Often, you can receive an answer, solve problems or obtain needed information and forms from a federal agency by contacting them directly or visiting their web site. However, when additional help is needed, I welcome the opportunity to try to assist you and to serve as a liaison between you and the federal agency.
What I Can Do
My office may be able to help if you are having problems with a federal agency such as social security, federal retirement, the military or VA, federal housing, immigration, passports, postal service and the IRS. I can help when you cannot get a response from a federal agency; when a federal agency has exceeded its own deadlines for action; and when you are not able to get a status report on your claim or appeal. Sometimes we are asked to “expedite” a case – pull it out of order and move it to the head of the line. Some federal agencies will absolutely not expedite cases; other agencies have strict guidelines for expediting a case. If you are asking for expedited handling of your case, be certain to explain the special circumstances that you believe qualify your case for expedited handling.
What I Cannot Do
There are also things we cannot do: we cannot file an appeal for you; we cannot compel a federal agency to render a favorable decision in your case; we cannot represent you legally; we cannot contact a court on your behalf; we cannot intervene in matters that are the responsibility of state or local government. If you are looking for assistance that we cannot provide – such as help with child support, property tax relief, assistance with a court case-–we will try to direct you to the appropriate source of information and assistance.
How to Get Started
- Please download and complete a Privacy Release Form (PDF). Your written permission must be given before I can contact a federal agency on your behalf. Attach a simple, written statement that gives additional details of your problem if more space is needed. The Privacy Release must be completed and signed by the individual who is the subject of the inquiry unless the subject is a minor child or an incapacitated adult (documentation required.)
- Make copies of necessary documents that support your case and any correspondence from the federal agency. Do not send your original documents or your only copies of documents to my office.
Next Steps
Once I have received your Privacy Release and supporting documents, one of my staff assistants will examine your case. If there are questions, my office may contact you. Next, my office will contact the federal agency on your behalf. The agency’s response may be verbal or written, depending on the complexity of issues involved. Once the agency has responded, one of my staff members will notify you by telephone, email or mail.
If you have additional questions concerning the casework process, please feel free to contact one of my district offices.
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