Woman left penniless as $1,800 Social Security benefits are repeatedly withheld sparking warning about pay method
After not receiving a life-altering $1,800 in payouts, a furious Social Security claimant has been finding it difficult to support herself.
Months after she first began experiencing issues with her benefits in October, Romaine Fantroy is still battling for her money.
The Oklahoma City resident was perplexed two months ago when her monthly $943 was not loaded onto her Direct Express card by the Social Security office.
Users do not need to have an existing bank account to use Direct Express cards, which are specifically made to be filled with federal benefits.
When Fantroy went to the office to get answers, she was informed that she would need to open a checking account and give up the card.
Fantroy, however, says she was only paid a pitiful $93 after doing so.
read more money stories
Additionally, she didn’t receive any money in November until she went to the office and asked to be paid.
The problem hasn’t been resolved months later, and the bills are mounting.
She said, “Here I am fighting for my benefits for December,” over the KFOR NBC station.
“December 10th is the date. I am unable to clean, eat, or do laundry.
“I can’t do anything because they won’t give me my benefits.”
An emotional Fantroy, wearing a bonnet, acknowledged that she cannot even have a haircut until she receives the money she needs.
Don t pay if government comes looking for Social Security money back an easy move can settle your balance, expert says
“My routine has been completely thrown off,” she stated.
The administration has come under fire from other Social Security beneficiaries for not paying them.
After he began experiencing problems with his Direct Express card, an unidentified local citizen told the local channel that he owed a whopping $1,800.
He has been placed on wait for hours each time he attempts to call and get the problem resolved.
Comerica, a financial services corporation, owns Direct Express, which has recently been in legal hot water for allegedly neglecting its consumers.
WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS ARE MADE
Depending on the recipient’s birthdate, Social Security benefits are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of every month:
- Second Wednesday: For individuals born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- Third Wednesday: For those born between the 11th and 20th
- Fourth Wednesday: For those born between the 21st and 31st
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a lawsuit against the business on Friday, alleging that it had illegally charged ATM fees and dropped client calls.
According to the lawsuit, Comerica expressly denied services to senior citizens without bank accounts.
Comerica, on the other hand, denied the allegations and criticized the CFPB for “ignoring arguments and documentation.”
Read More on The US Sun
The company has filed its own suit against the bureau that accuses it of “regulatory overreach” that “undermined the legitimacy of its own investigation,” Comerica told theDetroit Free Press.
Comerica and the SSA have been contacted by the U.S. Sun for comment.
Filing a waiver with the SSA
A special form can be filed by those who believe they shouldn’t be required to repay the overpayment amounts recorded by the SSA or who cannot afford to do so.
- The form is identified as SSA-632 on the SSA website and can be filled out and submitted at a local office.
- “If you agree that you have been overpaid, but you feel you should not have to pay it back because you did not cause the overpayment and you cannot afford to repay it, you should file Form SSA-632,” the SSA notes on its website.
- It also lists multiple repayment options.
- Recipients with additional questions are urged to call 1-800-772-1213.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!