Hochul Reaches Constituent Service Milestone

Over $1 Million in Overdue Benefits Secured

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY-26) announced that her office has secured over $1 million in constituent benefits and services that had been delayed by excessive federal bureaucracy.                                               

“I am proud to have secured over $1 million in overdue benefits for my constituents. Helping veterans, small businesses, seniors, and others to navigate the burdensome federal government to receive the benefits they have earned is the best part of my job,” said Rep. Hochul. “Since I first came to office, my top priority is providing the best constituent service in the country, and this milestone is firm step toward that goal. I urge anyone who is having trouble with a federal agency to contact one of my offices for assistance.”

Rep. Hochul frequently assists her constituents in resolving issues with federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Internal Revenue Service. One constituent, Barbara McCarthy, received an annuity through the Department of the Army that she was previously denied through an administrative error. Through Rep. Hochul’s intervention, this error was corrected, and Mrs. McCarthy is now properly receiving her entitled benefits.

“Representative Hochul fought for me to correct an error in the system that would be almost impossible to navigate on my own. She earned my deepest respect and gratitude,” said Barbara McCarthy.

Since taking office on June 1, 2011, Rep. Hochul has closed 560 cases on behalf of her constituents.

Rep. Hochul has also fought to ensure veterans receive the care they require. Robert Lewis is a Vietnam Veteran who initially attended one of Rep. Hochul’s Congress on Your Corner events where he sought help after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied him coverage for a life saving aortic valve replacement surgery. At Hochul’s urging, the VA reviewed Mr. Lewis’ record and eventually approved coverage for the operation. The surgery was successful, and Mr. Lewis is recuperating.

For more on Rep. Hochul’s service to her constituents click here.

All constituents of New York’s 26th District can continue to receive assistance at anytime by calling Rep. Hochul’s Williamsville office at (716) 634-2324 or by visiting 325 Essjay Road, Suite #405, Williamsville, NY 14221, or by calling her Greece office at (585) 270-4828 or visiting 2300 W. Ridge Road, Suite 400, Greece, NY 14626.