Casework

Casework is a problem or concern an individual has with a federal government agency. The problem is not primarily related to legislation. Examples include problems receiving Social Security disability or difficulties with visa applications.

This section of my homepage will help you first determine if your problem is casework or not, then tell you how to proceed if it is.

Constituent Assistance Form (PDF - 8KB)

Follow these steps:

Determine that your question or problem is something my office can assist with.

Before you contact my office for assistance with a case, it is a good idea to determine if your problem is something my office has the authority and jurisdiction to help you with. The information and examples below can help you decide.

I can help you if your problem is with a federal agency. A federal agency, as the term implies, is an organization that is part of the federal government. These agencies are either:

  • part of the President's Cabinet (IRS, INS, etc.)
  • independent agencies

If you are having trouble solving a problem you are having with a federal agency on your own, I may be able to assist you in working with the agency. While I can't ask the agency to do anything which they are unable to do under law or regulations, I can make sure that all of your rights are respected and that errors in procedure are corrected.

Unfortunately, I can't help you if your problem is not with a federal agency. Because of the Constitutional separation of powers between the three branches of government, judicial matters (matters which involve the courts) do not fall under my jurisdiction as a U.S. Representative. Examples of judicials matters are:

  • child custody
  • divorce
  • criminal trials or imprisonment

Problems which involve California State agencies also are not under my jurisdiction as a United States Representative. Examples of such problems include:

  • child support
  • motor vehicle registration or loss of license;
  • welfare;
  • state taxes.

For these problems, you should contact the Lieutenant Governor's Office in Los Angeles for assistance at 1-213-897-7086.

Check this list of quick answers compiled by my staff to see if a solution to your problem is here. Also, you may try contacting the federal agency directly to see if they have the information you need or can look into your problem for you.

Prepare to open a case with my office and become aware of the steps you may have to follow with different agencies.

Once you have determined that your problem is one with which I can be of assistance, you should follow the steps listed below to gather necessary information and material before you contact my office. This will help my staff to assist you more efficiently.

STEP ONE: Complete a constituent assistance form

Because of the Right to Privacy Act, you will need to complete a Constituent Assistance Form (PDF - 8KB) giving permission for my staff to look into the matter on your behalf.

STEP TWO: Gather necessary paperwork

You must provide my staff with any paperwork you have regarding your case. This might include letters from the agency, medical forms, and other forms and documents relating to your problem.

The agencies listed below require additional information. My staff will need this before they can make inquiries on your behalf:

  • Internal Revenue Service Cases: the IRS uses its own Authorization Form which you must complete before they will respond to an inquiry from my office. You can either print this form here.
  • Office of Personnel Management Cases: the OPM uses your CSA or CSF number as well as your Social Security number and, for some cases your Date of Birth is helpful. To report the death of an annuitant and to apply for survivor benefits, you will need the death certificate.
  • Social Security Cases: you need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) before you contact my office. Once you have applied, my staff will need to have information on the office at which you filed your claim or appeal and where you are in the process.
  • Veterans Affairs Cases: for these cases your C# would be helpful along with your Social Security Number.
  • Workers' Comp Cases: your case number along with your Social Security Number will help us track your case.

Open a case with my El Segundo or Wilmington office so my staff can investigate the problem on your behalf.

My El Segundo and Wilmington staff will be happy to assist you with your casework.

Please mail or fax a constituent assistance form to:

Congresswoman Jane Harman
2321 Rosecrans Boulevard, Suite 3270
El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: (310) 643 3636
Fax: (310) 643 6445