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Help With a Federal Agency
If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our 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 13th Congressional District of Michigan, contact us for assistance in dealing with Federal agencies.
To streamline your inquiry, please be prepared to provide information 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.
Submit Your Casework Request Here
Casework FAQs
Here are some common non-federal issues, and information on where to go for help:
Family Independence Agency (includes Child Protective Services, Medicaid and financial assistance): Contact your State Representative, State Senator, or FIA directly.
Friend of the Court (child support, visitation, and custody): Unless it is an interstate child support case, please contact your State legislators or the State Court Administrator's Office, Friend of the Court Bureau at (517) 373-4835.
Legal issues involving either the state or federal judiciary: In these cases, you may wish to contact an attorney. The State Bar of Michigan operates an attorney referral service, which you can access by calling (800) 968-0738. Some services may be available free or at reduced costs for low-income persons.
Unemployment: The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) administers the unemployment insurance program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Contact your State Representative, State Senator, or UIA directly.
Use the links below to look up your State Senator and State Representative:
Michigan House of Representatives Website: Find Your Representative
Michigan Senate’s Website: Find Your Senator
Additional Resources:
Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Call, text, or search online and we’ll get you connected.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Request Help with Federal Services
Unfortunately our office is not able to assist with….
- Starting an immigration case.
- If you are beginning an immigration process, we recommend that you seek guidance from an immigration lawyer. Check out Michigan State Government Website for more resources: https://www.michigan.gov/ogm/services/legal
- Email Crisis@michiganimmigrant.org (734)-239-6863 for legal assistance.
- Finding affordable housing or dealing with a difficult landlord.
- Visit Detroit Home Connect: https://homeconnect.detroitmi.gov/
- Issues related to unemployment insurance.
- For assistance with the Michigan State Department of Labor, please contact your Michigan State Senator or State Representative. You can look up your state representative here.
Please note, we are only able to assist constituents who live within Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Click here to check who represents you, and reach out to your elected officials accordingly if you need assistance with federal services.
Passports
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Who should I contact to get my passport renewed?
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Passport Acceptance Facilities (Post Office)
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Why haven’t I received an update on my case?
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Each government agency has 30 business days to respond to congressional inquiries.
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Can you get me a same day appointment at the passport agency?
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We will try our best, in person appointments are for emergency travel and life/death situations.
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When should I apply for a passport renewal?
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A minimum of one year before your passport expires, most countries will not let you travel if your passport expires within 6 months.
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What do I do if I’m traveling internationally this year? Be sure to apply sooner rather than later. Processing times are currently 10 to 13 weeks for routine processing, and 7 to 9 weeks for expedited processing. Processing times may increase further as we approach summer. Find out how to apply here.
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If your immediate family member passed away (or has a life-threatening illness or injury) and you need a valid passport, please contact our office so we may contact the Department of State on your behalf. You will need to fill out a passport application and provide us with: 1) proof of imminent travel, 2) evidence of an ill or deceased relative (i.e., a medical document that must be translated to English by a certified translator) and 3) evidence of relationship to the ill or deceased relative. Please see the Department of State’s page on expedited passport applications here.
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If you have urgent international travel in the next 14 calendar days for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, you may call the National Passport Information Center to request an appointment at 1-877-487-2778.
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If you have travel planned within the next couple of months and need to renew your passport, you may request expedited processing of your application. Please note, even expedited processing can take up to 9 weeks. For more information, visit the State Department website.
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Before you book your travel, we encourage you to look up travel restrictions here. The Department of State encourages travelers to enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to receive country-specific safety updates, and ensures the U.S embassy can contact you in the event of an emergency.
Social Security
Social Security benefits are an essential safety net for many people. Social Security benefits range from financial assistance to healthcare benefits. Our office is able to inquire about the status of your Social Security benefits related to:
- Medicare coverage and contributions
- Retirement
- Disability income (SSDI)
- Survivor benefits - spouses and children
- Appeals for any of the benefits listed above or for over/under payments
- Requesting a benefit letter
You can apply for Social Security online here or by calling their national number: 1-800-772-1213.
However, we recommend that you start by reaching out to your local Social Security office to see if they can help address your concerns. Please search for your local office here. The toll-free “office” number is your local office. Local Social Security offices are available for walk-in service, however they encourage applicants to schedule in-person appointments in advance if possible to avoid long wait times.
To start a Supplemental Security Income application, please start here.
Taxes & IRS
- Why doesn’t my tax advocate call me to give updates?
- Once a congressional inquiry is made on your behalf tax advocates communicate with staffer, who relays messages to constituents.
- I can’t get to a live person at the IRS, who can I call?
- Taxpayer Assistance Center - Service By Appointment Only 844-545-5640 (Detroit, MI).