Martinez News-Gazette: Contra Costa residents recover $13,000 from federal agencies

November 2, 2016
News Articles

With the help of U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa), Contra Costa County residents this year have recovered more than $13,000 owed them by various federal agencies.

“I’m proud to announce that my office has been able to help residents of our Congressional district recoup over $1.6 million owed to them by federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs among others,” Thompson said.

Specifically on Contra Costa County, Thompson intervened to help residents recoup about $10,000 in benefit payments they were owed from the Social Security Administration, and another $3,100 in medical expense reimbursements from the Veterans Administration.

Thompson said he can assist Fifth District individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses resolve issues they are having with such federal agencies as the Social Security Administration (SSA); the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); the Department of State; the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the Department of Labor (DOL); the Department of Education; the Department of Defense (DOD); and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

He said he can help with veterans, Social Security and Medicare benefits; immigration, passport and visa issues; Internal Revenue Service tax-related matters; small business concerns; student loans; HUD housing question; disaster assistance; and concerns about the U.S. Postal Service. Thompson said he cannot offer legal advice, recommend an attorney or guarantee an outcome.

Helping constituents “has always been a top priority,” he said. “We’re here to help.”

Those with questions or concerns may contact Thompson’s Vallejo Office at (707) 645-1888 or send an email through the link mikethompsonforms.house.gov/contact/(link is external). They will be asked to complete an advocacy authorization form before Thompson’s staff may contact an agency on their behalf.