1776Reporting
For 16 harrowing years, Wanda Witter, an 80-year-old woman, lived on the unforgiving streets of Washington, D.C., clinging to a belief that many dismissed as madness. She insisted she was owed $100,000 in unpaid Social Security benefits—a claim met with skepticism and ridicule. Today, her persistence has paid off, proving she was right all along.
Witter’s story is one of resilience and a refusal to be silenced. For nearly two decades, she made her home near a McDonald’s, carrying three suitcases filled with personal belongings and crucial documents. Though she tirelessly told her story to anyone who would listen, most dismissed her as delusional.
“They kept thinking I was crazy, telling me to get rid of the suitcases,” Witter told The Washington Post.
The Breakthrough Moment
Witter’s fortunes changed when social worker Julie Turner decided to believe her. Turner reached out to Legal Counsel for the Elderly, where attorney Daniela de la Piedra took on Witter’s case. Upon reviewing the evidence, de la Piedra confirmed what Witter had always known: the Social Security Administration (SSA) had made a mistake.
A Long Road to Justice
Witter’s path to homelessness began after she lost her job as a machinist in Corning and moved to Colorado to live with her daughter. Hoping to rebuild her life, she completed a paralegal program. But when she moved to Washington, D.C., to find work, things unraveled.
Between 2006 and 2008, Witter received Social Security checks with inconsistent and incorrect amounts. Determined to have the errors corrected, she returned the checks marked “void.” As her funds dried up, she became homeless, refusing family assistance because she believed justice was within reach.
Instead of resolving her claim, authorities dismissed her as mentally ill, referring her to counselors who did nothing to address the financial errors.
A Life-Changing Victory
In May 2016, Turner took Witter to Legal Counsel for the Elderly, where her lawyer validated her claims. The first breakthrough came in June, when Witter received a $999 check, the maximum amount SSA could issue immediately.
Yet, her struggles didn’t end there. While awaiting the remainder of her payments, Witter faced further challenges, including being attacked by a homeless man. Today, she finally has her full payments and has moved into her own apartment, paying $500 per month.
“She needed economic help, not mental help,” Turner explained. “That’s part of the problem with homelessness in D.C. So many cases are written off as being about mental illness. A lot of times, homelessness really is simply about economics.”
A Lesson in Persistence
Witter’s story highlights the devastating impact of systemic failures but also showcases the power of unwavering determination. Her journey underscores how a belief in justice, combined with the right support, can turn even the bleakest situation around.
How to Supplement Your Social Security
With Social Security’s future uncertain, planning ahead is critical. According to Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, early savings and investments can secure a more stable retirement.
- 401(k) Plans: These employer-sponsored accounts allow tax-deferred contributions, and many employers match between 2% and 4% of your salary. Maximize these contributions to grow your retirement savings efficiently.
Witter’s triumph serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. While her battle is over, her story remains a call to action for those navigating the challenges of financial systems and planning for a secure future.
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