I started collecting my pension this month.

[piddyprints]

Well, sort of. I saw it go into my account as "pending" on Friday. Figured it was fine. I had all my ducks in a row and verified more than once before the first of the month arrived. Thought everything was ok, since I was told that the first one wouldn't actually go in until the 4th.

I was busy on Monday. But on Tuesday, I had a few minutes to spare and decided to balance my checking account. That's when I noticed. Yeah, it went from "pending" to "credit" on Monday and IMMEDIATELY another transaction, a "debit" for that amount. Basically, they took it back.

So I called to find out what happened. I'd been reported as deceased! Social Security knows I'm alive. Why didn't they check with them? I've been trying all week to get it straightened out. They agree that I am alive, but no one seems to know how to put the money back or when it will be there.

Is there a government agency I can call? It's my money, it's there, and they agree that I'm not dead. But how do I get it back?

TIA

[Luciferous]

1. I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you, but that

sounds awful. I hope you can get it straightened out soon.

[piddyprints]

5. It's pretty bad.

I mean, shocking enough to find out that I'm dead when I don't feel dead at all! But then to lose my hard-earned money just when I was on the cusp of finally seeing it is quite a blow.

[StClone]

2. You'll sort it all out. I have faith. It'll be a good story later though!

[piddyprints]

8. LOL Thanks for the confidence!

I told them they need to include a coupon for a massage after what they've put me through.

[onecaliberal]

3. Try your Congress person for help.

[piddyprints]

7. I'm in TN.

Need I say more? But thanks for the suggestion! I'll do it when I run out of other options.

[onecaliberal]

17. Mine is Devin Nunes, so I feel your pain.

[ARPad95]

4. Who/What reported you deceased to your pension provider? Is the company you retired from still in

business? When I did the annual pension census for the company I used to work for, I'd have to get records from Human Resources for the employees who terminated, retired or died during the year. This census is required. Check with your former company and/or with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

https://www.pbgc.gov/

[piddyprints]

6. They won't tell me.

Yes, they are in business, and the money is there.

They knew I was alive 2 weeks ago when I called to make sure we are all on track.

[ARPad95]

9. I added link to the PBGC, government agency that oversees pensions. Here it is again.

https://www.pbgc.gov/

[piddyprints]

10. Thanks! n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

11. Who's providing your pension? Like I have one from IBM, but it's administered by Fidelity.

[piddyprints]

12. Bingo!

That's the one!

[Johnny2X2X]

13. Fidelity is my 401k admin too

They do respond, look up their corporate charter and find someone to pester who's a high level exec. If that doesn't work, find their Twitter handle and start pasting it with your complaint. Someone will pay attention.

[piddyprints]

16. Thanks.

I don’t do Twitter. But I will surely find someone high up. I called one agency and they said they’ll help if I haven’t heard anything by tomorrow.

[sinkingfeeling]

14. My contact number for Fidelity NetBenefits is 866-937-0720.

[piddyprints]

15. I almost have it memorized.

Once I finally got the robot to actually understand that I wanted to talk about my pension, not make a payment, someone else came on, put me on repeated holds, and then transferred me to "Survivor Services Unit." That lady was nice and gave me a direct number, which I called today. Couldn't get her, so got someone else and he transferred me right back to the original pension, wherever that is, where they don't have a clue what's going on.

BTW, if you don't have an alternate phone number they can call in case they decide you've died, provide one ASAP. They won't call your number.

[OAITW r.2.0]

18. It's getting more difficult trying to see a human at the IRS.

Best thing is to set up an appointment. You are on top of things (as I am), so keep track and it should get corrected soon.

[piddyprints]

19. This has nothing to do with the IRS.

It’s the stupid pension company, Fidelity. I have a number for the Employee Benefits Security Administration that I’ll call tomorrow if Fideliṭy can’t give me any answers. So frustrating.

[OAITW r.2.0]

20. Sorry...I have a small wad of cash in a corporate administrated fund....thinking of moving it

to my direct control.

[piddyprints]

21. I didn't have a choice.

It’s actually a pension and they don’t allow me to take a lump sum. And now they’re not giving it to me as agreed on, either, even though they realize that I’m still alive.

[OAITW r.2.0]

22. Sucks....hire a lawyer?

But that will cost....

[piddyprints]

23. Call the corporate office.

Then the federal agency that promised to help. They know it’s my money. They just can’t get their act together to undo that really stupid mistake. No doubt the person who made it is still drawing her pay on time.

[OAITW r.2.0]

24. his/her is drawing his/her pay....and they probably don't give a fuck that you don't match

their paperwork.

[piddyprints]

25. Well, that person

Is not involved with actually fixing the problem. But it sure doesn’t look like anyone else is particularly concerned about me getting my money.