94-Year-Old Retired Teacher’s Pension Cut Off After Being Mistakenly Declared Dead

For decades, Gloria Wilson taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Now 94, she relies on her CalSTRS pension to pay for basic needs. But one month, her pension payment suddenly stopped with no warning.

Wilson, who lives in Texas, was confused and scared. Her daughter, Melva Williams, later learned why: CalSTRS had mistakenly declared Wilson dead and terminated her benefits.

Williams called the pension office and was told they had to prove Wilson was still alive. They submitted letters signed by Wilson and her doctor—twice—but delays continued due to printing issues.

Eventually, Williams was told the problem might be widespread. After a new computer system launched in October, retirees who moved out of state, especially those without California phone numbers, were reportedly affected.

Retired teacher, 94, loses pension checks from California after wrongly declared dead. Now she’s stressed while the bills keep coming