Story perspectives

Social Security Administration Faces Criticism Over Errors

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Social Security Administration declared 94-year-old Helen Cvik dead multiple times since 2017, including December 2025, creating a $5,000 bill.
Attempts to resolve the error, including a visit to the SSA office, yielded no explanation.
Separately, 59-year-old Ramona Rakestraw had benefits paused for immigration-status questions.
After media coverage, the Social Security Administration apologized to Ramona Rakestraw.
Together, the cases highlight ongoing issues within the Social Security Administration in North Texas.

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Story summary

The Social Security Administration declared 94-year-old Helen Cvik dead multiple times since 2017, including December 2025, creating a $5,000 bill.
Attempts to resolve the error, including a visit to the SSA office, yielded no explanation.
Separately, 59-year-old Ramona Rakestraw had benefits paused for immigration-status questions.
After media coverage, the Social Security Administration apologized to Ramona Rakestraw.
Together, the cases highlight ongoing issues within the Social Security Administration in North Texas.