Social Security has struggled with customer service for years. Declining staffing and funding has seen the Social Security Administration (SSA) leaving District residents in the lurch, dealing with long wait times on the phone and in Social Security offices, getting busy signals on the phone, or sometimes simply being unable to reach anyone for their customer service needs. SSA recently scrapped a proposed service change that would have forced many older District residents to have to go in-person to a Social Security office for routine services that have been handled over the phone.
Throughout 2024, AARP DC continued to advocate for policies to empower District residents to improve their lives and choose where and how they live as they age. AARP DC has a long history of supporting older District residents who want to live independently as they age. This year, AARP DC fought for issues that matter most to seniors, their families and caregivers.
Nearly 20 percent of South Dakotans age 45 and over are currently providing unpaid care to an adult relative or friend. Many of them are juggling those caregiving duties with full- or part-time jobs.
AARP Oklahoma is seeking nominations for its 17th annual Native American Elder Honors. The event spotlights the contributions of Native American elders to their communities, families, tribal nations and country.
Under a new city ordinance in Omaha, individuals or businesses operating or providing access to a cryptocurrency ATM must post a written notice that warns consumers of the potential fraud risks associated with using such machines.
To help North Dakotans protect themselves from scammers, AARP will host Fraudfest 2025—a series of fraud awareness events in several communities across the state.
The Show-Me MyRetirement Savings Plan—slated to begin by September—is aimed at businesses with 50 or fewer employees. If a company signs up, its workers will be automatically enrolled into a 401(k) that is tied to payroll deduction, unless they opt out.
AARP is helping the Indianapolis Public Library system expand its fraud prevention programming to combat rising fraud losses among older residents. The Outsmarting Scammers series will include consumer protection presentations from the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.
AARP Maine has a dedicated team of Fraud Watch Network volunteers who provide free presentations to community groups about how to protect yourself against fraud.
Older adults reported losing $3.4 billion to fraud nationally in 2023, according to the most recent FBI data. Cases ranged from investment and imposter scams to fake lotteries.
When District of Columbia resident Ingrid Swinton got an eviction notice in September 2022, she didn’t know how she would be able to fight it without a lawyer—something she could not afford.