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Ask Anthony update | Fernandina Beach widow won't have to pay money back to government

Lauren Holden turned to Anthony Austin for help after the Social Security Administration said she was mistakenly paid thousands of dollars in widow benefits.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — A Fernandina Beach widow is sharing her gratitude for the Ask Anthony team after her issue was resolved with the Social Security Administration. 

"I've lost my husband and my daughter in a matter of few years.  This was my life savings. Now, they're going to take it back," Lauren Holden said. 

In November, Lauren Holden came to see Anthony Austin while he was in Fernandina Beach. Holden showed him a letter from the Social Security Administration that stated she was overpaid nearly $6,500 in widow benefits after the death of her husband.  

The government wanted the money back. 

"I'm all alone and they tell me I can't work. But, they're going to take my money away," Holden added. 

Anthony Austin emailed the Social Security Administration on Holden's behalf.  He was told sometimes overpayments do happen due to the number of people the agency services, but most often, when a beneficiary does not timely report work or other changes that can affect their benefits.  

The Ask Anthony team received a response from the Social Security Administration that it couldn't discuss the details of Holden's case, but a representative would contact her about the issue. In November, Holden received a phone call and was optimistic a deal would be worked out in her favor. 

This week, she received notice from the Social Security Administration that her overpayment fees were waived, and she won't owe any money. 

    

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