Over 10 years ago, my husband was told to convert a FEMA loan into a small business loan by the Department of Treasury. Upon his death in April 2013, Social Security began taking out approximately $300 a month from my Social Security to pay back the existing loan.

For 10 years I have made every attempt to find out who really is holding it, how much the loan was for, and what’s left as the balance.

Every month I receive a statement from the Department of Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Service, with all the information regarding what they’re taking from me, but not one piece of information regarding the original loan.

For 10 years I have been attempting to find who is holding the loan, what I have paid into it, and the balance owed. And every person I’ve spoken with has given me different information. 

One person told me the interest was 4 percent daily, rather than what another told me—that it was 4 percent per annum.

I was told the initial loan was $53,000, with interest included. When asked about my balance, some said $46,000 was left; others said $42,000. Neither can be right, after paying approximately $3,600 per year for 10 years!

 I am 78 years old, paying it for 10 years and my husband was paying it six years before me.

It seems Social Security doesn’t have anything to do with garnisheeing. Then who approved them taking the monies from me?

My only real hope is that Social Security is taken over by Visa; at least then I would know my balance, interest and the original amount of the loan.

I’m hoping someone reading this letter will come to my aid. I’ve already written to representatives, state and local, to no avail. Maybe I’ll have a better chance of voicing my plea given the freedom of the press! 

Elinor D’Andrea
North Branch, NY