Working on matters that affect you is one of my primary responsibilities. My staff and I are committed to assisting you as you work with federal agencies in resolving your concerns and ensuring that your rights are respected. I hope the information that follows below is helpful as you work to resolve your problem. We look forward to working with you!
Casework
Federal, state or local - who can help?
I can help you navigate all federal departments, independent agencies, and government corporations, including the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and Veterans Affairs.
From answering a simple question or providing contact information to assisting with an application or directly intervening on your behalf, my staff and I are here to serve you. Often, you can receive an answer or resolve your problems by contacting a federal agency or by visiting its Web site. Below are some of the agencies that constituents deal with the most. Click on the appropriate agency link for more information:
As a federal officeholder, I do not have the authority or jurisdiction to assist or intervene on your behalf in state, local or judicial matters. These issues include:
- Motor vehicle registration
- Lost driver's license
- Child support
- Housing issues
- Welfare (Rite Care)
- Rhode Island State taxes
Please contact your state or local elected official (i.e. state senator or state representative), or your city/town official for additional guidance on these matters.
Please note that under rules established by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, my office and I are unable to provide legal and/or tax advice. Assistance in locating this type of advice is available upon request.
How Do I Open a Case?
If your calls to an agency or online searches are unsuccessful, please call my office at 401-732-9400. You will be directed to the appropriate constituent caseworker, who will open a file for you.
To open a case, follow these steps:
- Complete a privacy waiver form (PDF 55KB) and describe your problem. Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, I will need your written permission before I can contact any agency on your behalf. This waiver also marks your personal records as confidential, meaning any information stated in the form cannot be released without your authorization. My office cannot start an investigation into your case without this form.
- Gather all necessary supporting documents and make copies for your assigned caseworker. These documents should support your case and may include letters from the agency, applicable case numbers, and other forms and correspondence relating to your problem.
- Send all documents to my district office by fax at (401) 737-2982, or drop it off or mail it to:
Congressman Jim Langevin
300 Centerville Rd., Suite 200 South
Warwick, RI 02886
How Will My Case be Handled?
Once a file is opened, the caseworker will become your point of contact as well as your federal agency liaison. After receiving your written permission and all supporting documentation, we will contact the federal agency on your behalf. A response should be received from the agency within 30-45 business days. This is a standard guideline and may vary depending on the complexity or urgency of individual cases. When an agency's response is received, my staff and I will notify you via phone, letter, or email. If your case did not result in a favorable outcome, information will be included about how to file an appeal or how to continue to pursue the issue.
Federal agencies have the final say regarding the outcome of individual cases, and I cannot make special requests that go beyond an agency's policies, rules and regulations. I can promise, however, that your case will receive fair and timely consideration.
Federal Agencies and Frequently Asked Questions:
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Defense / Military
My office receives frequent requests from members or former members of the armed forces regarding topics such as Tricare benefits, military pay and benefits, and military records and requests for medals. The Department of Defense maintains an extensive search engine on its Web site that can help answer many of your defense/military questions:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on Department of Defense issues are listed below and may help answer your questions:
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Department of Labor
Many constituents contact my office regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act, COBRA coverage, minimum wage and labor standards, effects of NAFTA or trade on their jobs, or questions about their pensions. The Department of Labor's Web site is organized both by topic and by audience, which makes it easier to find the information you need:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on Department of Labor issues are listed below and may help answer your questions:
Identity Theft Resource Center
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Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Most requests from constituents regarding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concern letters they received showing adjustments made to tax returns, or penalty and interest charges stemming from an incomplete return or returns not filed. My office also receives frequent requests for tax forms, publications, and general information on such topics concerning exemptions and credits. The IRS Web site contains information specific to individuals, businesses, and charities and non-profits, among others. It also contains a frequently asked question section that may answer many of your questions:
I have also listed the frequently asked questions my office receives below:
Social Security Administration (SSA)
My office receives many requests for information on how to apply for Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration's Web site has an extensive search engine and a helpful "How to" section that help answer these common questions:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on Social Security are listed below and may help answer your questions.
State Department
My office receives questions from travelers going outside of the country trying to obtain a passport or learn more information about the country they are visiting. My office also receives inquiries into how to obtain a visa for a family member. The Department of State's Web site can help answer many of these questions:
If you are traveling abroa d, and wish to obtain travel warnings for trouble spots in the world, suggested immunizations for countries you are visiting, or services for American citizens who are abroad, please visit this Web site:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on Department of State issues are listed below and may help answer your questions:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Becoming a naturalized citizen or obtaining permanent residency in the United States generates many requests for help. My office also frequently receives requests for information on how prospective visitors to the United States can obtain visas to seek admission to enter the country to vacation, visit family and friends, go to school, or to work. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a very easy to use and extensive Web site that can help answer your questions concerning these issues:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on USCIS issues are listed below and may help answer your questions:
Veterans Affairs (VA)
My office receives frequent requests from veterans in my district concerning questions involving health care, pensions, education, discharge upgrades and benefit claims and appeals. The Department of Veterans Affairs has an extensive and easy to use Web site organized by these topics to help answer your questions quickly:
Some of the frequently asked questions I receive on Veterans Affairs are listed below and may help answer your questions:
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