future is uncertain.  Our Advance Designation program allows you to pre-select a trusted individual if a time comes when you need a representative payee to help manage your money.  Advance Designation enables you to identify up to three people, in priority order, whom you would like to serve as your potential representative payee. 

MIAMI, – The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), the largest grassroots organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) across the country through a network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, announces today the opening of a new APDA I&R Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Center will serve the South Florida area, from Palm Beach Gardens to Miami, with a special focus on the Spanish-speaking community. The I&R Center joins APDA’s South Florida Chapter in serving people with PD in Southern Florida.

Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash payments to children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources.  A child must meet the following medical requirements to be considered disabled under Social Security rules: