Woman Asks NBC6 Responds for Help After Stopping Receiving Retirement Check
A Life of Love and Devotion
About 70 million Americans receive some kind of Social Security benefit, and many of them are retirees who rely on those checks to make ends meet. That is the case of a woman in Miami who contacted the NBC6 Responds team when she stopped getting her retirement check.
Maria Correa Villalba was married to her first and only love for 57 years. She says she was 15 when they met and waited 10 years while he was a political prisoner in Cuba to marry him. They did everything together; even had a single bank account where they received their retirement checks.
A Life of Uncertainty
Ofelia Correa, Maria’s sister, spoke on her behalf because Maria developed speech and mobility problems following a liver transplant.
Maria’s husband passed away in July of last year, and shortly after, Maria lost her own retirement benefits.
"The salary of the Social Security in July was deposited on August… but the following day, they subtracted the check from the bank," Ofelia said.
A Frustrating Experience
Ofelia told the NBC6 Responds team that as soon as the retirement check disappeared from Maria’s account, she contacted the Social Security Administration.
"They told us OK, wait one week more or less and your check is going to be in your account again… one week passed, and no check in the bank. We decided to go to the Social Security Administration office directly and spoke with a representative," Ofelia said.
Again, she said they were told the issue would be resolved, but it wasn’t.
"We went to the Social Security office three times without success," she said.
A New Beginning
After trying for over a month on their own, Maria and Ofelia decided to contact the NBC6 Responds team and we reached out to the Social Security Administration.
"They called me the same day. In the afternoon. It was the supervisor the one who contacted me," Ofelia said.
She said she was told the agency would send her a new check, and if she didn’t receive the funds in a week, she was instructed to contact the local Social Security office manager.
This time, Maria received the missing $1,059 check she says she desperately needed.
"You know, the retired people, we live check by check. One month without the check is terrible," Ofelia said.
Conclusion
The experience of Maria Correa Villalba serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when faced with a frustrating and seemingly insurmountable problem. With the support of her sister and the NBC6 Responds team, Maria was able to get her retirement check resolved and get back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I report a problem with my Social Security benefits?
You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office for assistance. - What should I do if I haven’t received my scheduled Social Security benefits?
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office for assistance. They will work with you to resolve the issue. - How can I get help with a Social Security problem?
Contact the NBC6 Responds team at [insert contact information] for assistance with your Social Security problem.
