WEAAD 2021: Building Strong Support for Older Americans

On June 15, we come together again to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). We continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults—especially during the pandemic. We remain committed to addressing challenges—and working together with our state and federal partners to break down barriers of injustice or inequality for older adults.

Over the past year, individuals and communities across the country stepped in to support those older adults most in need. We recognize that this outpouring of support also gave rise to individuals and entities looking to scam unsuspecting older adults and persons living with a disability. The members of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) work together to stop scammers and fraudsters and prevent exploitation through education, and enforcement. The Social Security Administration is an important EJCC member and contributor.

The Social Security Administration—including the Office of the Inspector General—has experienced a rise in fraudulent phone calls and letters, including beneficiaries. These calls and letters threaten people with suspension of benefits—and even arrest. We’re pleased to join them in an awareness campaign to combat this government imposter scheme.

To learn more about these types of scams go to Social Security’s Scams page. You can learn more about identifying and reporting these scams on the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) website.

On June 9 at noon, ET, our National Center on Elder Abuse is sponsoring a webinar, Coming Back Strong after COVID-19: Federal Elder Justice Innovations and Resources. The webinar will feature presentations by me—and speakers from the Department of Justice, Social Security, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We will discuss tools and tips to enhance elder abuse outreach and response efforts—and strategies to spark community engagement. To register, click on this link.

On this 15^th commemorative year of WEAAD, let’s focus on what we can do to stop abuse and neglect of older adults. Elder justice is everybody’s problem and we each have an important role to play. Please share this important resource with your family and friends—and post it on social media.

Social Security’s posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization or author.