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 15th Congressional District of New York can contact me for assistance dealing with federal agencies. Click here to check if you live in the 15th District.
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
- Social Security Number or ITIN for an Internal Revenue Service problem, etc.
- Your address and phone number 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. Please click on the appropriate agency to utilize our digital privacy release authorization form.
All Other Agencies
Click here to get help with any other agency that isn’t listed above.
Social Security Administration
Social Security provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. Click here to learn more.
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people aged 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company. For more information click here.
Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need. For more information on both programs click here.
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Health care
With VA health care, you’re covered for regular checkups with your primary care provider and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You can access Veterans health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care, and you can get medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you’ve earned by clicking here.
Disability
VA disability compensation offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you’ve earned by clicking here.
Housing and Urban Development
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is dedicated to improving affordable homeownership opportunities, increasing safe and affordable rental options, reducing homelessness, fighting housing discrimination, and supporting vulnerable populations.
HUD enforces the Fair Housing Act , which prohibits housing discrimination, and oversees the Community Development Block Grant program and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8). It also supervises other programs to assist low-income and disadvantaged Americans with their housing needs.
If you have problems with apartment repairs, your landlord, public housing, or the city, we may be able to help you find a resolution.
Internal Revenue Service
Tax Returns
The IRS is currently working through a significant backlog of 2020 electronically filed returns needing review prior to being processed. Click here to check the status of your return.
Economic Impact Payments
Economic Impact Payments are funds to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. If you didn’t get the full amount of the first or second Economic Impact Payments, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if you don’t normally file. The third Economic Impact Payment will not be used to calculate the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Click here to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. For questions and answers about the third Economic Impact Payment click here. Check your payment status in the Get My Payment tool here.
Child Tax Credit Advance Payments
Important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the credit starting this summer. The IRS will pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments beginning July 15. You will claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only. For more information, to manage payments, or to submit your payment information to receive the advance CTC, click here.
Department of State
Common areas of assistance include passports, international travel, and intercountry adoptions.
How can I renew my existing passport?
For information on renewing your passport, visit the Passport Renewal page at the U.S. Consular Affairs website.
I can’t wait for the normal processing time for my application. Can I request an expedite?
Yes. For an additional fee, you can request expedited processing. For more information on expediting processing, visit the Expedited Service page.
International Travel
Before you travel make sure you know the situation on the ground. Visit the Country Information page to get informed. To prepare for an emergency while abroad visit the Emergencies page.
Intercountry Adoption
For more information on adopting from a foreign country visit the Intercountry Adoption page.
Department of Homeland Security
Common areas of assistance include immigrant visa petitions and naturalization applications processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The USCIS website has information on every type of form, addresses for USCIS offices, information on fee changes, and a place to order forms online or through the mail.
How can I find out the status of my USCIS case?
Use this tool to track the status of an immigration application, petition, or request.
How can I find out the current processing times for USCIS cases?
You can check case processing times here by selecting your form number and the office that is processing your case.
Small Business Administration
COVID-19 Programs
The SBA has many programs to assist with economic losses related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
The Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) provides funding to small businesses and non-profit organizations currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue related to COVID-19, and an advance is available to applicants in designated low income areas hit hard by the pandemic, please check the map here to ensure you are in a designated low income area.
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund program provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The SBA has many loans you can apply for, such as 7(a) Loans, 504 Loans, and Microloans. 7(a) Loans is the most common loan program at the SBA. These loans are designed to help small businesses with the purchasing of real estate, short- and long-term working capital, refinancing current business debt, and various other purposes for eligible businesses. You can find more information on other loan types and even match with a lender here.
United States Postal Service
USPS Tracking Lookup can help you identify the location of your package or envelope that includes a tracking number. If you believe that your package or mail is lost, please follow these steps.
The U.S. Postal Service offers services at many locations in addition to your local post office. You can search for all of these locations by clicking here.
If you need assistance with reserving or renewing a PO box, please click here.
If you, your family, or your business is moving, you can change your address online through the United States Postal Service website by clicking here.