THOMPSON SECURES $115 MILLION IN FEDERAL DOLLARS OWED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced his team has reached a new milestone in constituent services: Over $115 million federal dollars returned back to the pockets of residents.

An important part of Thompson's job is to help residents of California's Fourth Congressional District navigate the complex federal agency system – and to fight to get people the benefits they are owed by the federal government. Since Thompson’s team began tracking casework data in 2016, Mike Thompson and his office have worked to close over 17,000 cases for residents and returned over $115 million owed to constituents by federal agencies. Money returned to constituents includes veterans and survivor benefits, Social Security checks, IRS refunds, and more.

“My team and I pride ourselves on cutting through red tape and delivering for people. Whether we’re working to secure backpay for wrongly denied Social Security checks or helping the surviving family members of a veteran get the benefits they deserve, my team and I are always here to help. Casework on behalf of residents is the unseen side of my job and also one of the most important parts of my job. I look forward to continuing to close cases and get things done for members of our community,” said Thompson.

BACKGROUND

By the time someone turns to their Congressperson for help with a federal agency, they are often at the end of their rope. Many Americans report experiencing bureaucratic backlogs and dead ends when dealing with understaffed federal agencies. Thompson and his team believe this is unacceptable.

Constituents from across the Fourth District have commented on the help Mike Thompson’s office provided to them in navigating federal agencies:

“The IRS was mistakenly demanding thousands of dollars from me; for a year I couldn’t get them to admit their error. At my wit’s end, I called Mike Thompson’s office. [His staff] listened, collected all my information and began advocating for me. His persistence and skill made all the difference; finally got resolution and vindication. Many, many thanks for this invaluable service!” said Christina from Napa County.

“My Social Security benefit was incorrectly reduced, and for over a year I couldn’t get a response from the Social Security Administration. My wife urged me to reach out to Congressman Mike Thompson’s office, and I met his staff during office hours in Dixon. Within a week, SSA corrected my benefit and sent $5,000 in back pay. I’m truly grateful for the Congressman and his dedicated staff—they made a real difference,” said Mahdi from Solano County.

“I am a Navy veteran suffering the health effects of radiation exposure while on active duty. I had fought with the VA bureaucracy for sixteen years for compensation and had my claim denied on my third and final appeal. I had lost all hope. That’s when Congressman Thompson stepped in. Through his tireless efforts this injustice was reversed and I was granted 100 percent service-connected disability and compensation. I can now focus my energy and attention on my health instead of reams of fruitless paperwork. Thank you Congressman Thompson,” said Paul from Sonoma County.

“I’m a small business owner and a mom. When my health took a serious turn it became impossible for me to keep working, I felt like my whole world was collapsing. After Social Security denied my disability claim, I was devastated and didn’t know where to turn. That’s when I contacted Congressman Mike Thompson’s office. From the very first conversation, Mike Thompson’s team treated my case like it mattered deeply to them. Because of their determination and expertise, the agency ultimately granted my appeal. I can say without hesitation that I would not have gotten this result on my own. Mike Thompson and his team literally saved my life,” said Crystal from Yolo County.

“I want to say THANK YOU for all the assistance [Rep. Thompson] provided in helping to resolve my issue with the FAA. I had an accident in October of 2024 and because of that accident, I was unable to retain my pilot privileges until I could get it reinstated. I am a flight instructor and this is how I make my living and support my family. With [Rep. Thompson’s] help and guidance, I was able to get my pilot privileges reinstated. It is my belief that without the assistance of your office, this process would have been significantly delayed,” said Tim from Lake County.

Fourth District residents who need help with passports and visas, veterans benefits, IRS issues, agricultural issues, small business assistance, immigration, Medicare and Medicaid, or residents facing any other problem navigating the federal government can contact Thompson’s office at mikethompson.house.gov/contact/help-federal-agency or call his nearest office:

• Napa (707) 226-9898
• Santa Rosa (707) 542-7182
• Woodland (530) 753-5301
• Washington (202) 225-3311