By SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

This Valentine’s Day, take time to remind your loved ones that Social Security helps people in all stages of life We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits

Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to:

∫ A p p l y f o r S u p p l e m e n t a l S e c u r i t y Income (SSI) Check if the person you are helping qualifies for SSI and also apply at www ssa gov/ssi

∫ Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits When the unexpected happens and a loved one can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, our disability benefits can be a lifeline Find out

Your

Guest Commentary more at www ssa gov/benefits/disability

∫ Create a personal my Social Security account If your loved one is planning for retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits, they can create a free and s e c u r e m y S o c i a l S e c u r i t y a c c o u n t a t w w w s s a g o v / m y a c c o u n t a n d v i e w t h e i r Social Security Statement.

∫ Check the status of a pending application for benefits Checking the status of an application is quick and easy with a personal my Social Security account If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www ssa gov/myaccount

∫ Appeal a decision for benefits If someone you know was denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal We provide information on how to appeal decisions for both medical and non-medical reasons at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability /appeal html

To discover more ways you can assist others, visit www ssa gov/thirdparty/

For more information, visit the Social S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a t w w w s s a g o v People can also contact the area office in Fort Myers at 888-318-9114 or the national number at 800-772-1213 for assistance

Fort Myers

Beach

1 y e a r, $ 6 2 C i rc u l a t i o n ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 9 3 6 C l a s s i fi e d / D i s p l a y A d ve r t i s i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 5 7 4 - 1 1 1 0 Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 5 p m , except major holidays Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL Permit 521 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday 19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 765-0400 Fax: (239) 765-0846 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk com Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK COM oPinions We want your opinion Web Poll Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com Previous Web Poll Results Have you applied/will you apply for a trailer while your home is repaired? ∫ Yes 14 3% ∫ No, I am able to live at my house while repairing it 19% ∫ No, I am renting or living at another location 57% ∫ No, my home was destroyed; I will not be rebuild 9 5% Current Web Poll Question What are you most concerned about in regards to rebuilding from Hurricane Ian? ∫ Debris removal ∫ Insurance ∫ 50% rule and whether I can afford to rebuild ∫ Permits for repairs/rebuilding ∫ Government leadership