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Federal Agency Assistance

Senator Dorgan often hears from North Dakotans who have questions about making requests to government agencies. If you are having problems with a federal agency or have questions about federal procedures, be sure to contact one of Senator Dorgan’s North Dakota offices, or review the frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my passport application is pending?

There is currently a delay with the processing of passport applications due to an increasing backlog of applications at Passport Services.

The State Department has issued an alternative for people who have not received their passports and are planning to travel to Canada, Mexico and countries in the Caribbean. Up until January 31, 2008, these travelers can instead provide official proof of application and other identification, after which travelers must provide a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Passports will be required beginning in Summer 2008 (exact date TBD).

To check the status of your passport online, visit the Department of State. You will be given a passport locator number, which you can use to check your application’s status online.

If you have a pending passport application and are traveling within the next three weeks, Senator Dorgan’s office might be able to help you obtain your passport. The following information will be needed: your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, your date of departure and, if available, your passport locator number.

How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

You can begin receiving partial retirement benefits as early as age 62. To receive full benefits, you must be between the ages of 65 and 67, depending on the year you were born.

To apply for retirement benefits, you can begin the process on Social Security’s Web site. For additional information, you can contact your local Social Security office.

How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

You may want to consider applying for Social Security benefits if you are disabled from working at any job and under the age of 62.

To apply for benefits, locate the nearest Social Security office.

If you have other questions or concerns as you go through the application process, please contact Senator Dorgan’s office. His staff may be able to contact Social Security on your behalf.

When applying for disability benefits, you need to remember that to qualify for benefits you must thoroughly document that you are disabled from working at any job for at least one year. This requires letters and statements from doctors and from other specialists, such as professionals in vocational rehabilitation. Social Security can view a person who is able to work as few as 20 hours a week as someone who could be gainfully employed and thus is ineligible for benefits.

How do I get help with choosing a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan?

With the introduction of Medicare Part D, eligible persons have found the new process confusing with sometimes more than 50 plans to choose from. The North Dakota Insurance Department’s Senior Health Insurance Counseling program can help guide you through this process to determine which plan is best for you.

If you are having difficulties with the various insurance plans, contact Senator Dorgan’s office and his staff can contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on your behalf.

What should I do to obtain veteran’s benefits, request a copy of military records or receive military medals?

If you would like to file a claim for veteran’s benefits, request a copy of military records, or receive military medals, contact your local veterans service office to begin the paperwork.

If the response is unsatisfactory or if the request is not processed in a timely manner, please send a copy of your paperwork to Senator Dorgan’s office, and his staff can contact the VA Personnel Records Center or another appropriate agency to ensure that you receive a timely response.

How do I know if a foreign visitor wishing to travel to the U.S. needs to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?

A person from a foreign country wishing to travel to the U.S. for a limited period of time may not need a visa. There is currently a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Click here to view the list of VWP countries. The VWP also applies to U.S. citizens wishing to travel abroad.

Foreign travelers from other countries must apply for nonimmigrant visas to enter the U.S. Read more about nonimmigrant visas.

How do I find out if the government owes me money?

You might be owed money by a government agency. To determine if you qualify, visit the North Dakota State Land Department.

To find out if the IRS owes you money, learn about unclaimed IRS Tax refunds.

How do I get legal assistance with child custody and other legal issues?

If you need assistance with a legal matter including a divorce, child custody, landlord problem or lawsuit, contact the North Dakota State Bar Association to get help finding an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact Legal Services of North Dakota.

Senator Dorgan’s office is unable to assist with personal legal matters.

How do I stop telemarketers from calling me?

Register on the National Do Not Call list.