Help with a Federal Agency
If you are having problems with a federal agency or have questions about services the government provides, my staff of constituent service representatives in California may be able to help you. They can direct you to the appropriate office, provide you with necessary instructions, phone numbers or materials and find out the status of an application.
The following information explains what my office can do, provides answers to questions in each issue area (Veterans, Social Security, etc) that constituents have the most and explains the process my office follows to open a case on your behalf.
Adobe Version of the privacy release form
What Can My Office Do?
Constituents will sometimes ask that I expedite their applications for services or benefits.While my office is able to obtain information regarding the status of a constituent's application or claim, I can't order an agency to move one person's application ahead of others who also have been waiting. However, if an emergency situation develops, I will communicate the circumstances to the agency and request that the agency take the appropriate action.
Occasionally, a constituent will request that I use my influence as a Member of Congress to overturn a decision made by a federal agency. I would be happy to assist constituents by forwarding information to the appropriate sources for consideration during the adjudication process. However, a congressional office does not have the authority to instruct a federal agency to approve or deny an application. The claim/case will be decided on its own merits and according to applicable law.
Agencies and Issue Areas
- Veterans
Problems with veterans benefits, eligibility determinations, VA health care and replacements of medals earned.
- Social Security
Social Security benefits and eligibility, missing checks and disability claims.
- Passports and Visas
Where to obtain a passport and what is needed to apply, as well as foreign travel warnings from the State Department
Process: Who To Contact and What You Need
In order to open a case on your behalf , I need a signed letter or privacy release form from you, giving permission to look into your case. Due to the Privacy Act of 1974, no inquiries can be made without such written consent. As such, an e-mail will not suffice as a release. A written signature must be given.
To Obtain a privacy release form, please contact my constituent services coordinator in California at 1-858-350-1150, download the Adobe Version of the privacy release form or send a letter to the Solana Beach office (address below) that includes the following information:
Full Name
Address
Daytime Telephone
Number
Evening Telephone Number
Date of Birth
Social Security Number
VA Claim Number of Alien Resident Number (if applicable)
Complete description of the problem or question
A sentence asking Representative Brian Bilbray to assist you with your concern
Constituent Services Coordinator
380 Stevens Avenue, Suite 212
Solana Beach, CA 92075
In order for me to help you, you must be a resident of the Fiftieth Congressional District. If you are not a resident of the Fiftieth District, please contact your representative in Congress, and he or she will be able to help you.
If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.
Residents of the 50th Congressional District of California can contact me for assistance in dealing with Federal agencies. In order to better serve you, this form will generate a printable page that you should sign and mail to my office.
Please include all pertinent information and claim numbers in your correspondence—such as:
- Your Social Security number for a case involving Social Security;
- VA claim number for a case with Department of Veterans Affairs;
- Taxpayer identification number (Social Security number, if individual) for an Internal Revenue Service problem, etc.;
- Your address, home phone number and daytime phone number (if different than home) so that we can obtain any additional information from you that might be necessary;
- Copies of any related documents or correspondence that you may have from the agency involved;
Please Note:
The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) requires that Members of Congress or their staff have written authorization before they can obtain information about an individual's case.
We must have your signature to proceed with this type of request.
Authorization Form
* indicates information that you need to provide.
