This month, Social Security celebrates its 81st anniversary. Although Social Security’s overall structure remains the same, it’s impossible to overlook the changes in the economy and advancements in technology that made it necessary to transform the program into what it is today.

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, which gave birth to Social Security (almost) as it is known today.

The program was created primarily as a response to the growing rate of poverty within the elderly population.

Social Security has come a long way from 1940, when Ida May Fuller became the first person to receive a benefit check.

In 2015 alone, nearly 60 million people received Social Security benefits.

The number of beneficiaries is growing daily, and Social Security is developing ways to make conducting business with it easier and more secure.

With several services available online, including My Social Security, recipients might never have to visit a field office.

This is especially beneficial for the aging community or those living in remote areas, as traveling to field offices may be difficult.

Choosing when to retire is an important decision. At www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, anyone can get an estimate of their future benefit amount, using “what if” scenarios to see how benefit amounts change with different retirement dates and future earnings estimates.

With 37 percent of the American workforce teleworking and almost 70 percent of Americans doing most of their shopping online, the country has evolved into a society of convenience.

Not to be outdone —  like a hip grandma — Social Security has adapted to the times.

Below is a list of a few of the services currently available from the convenience of a computer:

• Request a replacement Medicare card.

• Apply for Social Security Retirement and Disability benefits.

• Get your Social Security statement.

• Appeal a medical decision.

• Find out if you qualify for benefits.

• Estimate your future benefits.

• Get your SSI & Medicare verification letter.

Utilize these online services by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Jill Blackston is the Social Security district manager in Farmville can be reached at Jill.Blackston@ssa.gov.