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Social Security Gone Wrong – They Keep Taking Her Money, and Now She’s Exposed!

A woman in Oklahoma City is fighting to survive after repeatedly being denied access to her much-needed Social Security benefits. Romaine Fantroy, a recipient relying on $1,800 in monthly payouts, has been unable to access her money for months, leaving her unable to afford basic necessities like food, laundry, and even a haircut.

Fantroy’s troubles began in October when her Social Security payments stopped being loaded onto her Direct Express card—a system designed specifically for federal benefit payouts. After visiting the Social Security office for answers, Fantroy was instructed to abandon her card and set up a checking account. Despite following their advice, the funds she received were shockingly low, leaving her with just $93 to get by.

Social Security recipient Romaine Fantroy can barely feed herself after months of reported drama getting her benefits KFOR

“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,” Fantroy told KFOR in an emotional interview. Her frustration is shared by other recipients experiencing similar issues with the Direct Express system.

An Ongoing Battle for Survival

Fantroy’s ordeal didn’t end with the initial payment issue. She had to fight for her November benefits, which she eventually received only after another in-person visit to the Social Security office. Now, in December, she is still left waiting as bills pile up and her basic routines have come to a standstill.

“Here I am fighting for my benefits for December,” she said, explaining how her life has been completely disrupted. “My routine has been completely thrown off.”

She said the administration has struggled to put her $943 monthly payments on her Direct Express card
Getty

Direct Express cards, operated by Comerica Bank, are marketed as a simple way for people without bank accounts to access their federal benefits. But recent months have revealed glaring issues, with many cardholders complaining of missed payments and long delays in resolving disputes.

One anonymous recipient shared their frustrations, saying they are owed $1,800 in missed benefits. Like Fantroy, they described endless hours on hold trying to reach customer service without success.

Legal Troubles for Direct Express

Direct Express has faced mounting criticism for its handling of customer complaints. Comerica, the financial services company behind the program, has been accused of failing to provide adequate support to its users. Last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Comerica, accusing it of dropping customer calls and charging unauthorized ATM fees. The suit also alleges that Comerica discriminated against elderly consumers by refusing services to those without bank accounts.

In response, Comerica defended its practices, calling the CFPB’s actions an example of “regulatory overreach” and insisting it provided necessary documentation during the investigation. The company has filed a countersuit against the bureau, claiming its investigation lacked legitimacy.

Payment Schedules and Frustrations

Social Security payments are typically issued based on the recipient’s birthdate:

  • Second Wednesday: Birthdates between the 1st and 10th.
  • Third Wednesday: Birthdates between the 11th and 20th.
  • Fourth Wednesday: Birthdates between the 21st and 31st.

Despite the clarity of this schedule, Fantroy and others have faced ongoing delays, leaving them in financial limbo.

The Human Cost of Delays

For Fantroy, the situation is about more than missing payments—it’s about her survival. “I can’t eat,” she said, visibly upset during her interview. These delays highlight the real impact of administrative failures, as people like Fantroy are forced to navigate a system that is failing them when they need it most.

Fantroy’s case serves as a warning for others relying on the Direct Express program. As lawsuits and complaints pile up, many are left wondering how long it will take for these systemic issues to be resolved.

The U.S. Sun reached out to both the Social Security Administration and Comerica for further comment on the situation.

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