After 16 long years living on the streets of Washington, D.C., 80-year-old Wanda Witter has finally received the $100,000 Social Security payment she always knew was hers. Despite being labeled “crazy” for years, Wanda’s persistence has paid off, proving her claims were valid.
For nearly two decades, Wanda lived near a McDonald’s, surviving with just three suitcases that held her belongings and important documents. She tirelessly told anyone who would listen about her missing Social Security payments. However, most dismissed her story, calling her claims outlandish.
“They thought I was crazy and kept telling me to get rid of my suitcases,” Wanda told The Washington Post.
Breakthrough Moment
Everything changed when social worker Julie Turner believed in Wanda’s story. Turner introduced her to the Legal Counsel for the Elderly, where attorney Daniela de la Piedra took up Wanda’s case. After thorough investigation, the attorney confirmed Wanda was right all along.
Wanda’s ordeal began in the early 2000s. She lost her job as a machinist and moved to Colorado to live with her daughter. Hoping to start fresh, she took paralegal courses and graduated after three years.
However, when she moved to Washington, D.C., to look for work, her Social Security checks began arriving in incorrect amounts between 2006 and 2008. Refusing to accept the errors, Wanda returned the checks marked “void” and started a long battle to fix the issue.
A Life on the Streets
As her savings ran out, Wanda became homeless. She refused help from her family, confident that her case would eventually be resolved. But instead of solutions, she was sent to mental health counselors, and her claims were dismissed as delusional.
In May 2016, Turner took Wanda to Legal Counsel for the Elderly, where her claims were finally validated. By June, Wanda received a check for $999—the maximum Social Security could immediately issue. However, her fight wasn’t over.
A New Beginning
While waiting for her full payments, Wanda faced more struggles, including being attacked by another homeless person. Despite these challenges, her persistence paid off. Wanda’s back payments are now being processed, and she has moved into her own apartment, paying $500 monthly rent.
“She needed economic help, not mental help,” said Turner. “Many cases of homelessness in D.C. are wrongly attributed to mental illness when the real issue is economic.”
Wanda’s journey is a powerful reminder of the flaws in the system and the importance of perseverance. Now, with her own home and her financial troubles being addressed, Wanda’s story ends on a hopeful note.
Tips for Supplementing Social Security
Given the uncertainties surrounding Social Security’s future, it’s wise to plan ahead. Here are some practical tips:
1. Start Early with Savings
Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, recommends beginning retirement savings as soon as possible.
2. Maximize Your 401(k) Contributions
- A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan offered by many employers.
- Contributions are tax-deferred, and many employers match a percentage of your contributions, typically 2–4% of your salary.
- Taking full advantage of employer matches can significantly boost your retirement savings.
3. Explore IRAs
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are another excellent option to save for retirement. You can contribute even if you’re self-employed, and IRAs often offer tax advantages.
4. Diversify Investments
Consider diversifying your savings into mutual funds, bonds, or other low-risk options to grow your retirement fund steadily.
By taking these steps, you can create a more secure financial future, even if Social Security’s reliability becomes uncertain.
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