Help with a Federal Agency
As your Congressman, one of my most important jobs is helping 10th District constituents when they have problems with a federal government agency. Cutting through the red tape and obtaining answers to your questions from federal agencies can be frustrating and time-consuming. Whether you are looking to obtain a simple answer to a question, an application form, or my direct intervention on your behalf, my staff and I are ready to help.
If you are dealing with a New York State government agency, you must contact either your New York State Assemblymember, or your New York State Senator.
If you are dealing with a New York City government agency, you must contact your City Councilperson.
What is Casework?
Often, you can receive an answer or resolve your problems or difficulties by directly contacting a federal agency or by visiting their website. However, sometimes additional help is needed. In such cases, my staff and I will open a case for you and act as a liaison on your behalf. While I will always do my best to assist you, my staff and I cannot guarantee a particular outcome in your favor. However, you can be assured that your case will receive fair and timely consideration.
Note: Under rules established by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, I am unable to provide legal and/or tax advice. Click here for free taxpayer assistance from the IRS. (PDF - 1 page - 31KB)
How Do I Open a Case?
You should follow the steps listed below to help my staff and I assist you more effectively.
- Complete a Privacy Release and Casework Questionnaire Forms (PDF - 2 pages 104KB) (The 1974 Privacy Act requires that I obtain your written permission before I can contact anyone on your behalf. This federal law is for your protection.)
- Please explain in detail the problem you have with a federal agency and provide any supporting documentation. Be sure to locate all necessary documents that support your case and make copies of them for my office. These can include letters from the agency, applicable case numbers, and other forms and correspondence relating to your problem.
How Will My Case be Handled?
Once I have received your written permission and all supporting documentation, I will contact the federal agency on your behalf. An agency's response will usually vary depending on the complexity or urgency of individual cases. When an agency's response is received, my staff and I will notify you via phone or letter. If your case did not result in a favorable outcome, information about how to file an appeal to this decision or further steps you may want to take will be enclosed.
What Federal Agencies Do You Provide Assistance With?
I can assist you in your difficulties with all federal departments, independent agencies, and government corporations. Below is a list of some of the agencies that most constituents come in contact with and that generate the most casework.
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
- Medicare
Eligibility questions, benefit explanations and how to file Medicare claims
- Passports
Where to obtain a passport and what is needed to apply, as well as foreign travel warnings from the State Department
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
How to apply for naturalization and checking the status of an application
- Military and Federal Employment
How to get copies of military records, correction of records and assistance with retirees' health care; How to find jobs with the federal government
- Internal Revenue Service
Assistance with the Earned Income Tax Credit and assistance with resolving disputes with the IRS
- Federal Grants and Funding Assistance
A listing of federal grant sources, resources for small businesses and appropriate websites
- Education Loans and Grants
Where and how to apply for federal education loans and grants for college
In order for me to help you, you must be a resident of the Tenth Congressional District. If you are not a resident of the Tenth District, please contact your representative in Congress, and he or she will be able to assist you.
