Casework Assistance

As a Member of Congress, it is my privilege to serve my constituents and to work with Federal Agencies on their behalf. My district offices will be able to assist you with issues relating to the federal government. However, before contacting my office, please consider the following questions:

  

1) Are you a resident of the 13^th Congressional District of Michigan?
Congressional courtesy and the rules of the House of Representatives state that I may only serve constituents living in the district I represent. If you are not sure that I am your representative, or if you would like to find out who your Member of Congress is, you can also review the list of zip codes that are included in the 13^th Congressional District or visit the Find Your Representative page.

  

2) Does your case involve a federal agency?
As your representative in Congress, I am able to make inquiries of federal agencies on your behalf. If your case involves the State of Michigan or local governments, please contact your state and local elected officials for assistance. 

  

Some of the agencies we work with include the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and Veterans’ Affairs.

  

If your difficulty involves a judicial matter, such as child custody, divorce, civil lawsuits, criminal trials, or imprisonment, I will not be able to assist you.  Because of the Constitutional separation of powers between the three branches of government, judicial matters (matters involving the courts) do not fall under my jurisdiction as a U.S. Congresswoman.  Therefore, I am not permitted to intervene in judicial matters. 

  

If your problem involves a state agency, you will need to contact the appropriate state agency. A Michigan state government agency is operated by the State of Michigan.  State agencies are responsible for matters such as property taxes, driver's licenses, welfare, child support, Medicaid, hunting licenses, etc.  These matters fall outside of my jurisdiction as your federal representative.  For questions and problems relating to state agencies, you should contact your State Legislator.  If your problem involves a local jurisdiction matter, you should contact your County Board representative.

  

I do not have any jurisdiction or authority in matters involving a private corporation, business, or organization.

  

3) Have you used our online constituent services section?
Our online constituent services section has the answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security, Medicare, Immigration and Visas, Passport Assistance, and other topics.

  

4) Have you completed a Privacy Release Form?
Prior to contacting federal agencies, my office must receive a Privacy Release form in order to make inquiries on your behalf. Please click here to download the form.

  

If your answers to all of the questions above are “YES”, then please contact my district offices for further assistance.

Federal Questions

  

You can always contact my district office for assistance with a federal agency; however, you may be able to resolve concerns on your own with the answers to several of the most frequently asked questions on the following topics:

• Consumer Complaints
• Housing
• Identity Theft
• Immigration
• Internal Revenue Service
• Postal Issues
• Social Security and Medicare
• Veterans’ Affairs

Consumer Complaints

  

What should I know before I file a complaint?

  

• Try explaining your problem to the store salesperson that served you or to the manager or owner of the business.
• Decide what action the business should take to resolve your complaint. You should know what you are asking the business to do before you approach it, otherwise your attempt to seek redress will be frustrating for you and the business’s representative.
• If the business’s representative agrees to resolve the complaint, put the terms of the resolution in writing and send it back to the business via "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested." This gives you a legal record that the business received a copy of the terms.
• If the business’s representative does not agree to resolve the complaint, immediately put the details of your complaint in writing and send it to the president or owner of the business via "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested." The letter should include the date of the transaction, the problem, and how you would like the problem resolved. Keep copies for your own records.
• Find out if the business in question is a member of a business or industry association that governs proper business practices. In many cases, these associations may intervene on your behalf to resolve your complaint.

  

If you do not receive satisfaction on your own, you can seek the assistance of a governmental agency by filing a consumer complaint.

  

How do I file a consumer complaint?

  

Federal

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Protection section can provide some assistance. While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer disputes, your complaint, comment, or inquiry may help the Commission identify a pattern of law violations requiring law enforcement action. It can also help the Commission recognize and tell people about larger trends affecting consumers.

  

In the Consumer Protection section of the FTC’s Web site, you can find a variety of publications on subjects, including credit, health and fitness, working at home, investments, telemarketing, and other products and services. You will also find business information such as guides to complying with the Mail Order Rule, Telemarketing Sales Rule, Used Car Rule, and other rules and regulations enforced by the FTC.

  

There are three ways you can contact the FTC:

  

·         Telephone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)

  

·         Mail: at Federal Trade Commission, CRC-240, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20580

  

·         E-Mail: If you have a complaint about a particular company or organization, use the FTC’s secure complaint form.

  

State

The State's top consumer watchdog is the Attorney General. The AG conducts consumer investigations, research and analysis, develops consumer education programs and materials, and responds to individual complaints by working to settle disputes as well as enforcing state laws.

  

The Attorney General's Consumer Protection site allows you to file a complaint, research recent consumer complaints, review consumer laws, and obtain free copies of your credit report.

  

You can submit a complaint to the Attorney General:

  

·         Mail: Office of the Attorney General, Cadillac Place, 10th Floor, 3030 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 10-200, Detroit, MI 48202

·         Online: Use the form on the AG Web site. Choose "File a Consumer Complaint." This section will also provide you with a brief description of their consumer complaint process.

  

City

Residents of Detroit may file a consumer complaint with the Consumer Affairs Department. The Consumer Affairs Department (CAD) provides inspectors who make sure that the laws protecting consumers are upheld. The department offers consumer tips to residents and receives complaints from those who feel they have been victims of bad business practices or consumer fraud.

  

If you believe you have been a victim of a consumer fraud in Detroit, you have a number of options:

  

·         In person or by mail: Complete this form and send or deliver it to The City of Detroit, Consumer Affairs Department, 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 300, Detroit, MI 48226

·         Phone: (313) 224-6995

  

·         Fax: (313) 224-2796

  

Make sure you read the complaint form carefully. You may have to gather more information before you complete and file it. By filing a complaint, consumers often secure restitution through the mediation process, especially if the vendor in question falls within one of the business categories licensed by CAD. For more information, go to the CAD Web site.

 

  

Housing

Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions asked about housing issues. If you do not find an answer to your question here, please feel free to contact my District office. staff will be more than happy to assist you.

What is the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and what does it do? How can I find HUD-approved housing counseling agencies? Who can help me if I am having problems with my landlord? My income is very low and I cannot afford my apartment. What can I do? How do I apply for public housing? How affordable is public housing?

  

What is the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and what does it do?

  

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for national policies and programs that address America's housing needs, improve and develop the Nation's communities, and enforce fair housing laws. Although HUD administers many programs, its major functions may be grouped into six categories:

• Insuring mortgages for single-family and multi-family dwellings, and extending loans for home improvement and for purchasing mobile homes
• Channeling funds from investors into the mortgage industry through the Government National Mortgage Association
• Making direct loans for construction or rehabilitation of housing projects for the elderly and handicapped
• Providing Federal housing subsidies for low and moderate-income families
• Providing grants to States and communities for community development activities; and
• Promoting and enforcing fair housing and equal housing opportunities.

How can I find HUD-approved housing counseling agencies?

  

HUD has a toll-free housing counseling referral service that provides potential homebuyers, homeowners, and renters with the names and telephone numbers of their nearest HUD approved housing counseling agencies. Services provided by the agencies include first time homebuyer information, mortgage default and delinquency counseling, reverse mortgage (HECM) counseling, financial management, and property maintenance guidelines. You can contact the Toll-Free Housing Referral Service at 1-800-569-4287 or 1-800-358-6216 (TDD). You can also locate HUD-approved agencies here.

  

Who can help me if I am having problems with my landlord?

  

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues. The MSHDA can also help with complains about landlord harassment. For more information, read about Rental Assistance (oversight and regulation of the State's public and publicly assisted rental housing).

  

Detroit residents can also contact the Detroit Housing Commission. The Detroit Housing Commission is committed to the creation of more affordable housing opportunities, growth and economic freedom, revitalizing of city neighborhoods, as well as partnerships with foundation and public entities for the benefit of city residents.

My income is very low, and I cannot afford my apartment. What can I do?

  

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) provides many options to low and moderate income residents for affordable housing. They include:

  

• Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program - A federal program which provides rent subsidies for very low income people who find their own housing in private homes and apartment buildings.
• Multifamily Section 8 - Residents in these developments must be low income persons and families who meet Income Limits set by HUD and the Tenant Selection Criteria.
• Section 236 - Residents in these developments must be low income persons and families who meet Income Limits set by HUD and the Tenant Selection Criteria. Rents at a 236 development tend to be lower than other rental housing units because the mortgage interest rate is subsidized by HUD.
• Moderate (MOD) - Residents in these developments must be low income persons and families who meet Income Limits set by HUD and the Tenant Selection Criteria. No rent subsidy is offered on any of these units. Rent on these units may be lower than other rental housing units because MSHDA mortgage loans carry a lower interest rate than standard mortgage loans.

  

For more information on these and other programs, please visit the MSHDA rental assistance website.

  

How do I apply for public housing?

  

In order to be considered for a dwelling in Michigan, you must submit a completed application to MSHDA. Applications for public housing may be found online at the MSHDA site.

  

Some factors to consider:

  

• Income Limits - In order to be eligible to live in many of the units, tenants must have a family income that falls below specified limits established by the federal government and State of Michigan. Your income will be computed by the management agent for the development at the on-site address, according to rules and regulations set by the state and/or federal governments.
• Tenant Selection Criteria - Eligibility criteria are developed by the owner of the development and the management agent. These criteria, approved by MSHDA, are used for deciding which persons and families are eligible to live in the development. Factors for determining tenant selection may include credit history, prior criminal convictions, and prior rental experience. A development financed by MSHDA may not discriminate in selecting tenants based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, height, weight, or handicap. A development financed by MSHDA may discriminate based on age only at developments reserved for the elderly.

  

How affordable is public housing?

  

Generally, rent is calculated based on several factors, including income and number of dependents.

  

  

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years—and their hard-earned money—cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities; be refused loans, education, housing or cars; or even get arrested for crimes they did not commit.

What should I do if I think my identity has been stolen? How can I protect my mail against identity theft? What other actions can I take to protect myself against identity theft?

What should I do if I think my identity has been stolen?

• Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.
  
  Equifax
  To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
  P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
  
  For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-525-6285 and write:
  P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
  Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.
  
  Experian
  To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
  P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013
  
  For Fraud Alerts, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:
  P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013
  TDD: 1-800-972-0322
  
  Trans Union
  To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write:
  P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
  
  For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
  Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
  TDD: 1-877-553-7803

• Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the FTC’s ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.
• File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
• File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps the FTC learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that they can better assist the public.

How can I protect my mail against identity theft?

• Retrieve mail as soon after delivery as possible, or have a friend do it.
• Deposit outgoing mail in post office mailboxes or at a local post office. Do not leave it in unsecured mail receptacles.
• When expecting something of value, call the sender if you do not receive it when expected. If it appears to have been stolen, call Postal Inspectors.
• If someone may be using your name to receive mail at another address, call Postal Inspectors, who can shut off mail to that address.
• Review account statements carefully for unauthorized withdrawals.
• Inquire at financial institutions as to their policy on changes of address submitted by phone or mail. Make sure they will call customers before making a change, or honoring any large withdrawal, not received in person.

What other actions can I take to protect myself from identity theft?

• Never give personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, credit card number, or bank PIN code, over the telephone unless initiating the call. Protect this information and release it only when necessary.
• Shred unwanted pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills, and other financial information before discarding them in the trash or recycling bin.
• Empty wallets of extra credit cards and IDs, or better yet, cancel those that you do not use and keep a list of those that are used.
• Order credit reports from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity or other discrepancies.
• Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, trash receptacles, or unattended gasoline pumps. Keep track of paperwork and destroy it when it's no longer needed.
• Memorize Social Security numbers and passwords. Don't record them on cards or on anything in a wallet or purse.
• Sign new credit cards on receipt.
• Save credit card receipts and match them against monthly bills.
• Be conscious of normal receipt of routine financial statements. Contact senders if they are not received in the mail.
• Notify credit card companies and financial institutions of address or phone changes.
• Never loan credit cards to anyone.
• Never write credit card or financial account numbers on the outside of an envelope.
• If you have applied for a new credit card and it has not arrived, call the company.
• Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
• Closely monitor expiration dates on credit cards and contact the issuer if replacement cards are not received prior to expiration.
• Beware of mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions offering instant prizes or awards designed solely to obtain personal information or credit cards.

  

  

If you have tried to work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and have had problems, we may be able to help you. Please view our Casework section for further information or you may always Contact Me.

  

Which federal agency is responsible for immigration? Most immigration issues are addressed by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. However, the Department of State is responsible for issuing visas to enter the country.

  

Where can I get answers to basic questions about immigration and the application process?

USCIS provides eligibility criteria, filing locations, and a review of the application process. See the FAQ section of the USCIS website.

  

Where is the closest USCIS office?

  

U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Citizenship and Immigration Services

(Green cards, visas, work authorization, etc.)

11411 East Jefferson

Detroit, MI 48214

(313) 926-4202

(800) 375-5283 (National Service Center)

www.uscis.gov

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

  

U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement

(Investigations)

477 Michigan Avenue, 18^th Floor

Detroit, MI  48226

(313) 226-0500

(313) 226-6282 Fax

www.ice.gov

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

  

How can I make an appointment with an immigration officer?

To speak with an immigration officer, you must have an InfoPass appointment. You may make an appointment online.

  

How can I find out where I am in the application process?

Case Status
If you have your application receipt number, you can check the status of your case online.

  

Processing Dates
If you would like to see a list of processing dates for applications and petitions, please click here.

National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
If your application is pending for longer than the processing time projected on your receipt, and you have not recently received any type of notice or update from the USCIS, you can call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for information. When you call, please have your A-number, any receipt number issued to you after the USCIS received your application, and the last notice you received about your case. NCSC Customer Service Representatives use information provided by each local office to answer questions about case status and processing times.

  

  

Internal Revenue Service

If you have tried to work with the Internal Revenue Service and have had problems, we might be able to help you.  Please view our Casework section for detailed information or you may always Contact Me.

While my office can help you in a number of ways, House Ethics Rules prohibit me from providing legal services in any matter or providing tax advice on your behalf.

  

Whom can I contact about ongoing issues with the IRS?
If you have an ongoing issue or dispute with the Internal Revenue Service that has not been resolved through the normal channels, or if you have suffered, or are about to suffer, a significant hardship as a result of the application of current tax laws, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an IRS program that provides an independent system to assure that tax problems, which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled. The program is headed by the National Taxpayer Advocate. Each state and service center has at least one local Taxpayer Advocate, who is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

Residents of the 13th Congressional District may contact the Taxpayer Advocate at:

Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue
Room 1745, Stop 7
Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 628-3670

  

I'm concerned because my check payment to the IRS has not been cashed yet. What should I do?

You can call (800) 829-1040 and ask an IRS representative if the payment has been credited to your account. If it has not and the check has not cleared your financial institution, you may choose to place a stop-payment on the original check and send another payment.

  

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Processing time for refund returns depends on the method used for filing. If you e-file opting for direct deposit and have not received your refund within three weeks after filing your return (eight weeks if you filed a paper return opting for a paper check), you can check your refund on the IRS website or by calling the Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954. Be sure to have available a copy of your current tax return because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. If you have requested direct deposit, the refund should take one week less time to be issued as opposed to getting a paper check.

  

How can I check on the status of my refund?

Refund information does not become available until it has been six weeks since you filed your tax return (three weeks if you filed electronically or through TeleFile). After waiting the appropriate number of weeks, the fastest, easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to log onto www.IRS.gov. Click on Where's My Refund? then go to Get My Refund Status or you can call Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954. Be sure to have a copy of your current tax return available because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. The IRS updates refund information every seven days.

  

I lost my refund check. How can I get a new one?

Call the IRS at (800) 829-1954. If your refund check has not been cashed, the IRS can normally provide a replacement within six to eight weeks. If your refund check has been cashed, the Financial Management Service (FMS) will provide a copy of the check and a Form 3911 Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to initiate a claim. The signature on the cancelled check will be reviewed before determining whether another refund can be issued.

  

Is it possible to find out if a federal tax refund has been cashed?

If you need to know whether a federal tax refund check that was issued to you has been cashed, you can call (800) 829-1954 and request Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. If you are inquiring about a check that was issued to someone other than you, the IRS is not allowed to disclose any information under the Privacy Act of 1974. 

  

What are my rights as a taxpayer?

You can find information on the IRS website about this important topic.

  

Where can I go to get more information about my tax problem?

The IRS maintains a Web page that offers detailed answers to a wide range of tax-related concerns. 

  

Postal Issues

The United States Postal Service is an independent establishment of the Executive Branch of the United States Government. Today, the Postal Service delivers hundreds of millions of messages each day to more than 141 million homes and businesses.

  

How do I find a zip code?

I have the address, but I do not know the zip code. Click here. You will be asked to fill in the address. When you submit the address, the search program will find the zip code for you.

  

I am moving. Do I have to go to the post office to notify them of my new address?

No. You can file a change of address form online. Please note: this form can also be used for a temporary relocation.

  

What should I do if I think my First-Class mail is lost?

When First-Class Mail does not arrive, the post office has no sure way of knowing what may have happened to the item. Only Registered Mail and Express Mail items are accounted for during their entire journey through the mail system. However, you can file a complaint of your non-received mail with the USPS.

  

If expected mail has not arrived after sufficient time has elapsed (please wait 14 days from its date of mailing), please fill out PS Form 1510, Mail Loss/Rifling Report. This form is available at your local post office. Another option you have is to contact your local Consumer Affairs Claims and Inquiry office.

  

Whichever way you choose, a postal employee will assist you in completing your inquiry. Specifics will be directed to the Inspection Service Operation Support (ISOS) office for the state in which the article was mailed.

  

How can I report a problem or file a complaint?

  

The USPS is currently using a method of capturing customer complaints and eliminating the complaint card used at Post Office facilities. This new and expanding program will permit you to submit complaints in one of three ways:

  

• Filing a complaint online by visiting the USPS website and clicking the contact us link at the bottom of the page. It will ask you to submit your question; however, it is the link the USPS recommends for filing a complaint.
• Calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
• Speaking to the Station Manager at a local Post Office.

  

To locate a post office, schedule a pick-up, calculate postage or obtain USPS forms, go to the United States Postal Service website. To get answers to frequently asked questions, click contact us at the bottom of the USPS home page.

  

What can I do if I need immediate assistance?

  

If you need immediate assistance, please give USPS a call.

General Information
1-800-ASK-USPS® or (800) 275-8777
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Closed Sundays and Holidays

Domestic Package Tracking
1-800-222-1811
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

International Package Tracking
1-800-222-1811
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Closed Sundays and Holidays

TDD/TTY
1-877-877-7TDD (1-877-877-7833)
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Sundays and Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

  

  

Social Security and Medicare

  

Each year, we help hundreds of residents who are having problems with their Social Security and Medicare benefits. If you have had troubles dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), we might be able to help you.

  

How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits?
To apply for benefits, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213.  They have a TTY phone connection at 1-800-325-0778.  You can ask SSA to send you the correct forms, and they can answer questions you may have.

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to perform work of any kind and your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.  You must also have worked long enough (earned certain number of "credits") and recently enough under the Social Security System.  The specific numbers depend on individual situations.

The SSA receives numerous applications for disability benefits.  Because of the large volume of applications, it can take a long period of time to receive a decision.  If your first application is denied, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration of your claim. If that application is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. It may take several months before a hearing is scheduled. If you are denied at the Administrative Law Judge level, your next course of action would be to appeal the judge's decision to the Appeals Council in Virginia within 60 days. Once the Appeals Council receives your file, it can take up to two years for a review.

If you receive disability benefits, the benefits won't begin until the sixth full month after the date the Social Security Administration decides the disability began.  In addition, you must wait two years before you qualify for Medicare coverage.

  

How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
To apply for benefits or to ask questions, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.  They have a TTY phone connections as well at 1-800-325-0778.

Supplemental Security Income is an income assistance program administered by the Social Security Administration for people who are elderly (65 or older), blind, or disabled (physical or mental problem expected to last at least one year or result in death) who don't have many assets (the things you own are worth less than $2,000) and who don't earn much money (less than $520/per month if you don't work, and $1,073/per month if you work).

These amounts change periodically.  For the most current, call SSA at the above number. You can generally expect an answer on whether you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) within two to six months.


How do I apply for retirement benefits?
To apply for benefits or to get more information about the SSA retirement program, call 1-800-772-1213.  They have a TTY phone connection as well at 1-800-325-0778.

In order to be eligible for retirement benefits, you have to have enough "credits" (10 years of work—you earn one credit per certain amount of money that you make) and have paid into Social Security.

You are eligible for SSA retirement benefits when you reach age 65 (however, beginning in 2003, the age at which you can apply for retirement benefits will increase gradually from 65 to 67), but you can apply early at age 62.  If you apply early, the benefits you receive will be reduced, but you will receive them for a longer time. The amount you receive depends on how much you earned when you were working.

You can also delay applying for Social Security retirement.  If you do so, your extra income may increase your benefit amount, and you will receive a credit.  To find out more about credit you may receive, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

How do I apply for Survivors' Benefits?
A family member or other person responsible for the beneficiary's affairs should do the following:

  

• Promptly notify Social Security of the beneficiary's death by calling SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
• If monthly benefits were being paid via direct deposit, notify the bank or other financial institution of the beneficiary's death. Request that any funds received for the month of death and later be returned to Social Security as soon as possible.
• If benefits were being paid by check, DO NOT CASH any checks received for the month in which the beneficiary died or thereafter. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible.

  

One-time Lump Sum Death Benefit
A one-time payment of $255 is payable to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the beneficiary at the time of death, OR if living apart, was eligible for Social Security benefits on the beneficiary's earnings record for the month of death. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who was eligible for benefits on the beneficiary's earnings record in the month of death.

Benefits for Survivors
Monthly survivors benefits can be paid to certain family members, including the beneficiary's widow or widower, dependent children and dependent parents. For more information and publications, visit the Social Security website for Survivors Benefits.

How Do I Apply For Medicare Benefits?
If you are already getting Social Security retirement or disability benefits or railroad retirement checks, Social Security will contact you a few months before you become eligible for Medicare and give you the information you need to register. If you are not already getting checks, you should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 about three months before your 65^th birthday to sign up for Medicare.  They also have a TTY phone connection at 1-800-325-0778.

If I Continue Working Past 65, Should I Still Apply For Medicare Benefits Then?
You should sign up for Medicare even if you don't plan to retire at age 65 or you may be penalized a 10 percent premium surcharge for each year past age 65 that you do not have Medicare. To register for Medicare, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 about three months before your 65th birthday.  They also have a TTY phone connection at 1-800-325-0778.

However, if you are age 65 or older and are covered under a group health plan either from your own employment or you are covered from your spouse's employment, you may delay enrolling in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) without having to wait for a general enrollment period or pay the 10 percent premium surcharge for late enrollment. The rules allow you to:

  

• Enroll in Medicare Part B any time while you are covered under the group health plan, or
• Enroll in Part B during an eight-month special enrollment period that begins with the month your group health coverage ends or the month employment ends, whichever comes first.

  

  

  

Where is the nearest VA benefits office?

The nearest benefits office for the Department of Veterans Affairs is:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Detroit Regional Office

Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building

477 Michigan Avenue, 12^th Floor

Detroit, MI  48226

(800) 827-1000

(313) 471-3600

(313) 471-3633 Fax

www.vba.va.gov

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.

VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Healthcare: 1-877-222-8387
Education: 1-888-442-4551
Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
Debt Management: 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Hotline: 1-888-492-7844
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833
CHAMPVA: 1-800-733-8387
Headstones/Markers: 1-800-697-6947
Special Health Issues:
Gulf War/Agent Orange/Project 112/Shad: 1-800-749-8387
Sexual Trauma Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

Additionally, there are a number of online resources that may be helpful to you:

Online Veterans Benefits
Military Service Records
Veterans' Benefits
Veterans' Benefits Fact Sheet
Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

How do I get a copy of my military records?
For copies of your military service records you may contact:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

How can I get my medals replaced?
You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals from the National Personnel Records Center:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html