94-year-old retired LAUSD teacher, Gloria Wilson, was wrongly declared dead, resulting in the loss of her pension payments. For decades, Wilson dedicated her life to teaching students in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Now 94 years old and living in Texas, she depends on her CalSTRS pension, until it suddenly stopped coming. Wilson was shocked and upset when she received a letter stating her benefits were terminated due to her being dead. Her daughter, Melva Williams, had to prove her mother was still alive by sending a letter signed by Wilson and her primary care physician. The family says they sent it in twice, but it wasn't until a phone call just days ago that they were given an explanation. It turns out that the issue was caused by a computer glitch affecting retirees who had moved out of state. California State Teachers Retirement System spokesperson Thomas Lawrence stated that the situation is not related to an error or system problem, and that they are working to reissue the payments. The family is still waiting for the missing payments and hopes sharing their story will help other retirees check their accounts - especially those who have moved out of California. Wilson says that in her 40 years of teaching - and decades of retirement - this has never happened before. There is some good news. Late Friday, CalSTRS sent ABC7 an email saying it resolved the situation with Gloria and the payments will resume early next week. Her daughter says she will see if that happens and will let us know.
