Oh my gosh our government is so messed up. It is unbelievable what is going on now. Sarge's February money was deposited in the bank the first of this month. Then they said he died so he doesn't get this money and they took it back electronically. All this is fine, no problem.
But what has happened since is not okay. I got a letter stating that I would be getting a "month of debt benefit" in the amount of $3354.00. I didn't think anything more about it but then a government check came in the mail in this amount (not an automatic deposit).
I sat on it for a few days because I just wasn't sure what it was about but yesterday morning I went to the bank and deposited it. Fine. Then when the afternoon mail came there was another letter, this time from "debt collection" demanding I immediately return the $3354.00 and to call them immediately with my repayment plan (?).
I mean if I am not supposed to have it I'd just either write them a check or tell them to debit my account, no problem. I called them and of course had to hold for an extremely long time, finally a young woman helps me (she barely speaks English) and we both wait over 10 minutes for my file to load on her computer so she can answer my questions.
Twice I tried to speak (mainly to see if she was still on the line) and both times she told me not to talk until her computer was done loading. Finally she says disregard the letter that I do not owe the money back. I asked her why I got it in the first place and she said it is the month of death benefit (January). I said no, not the money, I understood that, why did I get this letter? She doesn't know but throw it away. Um, no, I don't think so scooter.
I wish I had kept the first one now but didn't. I'm not throwing away anything they send until I know this is all resolved. And I'm not spending the money either because I think at any moment they might change their minds and want it back again.
Anyway the whole point of this long ramble is how do you get in debt collections for an amount that is only a few HOURS old? Buggers to them.
Today I am subbing in a canasta game. It'll kill a Saturday afternoon I suppose but I don't want another regular game now. Three days is plenty.
Yesterday I had errands to do and when I was finished I called the duck to see if he wanted to have lunch and he did so I picked him up and we went to Nick's, a local diner. We are eating (salads) and in comes Dr. Wacks. He immediately looked at what both of us were eating and was happy. Then the rest of his sweet family arrived and he went and sat with them but it was nice having him for a few minutes.
What did I see the twins do this time? Dump the carafe of peanuts into a cup and put it in their purse, actually one of them did this but I say "they" anyway. There is always a (wine carafe looking) container of peanuts, another one of goldfish, and a big bowl of popcorn, along with coffee, tea, iced tea, raspberry tea, and water.
Now this might sound really nice (and it is) but previous to this pair we also had chocolates, walnuts, wrapped jellied candies, cake, fresh fruit, all sorts of things in there. Of course the dues paid for this but now we only have the salty stuff and once in awhile cookies (fresh baked by chef) or brownies. I don't care because I take celery with me to munch. But another good thing marred by that pair.
So that's about it from paradise today. Hope your day is tits. Mine too...
26 notes:
Bureaucracy at it's finest! Stuff like this is so maddening. You and Sarge were prepared and everything arranged. You are an intelligent woman who finds herself banging her head against a wall of stupidity and it makes me angry!
No one should have to go through this kind of nonsense for any reasons, but especially this.
I feel sorry for the folks who may not be equipped to handle this, and there are a lot of them.
I really hope this gets straightened out sooner than later!
Don't you just hate it when someone ruins a good thing for everyone? I guess the management doesn't dare approach the little tightwads.
Congrats on eating salad! I would pro ably have something greasy in my hand !!
Sending love and blessings your way ♥
What a mess social security is. I've my own stories to tell about my daughter's disability benefits that turned into a nightmare for us. She truly is profoundly mentally impaired (her IQ is nearly immeasurable at 25), but the fight to keep benefits after they've been reviewed and reviewed and approved has been a pain.
You're wise not to spend the money...yet.
Buongiorno!
I wish you a Saturday without bureaucrathy!
Glad that you had a nice lunch with Duck!
The Twins' Saga is a...bestseller...thanks, we need a painting of human weakness, that remember me the famous sketches of Goya!!!!
Have a lovely canasta afternoon!
Big hugs, my friend!
Holy crap!
I LOL'd when I read that she told you not to speak! And I'm lovin' the 'I don't think so scooter' line. ahahahaha! May I borrow it?
I got a visual of using wine carafes for snacks and WOW! What a great idea! That way people can't reach in and touch all of them. They have to pick it up and shake out just theirs! I am so trying that next time I have people over! Of course, I won't be inviting the twins. :)
Big hugs xoxo
Welcome to the wpròd of beaucracy...even in the boot-shaped peninsula things are that weird...hugs from the WEST PORTICO, P
Wow, very odd bank stuff going on. You must be very careful of scams! There are so many and many that come after past/present military! I hope it all is settled and figured out! Hugs.
Was it the VA that messed up? I have heard horror stories of widows NOT getting their husband's VA benefits for months--then getting them and then having to return some. Madness!!!
SS people SUCK! Rude, mean, uncaring & may I add some are actually Stupid! I have spent so much time on the phone with them, think things are settled but then they're not! I think its the way they are trained & you're right, they hardly speak English (our gov has probably outsourced to another country). Sorry didn't mean to rant.
Have a wonderful Saturday.
Hugs
Lynn
I would be so tempted to say to the twins in my nicest southern drawl (loudly however. "Darlin I don't think you can take those home. If you really need peanuts I will bring you a jar next time."
My sister went through this same bureau-crap just over a year ago:( And the guvmint wants to run our health care system??? Oy...
I have been using carafes for peanuts and trail mix for ages. Hmm, blog fodder!
Enjoy your day. Big hugs, honey...
BUGGERS!
Love--R
Buggers is right, I am surprised there was even a real person to talk to. How many buttons did you have to push to get to a real person? I hope it all gets settled quickly. Sorry you are having to deal with this mess.
I hope you have a lovely canasta day.
Love and hugs.
Don't speak until the computer loads? Craziness! Government craziness all-around.
Oh well I was going to add something else, but it totally flew out of my brain. I need your fish oil pills...LOL!
And this is the same government that wants to mandate our health care. We are all in deep do.
Miss Bee better keep each letter until ... Heck you'd better just keep ALL letter from the government.
This is awful to put you through all of this now.
Abby is sending her daily furry hug.
Government sucks. People in government areas seem to be confused, not knowing where their a**hole is. Sorry for my English.
These twins are now getting in my hair and you know Bee that I'm bald. Who in the heck do these stupid women think they are? Someone in charge has to speak to these nutty two.
Salad, you are going to disappear to nothing. Great job my beautiful friend.
I came back from my cruise and I'm sick again. This is driving me crazy. One good thing is yesterday I called Nancy and planned my next years cruise. It is an 8 day Eastern Caribbean from Miami on the new Carnival Breeze. Ports of call are St. Thomas,Antigua, Tortola and Nassau. Maybe that will make me feel a little better.
Time to go my lovely friend. See you soon.
Paul
You should have asked the woman you spoke to to confirm in writing that you don't have to pay the money back. It seems like a case of the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. It's the same here. :(
I'm sorry this has happened to you Miss Bee. What a shame that the government needs to add to the stress you already have. They just don't factor those kinds of things into their daily duties. Shame on them.
I love the twin. Well not love them, but love hearing about them. Sad sacks both of them.
Have a terrific day. Big hugs honey. :)
Love, love, love the title of your post today....
It is perfect for all that is going on in your life.
On The Square Dog front.... I am setting up the blog for them only and staring another one for me.
They wouldn't post every day but it will be their very own blog. They have been campaigning for it, for quite awhile. After all the blog is named after them.... wahahahah
cheers, parsnip
Yes! Keep all of the paperwork! When I was discharged from the AF back in '81, they sent me an additional paycheck. I tried to give it back to them, and sent many letters to various offices. Finally, in May (5 months after the last paycheck), they sent me a letter requesting the money back. So be prepared!
I'd still crap on the twins cards.
Luf, Maw
I seem to remember my mom going through all the same "bureaucrap" when my Dad died too. They must make a regular habit of it and messing with people's heads when they're at their most vulnerable. Shame on the US Government for that and also for hiring people you can barely understand when you're trying hard to understand something or get it straightened out.
I hate to say it but the last time I had to call and talk to someone about something and I got a person I could barely understand I stopped her and said, "I apologize but I can't understand a word you're saying, is there somewhere there that I can talk to who speaks clear English?" I think she was a bit miffed but she put someone else on the phone.
Someone should put a little surprise in the twins' snacks that they steal ... what color are ExLax pills these days??
Bee, sorry but I had to laugh at what you are going thru with Soc. Sec. I think the Government has a plan to mess with all widows heads. The explanation I got was I needed to give back the check, and then they would issue a new check in my name. Did they include the burial payment of $255? Heck, that won't even pay for flowers as you and I already know. Then I had to re-do my bank accounts so the 1st months widows check would go into the account without any problems. I see Paul is going on the Breeze in 2013 and my daughter wants to go on that ship on the opposite itinerary, to Aruba etc. Probably in June 2013.
Also my girlfriend and I are planning on a cruise, we are checking out different ships, and even different cruiselines. I didn't think I would ever cruise again, because of having to pay for the entire cruise myself. when I go with my daughter and family we want to get adjourning rooms, and will put my younger grandson in my room with me. I am glad you will continue cruising with Chuck. And then your family cruises each year too will be great for you. When I went with my daughter in January it was a little strange not having Mike going with me, but on the ship I was fine, and you will be too! I got your thank you note, not necessary but glad the picture collage of Charlie brings you comfort. Take care, stay well, and know that I know what you are going thru, so we can be each others support group. The 29th of Feb. will be 7 months since Mike passed away, and 1 month since Charlie went to Heaven too. They are probably reminiscing about all the cruising they have each done. How many have you been on, Mike and I (19), and I am at 20 cruises now with Carnival and 1 with RCCL. Hugs, Linda
Oh my gosh, I think my head almost exploded. gah. This would have me in tears. I hate stupid things like this "debt benefit" and then "debt collection" ... that is just frightening.
I did write a paper letter to my senator in Virginia, Frank Wolf. I have met him many times and I know he will write me back soon about getting Sargie's name on that memorial. And then you can come and see it, and I will go with you.
You are always in my thoughts.
I hope you had a lovely day. It was windy and cold just like Siberia here today.
love bonks and smooches
XOXO
You are so right... Government has messed up everything. It's enough to make you pull your hair out. Hope everything gets resolved soon. I'd be saving every scrap of paper from now on. Hope the rest of your day was good! ((hugs))
Debt collection? Are you kidding me??!
The twins. Is there a video camera documenting the stealing?
"I don't think so scooter" cracked me up.
Social Security....Ralph could write a book.
Sorry you have to go through all that bureaucratic crap.
Glad you got to see Dr. Wacks Friday.
Nothing changes, my mom went through very similar stuff thirty years ago. She had a big file by the time the dust settled.
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