Social security issues leave some Oklahomans in financial limbo
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Millions of Americans rely on social security benefits to make ends meet, but for some, a series of delays and system errors have left them in financial limbo.
One Oklahoma woman says her social security benefits have hit a snag, so she turned to News 4 as she fights to get her money.
Romaine Fantroy says she relies on $943 each month in benefits in order to get by, but since October, she claims those payments have been drastically reduced or delayed.
"This has been going on since October. Now, October they did let me have $93 of my $943 in October," said Fantroy.
Fantroy says she didn't get money in November, until she went to the office in-person.
She claims the Social Security Administration told her to stop using Direct Express and to open up a checking account, but that didn't fix the problem.
Now, it's December and she says she still isn't receiving benefits.
"So here I am fighting for my benefits for December. It's December 10th, I can't eat, I can't clean, I can't do laundry, I can't do anything because they won't give me my benefits," said Fantroy.
Fantroy forced to make another trip to the office.
"It's been rough. I mean, like, literally rough, I can't get a haircut, I can't do anything, my routine has been completely thrown off," said Fantroy.
It turns out Fantroy isn't the only one, another viewer emailed News 4 and said he his having issues with his Direct Express card and can't access over $1,800.
He claims that every time he tries to call and activate his card, he's put on hold for hours.
These problems come amid broader concerns with the Direct Express program, managed by Comerica Bank.
Just last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued Comerica Bank for systematically failing its Direct Express cardholders.
They are accused of deliberately disconnecting customer service calls and failing to investigate account problems.
News 4 reached out to the regional office for the Social Security Administration and were told they will look into both viewers cases and work with Direct Express, as well.