Frequently Asked Questions

General:

• What parts of New York are included in District 17?
• How can I get a US flag?
• How do I get a tour of the Capitol or the White House?
• Can I apply for an Internship?
• How do I register to vote?

Social Security:

• Do I qualify for Social Security?
• How do I apply for benefits?
• What is Social Security Income (SSI), and how do I apply for it?
• Useful contact information.

Taxes / IRS:

• I need help filling out my tax returns.
• Where can I get a copy of a tax form?
• Find a local Taxpayer Advocate's office.
• Additional frequently asked questions.
• Useful contact information.

Veterans Affairs:

• Do I qualify for veterans benefits? How do I apply?
• Can I appeal the VA's decision about my benefits?
• How do I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Medicare / Medicaid:

• What are Medicare and Medicaid?
• Am I eligible for Medicare or Medicaid?
• How do I apply for Medicare?
• What medications does Medicare's prescription drug benefit cover, and how do I apply for it?
• Useful Contact Information for Medicare and Medicaid.

Immigration/ Citizenship:

• How can I become a U.S. citizen?
• What are the requirements for getting a Permanent Resident Card?
• How do I schedule an appointment with a USCIS office?
• Useful contact information.

Passports / Travel:

• What do I need to travel abroad?
• How do I apply for a US passport?
• I'm traveling soon, and haven't applied for a passport yet. What should I do?
• What should I do if my passport was lost or stolen?
• What are the entry requirements for foreign countries?
• Do I need a passport for traveling to Mexico, Canada, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere?
• Useful contact information.
  
  As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
  

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General:

What parts of New York are included in District 17?

NY Congressional District 17 includes parts of the Bronx, Rockland County and Westchester County. If you would like to confirm which Congressional District you live in, type your 9 digit zip code into "Find Your Representative" in the upper left corner of http://www.house.gov.

How can I get a US flag?

You can order a flag through my office by contacting John Moore in my Washington DC office, or you can click here to submit a request electronically.

How do I get a tour of the Capitol or the White House?

My office in Washington DC can arrange tours of the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and other sites in the city. Please contact John Moore in the Washington DC office at 202-225-2464 to arrange all tours. For more information on available tours and visiting DC, click here.

Can I apply for an Internship?

If you are interested in applying for an internship, please contact the intern coordinator at either my Washington DC or New York offices. For more information, click here.

How do I register to vote?

You can click here to go to a page on my web site to read a detailed description on registering to vote.

There are several places where you can register to vote in the state of New York. You can register by going in person to the Board of Elections in your county or by visiting the Board of Elections website at www.elections.state.ny.us. You can also call 1-800-FOR-VOTE to learn where you can register in your area.

You can also register to vote when you apply for or renew your drivers license or identification card at the DMV. Additionally, you can register while applying for services at any of the following state agencies:

• Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
• Commission for the Blind
• Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled
• Department of Health - WIC Program
• Department of Social Services
• Department of State
• Military Recruiting Offices
• New York State Division of Labor
• Office of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities
• Office for the Aging
• Office of Mental Health
• Veterans' Affairs
• Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
• Workers Compensation

In order to vote in the state of New York you must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of New York for at least 30 days prior to the election, you must be registered to vote in New York, and you must be at least 18 years of age.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Social Security:

Do I qualify for Social Security?

The Social Security Administration provides a screening tool on their website that you can use to see if you qualify for Social Security.

How do I apply for benefits?

To apply, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to send you the correct forms. You can also apply for benefits online, by clicking here.

What is Supplemental Security Income(SSI), and how do I apply for it?

Supplemental Security Income is an income assistance program, available to senior citizens, the blind, or the disabled who have a net worth less than $2,000. To apply, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Useful contact information

Social Security Administration website: http://www.ssa.gov

Additional frequently asked questions about Social Security: http://www.ssa.gov/includes/topiclist.htm

Call the Social Security Administration at1-800-772-1213, Monday-Friday from 7:00am-7:00pm

To find a local Social Security Office near you, click here.

You can also write to the Office of Public Inquiries:

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Taxes / IRS:

I need help filling out my tax returns.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers can provide face-to-face help with any questions or problems you may have. Often centers don't require an appointment, you can simply walk in. To make an appointment or ask questions, call the phone number of the IRS center nearest to you. Several IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in NY District 17 are listed below. For a full list of centers in the United States, click here.

Bronx:

1200 Waters Place
Bronx, NY 10461
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
(212) 436-1000

West Nyack:

242 W. Nyack Road
West Nyack, NY 10994
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm)
(845) 627-1487

Where can I get a copy of a tax form?

To find and download tax forms (such as the W-2 tax form) or to read instructions on how to complete the tax forms, see the IRS Forms and Publications webpage at http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html

Find a local Taxpayer Advocate's office:

To find a local Taxpayer Advocate's office call the Taxpayer Advocate Service toll-free telephone number: 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TTD: 1-800-829-4059. Or you can visit this page to find the office nearest you.

Additional frequently asked questions

If you have other questions about filing taxes or and IRS system, you may be able to find the answer on the IRS FAQ webpage.

Useful contact information

Internal Revenue Service website: http://www.irs.gov/index.html

IRS tax forms and publications: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html

Taxpayer Advocate Service homepage: http://www.irs.gov/advocate/index.html

Call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040
Monday-Friday, 7:00am-10:00pm

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Veterans Affairs:

Do I qualify for veterans benefits? How do I apply?

If you are a veteran, you can determine if you qualify for veterans benefits and also apply online through the Department of Veterans Affairs Online Application (VONAPP) at this link.

Can I appeal the VA's decision about my benefits?

The Board of Veterans' Appeal (known as "BVA" or "the Board") reviews benefit determinations made by local VA offices. If you are unsatisfied with your benefits you can file an appeal. For more information on the steps involved, click here.

How do I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The following toll-free numbers can be used to call the Department of Veterans Affairs:

VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Education (GI Bill): 1-888-442-4551
Health Care Benefits call 1-877-222-8387
Income Verification and Means Testing: 1-800-929-8387
Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
Mammography Helpline: 1-888-492-7844
Special Issues - Gulf War/Agent Orange/Project Shad/Mustard Agents and Lewisite/Ionizing Radiation: 1-800-749-8387
Status of Headstones and Markers: 1-800-697-6947
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833

To find a local VA facility, click here.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Medicare / Medicaid:

What are Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a health insurance program for people at least 65 years old, or people who are under age 65 but have certain disabilities. Medicare also insures anyone with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). There are three parts of Medicare: Part A (hospital insurance), Bart B (medical insurance), and Prescription Drug Coverage.

Medicaid is a health care program available only to certain low-income individuals and families who can't afford to pay for medical care. Rather than sending money to you, the program generally sends payment directly to your health care providers. As Medicaid is a state-administered program, each state sets its own requirements concerning eligibility and services.

Am I eligible for Medicare or Medicaid?

To be eligible for Medicare you must be at least 65 years old, under age 65 but having certain disabilities, or be diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. For more information on what disabilities qualify for Medicare or to apply for disability benefits contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Only low-income individuals and families are eligible for Medicaid, and each state has the authority to set its own eligibility requirements. For more information on the state of New York's Medicaid program and eligibility, and how to apply, click here.

How do I apply for Medicare?

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Social Security should contact you several months before you become eligible for Medicare. At that time, Social Security will give you the information you need to register. If you are not already receiving checks, you should call Social Security 3 to 4 months before you 65th birthday in order to sign up for Medicare. The telephone number is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

What medications does Medicare's prescription drug benefit cover, and how do I apply for it?

There are a variety of Medicare drug plans, which vary in terms of what drugs are covered, how much you will have to pay yourself, and what pharmacies you can use. Medicare covers some brand name drugs as well as generic prescription drugs. However, all plans have an appeal process in case you need drugs that are not covered by your plan. Enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug program is voluntary, which means you must take the initiative and sign yourself up for a plan.

You can apply for Medicare prescription drug coverage with though Medicare Advantage Plans or other Medicare Health Plans that offer coverage for prescription drugs, or you can apply through Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

For more information on the specific plans and coverage, click here.

Useful contact information

Medicare:
Medicare Main Line: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare website: http://www.medicare.gov/default.asp

Medicaid (New York):
Medicaid Fraud Hotline: 1-877-87 FRAUD
Medicaid Co-Payment Hotline: 1-800-541-2831
Medicaid Newborn Helpline: 1-877-463-7680
Managed Care (New York City): 1-800-505-5678
Managed Care (Nassau County): 1-888-562-9092
Managed Care (Suffolk County): 1-888-566-9799

New York Department of Health Medicaid Program website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/index.htm

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Immigration / Citizenship:

How can I become a U.S. citizen?

In general, the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen include:

• A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
• An ability to read, write, and speak English;
• A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• Good moral character;
• Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
• A favorable disposition toward the United States.

Applicants for naturalization must be at least 18 years of age and have lawfully lived as a permanent resident in the United States for at least 5 years.

For more information on the process you can visit the U.S, Citizenship and Immigration Services website at http://www.uscis.gov or download the pamphlet "A Guide to Naturalization" which details the process.

There are some exceptions to the standard application procedure. For more information on exceptions, waivers, and special cases, click here.

What are the requirements for getting a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card")?

Lawful permanent residence in the United States is based upon several factors. For more information visit the Citizenship and Immigration Services department webpage on obtaining a Permanent Resident Card.

How do I schedule an appointment with a USCIS office?

To make an appointment with the USCIS office nearest you, go to http://infopass.uscis.gov/index.php.

Useful contact information

Call the CIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833). NCSC can provide answers to most questions about immigration procedures and other issues, but cannot provide information about the status of your case over the telephone.

New York residents should send petitions and applications to the CIS Vermont Service Center:

Direct Mail Mailing Address:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479

N-400 Mailing address:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479-9400
Premium Processing: Petitions/applications being filed under the Premium Processing program should be filed at the following address:

Premium Processing
USCIS Vermont Service Center
30 Houghton Street
St. Albans, VT 05478-2399
For more information on other service centers in the United States, click here.

Please note:

CIS no longer deals with border patrol and airport inspections, immigration investigations, detentions or removals, which are now done by the Department of Homeland Security. CIS also does not handle Passports or most visas, which are generally handled by the Department of State.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Passports / Travel:

For information on what documents you will need in order to travel abroad, click here.

For more general information and international travel tips, review the Department of State's website for travelers.

How do I apply for a U.S. passport?

To apply for a passport for the first time, you must apply in person at an approved facility. For a list of where you can apply, click here.

To apply in person for a passport, you must:

1. Fill out a Passport Application (form DS-11, available from the State Department website)
2. Present proof of citizenship (such as a previous U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship,
or a birth certificate)
3. Present proof of identity (such as a government issued ID)
4. Provide 2 passport photos
5. Pay the passport application fee
6. For more specific information, click here.

If you need to renew your U.S. passport, and were at least 16 years old when it was issued, you may be able to apply for renewal through the mail. For more information, and to see if you are eligible to apply by mail, click here.

I'm traveling soon, and haven't applied for a passport yet. What should I do?

Due to the high demand for passports in 2007, the processing time for passport applications has increased. Currently, regular processing takes 10-12 weeks. If you are traveling, or need your passport to obtain a visa within the next two weeks, contact the Department of State's National Passport Information Center. The Center's telephone number is 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). You may have to call several times before reaching a customer service representative.

If you have 3 or more weeks, you can choose to expedite your passport application. The expedited process currently takes 2-3 weeks and includes overnight service for sending in your application, and returning your passport to you. The fee for expedited service is $60, in addition to the regular passport processing fees.

For more information on applying for a passport, click here.

What should I do if my passport was lost or stolen?

If your passport was lost or stolen, it is important to report the loss immediately to protect yourself from identity theft.

If lost overseas, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (http://usembassy.state.gov).

If your passport was lost or stolen in the United States, you must first report the passport as missing to the Department of State and then apply to replace the passport. For more detailed instructions and the necessary forms, click here.

What are the entry requirements for foreign countries?

Each country has different requirements for entry. Almost all countries limit the length of time you may legally stay without a visa, and some have entrance or exit fees. Countries may also limit what you may bring into the country, or take with you when you leave.

If you plan on traveling abroad, review the Department of State's list of foreign entry requirements.

Do I need a passport for traveling to Mexico, Canada, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere?

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda are required to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Before these new rules went into effect, U.S. citizens only needed to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

AIR TRAVEL
As of January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda, by air, are required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
Now, as of June 1, 2009, the full requirements of the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" regarding land and sea travel are being implemented. U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda will be required to present one of the following travel documents:

• U.S. Passport
        This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.
  

• U.S. Passport Card
        This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.
  

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
        Several states are issuing this driver's license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
  

• Trusted Traveler Program Cards
        NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used at airports with a NEXUS kiosk.
  

Document Rules for Special Groups:

• Children
        U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization card or citizenship card.
• Groups of Children
        Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
  

• "Closed Loop" Cruises
        Travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same port do not have to comply with the new rules.
  

• Other Special Groups
        Members of the military, members of the merchant marine, and Native Americans can also use special forms of identification.
  

ABOUT THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. The initiative requires all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. The countries covered by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

MORE INFORMATION

• Apply for a passport
• GetYouHome.gov
• The US Department of State
  

As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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