84-year-old receives money after government vowed to withhold social security check

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – After two months of waiting, Mamie Walker finally received her social security check that the government withheld. 

Walker depends on her social security check of $1,498, but she received nothing in February or March.

She received a letter that her money was being withheld. The government claimed she owed more than $200,000 in student loans.

Walker says she’s never been to college and neither has anyone in her family. 

Walker said she was told she wouldn’t get another check until Sept. 2031.

Walker and her family turned to News 8 sister station, WFLA, for help. The story caught the attention of Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor. She vowed to help, and her team was able to secure an emergency check so Walker will have money until this mess is figured out.

What exactly happened is still under investigation.

In addition to one social security check, the community also chipped in, donating nearly $3,200 to a GoFund Me account in Walker’s name. 

She says she feels blessed.

“If I could do some things to help them and show my appreciation, I say I’d clean houses, babysit, wash dishes, anything to show my appreciation,” Walker said.