‘I was panicking’: Michigan couple says missing Direct Express deposit left them unable to pay rent

A Michigan couple, Roy Lee Jones and Heather Swearingen, faced financial difficulties when Jones' February social security deposit failed to appear on his Direct Express card, a recurring issue for them. Despite verifying Jones' identity and being assured that funds and a new card would be sent, the money was still missing by February 10, leaving them unable to pay rent or travel to medical appointments. Direct Express, now operated by Fifth Third Bank, has been under scrutiny for such issues, with multiple complaints reported, highlighting broader systemic problems affecting many users.