Memphis Woman Overcomes Social Security Nightmare with Persistence and Assistance

Memphis Woman’s Social Security Struggles Finally Resolved!

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s been a rollercoaster ride for a Memphis woman as she battled the Social Security Administration (SSA) over an error that threw her finances into disarray. Meet Shameter Wicks, a longtime Memphian who recently had to navigate the murky waters of federal bureaucracy all because of a mistakenly issued check.

A Confusing Surprise in the Mail

After finally being approved for Social Security benefits, Wicks was relieved to see the monthly payment of $708 consistently deposited into her bank account. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until she received a perplexing paper check in the mail for the exact same amount during the summer of 2024.

“I’m just so sick but thank God he’s keeping me here,” Wicks shared, reflecting on her ongoing struggles. It was a shocking moment, and naturally, Shameter didn’t want to get into trouble. Following the SSA’s request, she promptly returned the check. “They told me to bring it back to the Social Security office, I did. I took it back to the Social Security office and gave it to them,” she explained, thinking the matter was finally put to bed.

The Ripple Effect

However, what happened next left Wicks feeling frustrated beyond words. Rather than seeing her $708 monthly stipends remain intact, she began to notice that the amount had been slashed to just $637. The SSA had deducted $70.80 every month to “make up” for that paper check. Can you imagine her disbelief?

“I go to the Social Security office, they give me the runaround. They brush me off and send me out the door. I don’t know what else to do but to call you all to try and get some help,” Wicks said, her frustration palpable as she recounted her experience.

Time for Action!

After hitting a wall, Wicks decided to reach out for assistance, and that’s when the story took a turn. An investigation was launched to look into her issue further. When the staff at the Social Security office on Cleveland Avenue heard about Wicks’ plight, the director sprang into action.

Within moments, the difficulties that Wicks had been facing began to dissolve. The deductions from her benefits were stopped right away, and further inquiries were launched to the SSA’s Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta.

Victory and Reimbursement!

As a cherry on top, Wicks was even reimbursed for the over $200 that had been incorrectly deducted from her checks. She was assured that no further discrepancies would happen moving forward. Talk about a win!

“I love it. You took care, you solved my problem. Thank you!” Wicks exclaimed, visibly relieved and immensely grateful for the resolution.

A Lesson in Persistence

In a statement, the Social Security Administration noted, “Due to privacy laws, we cannot discuss individual cases. However, we can share that we are working with Ms. Wicks to address her concerns. We apologize for any delays in addressing her concerns and encourage people to ask for a member of management if their questions/requests are not timely addressed when contacting or visiting a Social Security office.”

Conclusion

Wicks’ story serves as a shining example of the importance of persistence when tackling bureaucratic hurdles. Sometimes, a little help can go a long way, proving that local investigations can help shed light on prolonged issues. Here’s to hoping that Shameter’s experience might inspire others who find themselves in similar situations!