Common Casework FAQ
My staff and I handle a wide variety of issues on behalf of Minnesotans. The following pages contain answers to questions that my staff is frequently asked by constituents.
Quick Answers: Military
Many of the questions my staff gets from families of military personnel involve communication with their deployed family members.
How can I contact my loved one if the bases are engaged on high alert (or increased security measures) in case of an emergency or death?
The Red Cross is the primary point of contact. The number is 1-800-951-5600. The caller needs to provide a name, birth date, and social security number of the person contacted. In the event that they are not able to assist you, contact my office in St. Paul. The number is 651-221-1016.
Quick Answers: Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the agency that is responsible for collecting income taxes. Included under IRS's umbrella are your refunds, collection of unpaid or underpaid taxes, designation of tax exempt organizations. The agency is also empowered to withhold refunds for payment of the taxpayer's debts for such things as education loans and child support.
What is the local IRS phone number?
You can call their toll free number, 1-800-829-1040. You will go through an electronic list and eventually be directed to a representative who can assist you with most questions.
If you only need to know the status of your tax return you can call 1-800-829-4477.
If you still need further assistance, the IRS has instituted a Taxpayer Advocate Service Office in St. Paul that you can contact with your questions.
After you have used the above resources, if you feel that you were not given a satisfactory answer or that they were not able to help, you may contact my office. If I am going to contact IRS on your behalf, you will be asked to fill out an Authorization to Release Information Form (English) (Espanol) giving me permission to make inquiries on your behalf.
Where is the Taxpayer Advocate Service in St. Paul?
The Taxpayer advocate office is located at Wells Fargo Place, 30 E. 7th Street, Suite 817, Stop 1005 STP, St. Paul, MN 55101. Their phone number is (651) 312-7999. Their fax number is (651) 312-7872. If you are outside of the St. Paul area there is a toll free number, 1-877-777-4778. This number gets you into IRS and they can transfer you to a taxpayer advocate.
Quick Answers: Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the agency that deals with your retirement benefits. Besides retirement, the agency covers several other benefit programs including Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Social Security (SSI), burial expense, survivor and dependent benefits.
I have become disabled and am unable to work. What happens after I apply for Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration will provide you with a handbook for you to review.
Many disability applications are denied at the first step. After the first denial of application there are three appeals steps in the administrative review process.
- Reconsideration - claimant has 60 days to ask for a reconsideration. The previous and any new information including new medical information is reviewed by the Disability Determination Service (DDS).
- Hearing - If the claimant disagrees with the reconsideration determination, He or she can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ will review the evidence and hold a hearing with claimant.
- Appeals Council - If the claimant disagrees with the ALJ's decision, he or she can request a review by the Appeals Council.
I have been denied disability benefits from the SSA. What can I do? Can you write to them and get me my benefits?
The notice of denial includes information regarding your right to file a reconsideration or appeal. Be sure you file within the time frame listed in their notice.
The Social Security Administration needs information which proves that you cannot work for at least 12 months. They look at your:
- age
- education
- past work
- physical and/or mental condition
You need to let SSA know about new medical information.
Go to the Social Security Administration website for more information.
Quick Answers: Federal Employees & Retirees
The agencies that deal with federal employment include:
- Office of Personal Management (OPM) which deals with federal employment and retirement, life and health insurance and survivor benefits.
- Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP) which is the agency that handles federal worker's compensation claims. This is also the agency that handles black lung claims.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is the agency that processes discrimination complaints. Most federal agencies have their own EEOC process that should be pursued before filing with the EEOC itself.
- Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), which protects the integrity of the Federal merit systems and the rights of Federal employees working in the systems.
I am on Federal Workers Compensation and my doctor has prescribed some new medication. How can my pharmacy get prescription authorizations quickly?
The closest OWCP Regional Office is located in Chicago, IL, the phone number is (312) 596-7157. This office is available to obtain approval information on a specific case for a specific medication.
Anyone can use the OWCP phone number, but it will be especially useful for pharmacies. It will allow the caller to key in a case number and a National Drug Code (NDC) and the computer will determine if the case is in a pay status and, if so, whether the NDC code is payable for the accepted condition. If the code is payable, the system will allow the caller to enter a quantity and get the maximum payable for the prescription.
Where can I go to get information regarding my workers' compensation claim?
The District Office of OWCP in Chicago has a web page on which you can find answers to your questions on workers compensation.
Quick Answers: Department of State
The Department of State is the agency that is responsible for issuing passports and visas. As the agency that maintains our diplomatic presence in foreign countries, it also provides services to American citizens abroad.
What information is available from the Department of State regarding passports?
The Department of State has a section on their website specifically addressing passports. For questions about passport applications you may call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or for the hearing impaired (TDD) 1-888-874-7793.
I am traveling to another country. Do I need a visa? How do I know if it is safe to travel there?
The Department of State web page gives requirements to travel abroad and gives travel warnings for every country.
I would like a friend/relative from a foreign country to come visit me for the summer. What steps do my friend and I have to take?
The Department of State web page details what kind of visa they may apply for and also has a list of all the U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Your friend/relative will need to come prepared to prove that they are not planning on immigrating to the United States.
I would like to get my tourist/student/business visa extended. What do I need to do?
You should first contact the closest foreign consulate office for detailed instructions. Extension of your visa will depend on whether or not you have a valid passport and what the date stamped on your I94 states.
I would like to get my tourist/student/business visa extended. What do I need to do?
You should visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more information on extending your visa.
I was born in a foreign country while my father/mother was stationed there. How do I prove my citizenship?
The U.S. Department of State can provide you with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Quick Answers: Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the agency that deals with veterans' benefits. These include life insurance, service connected and non-service connected disability, health care benefits and grave markers. Health care benefits include insurance, hospitals, nursing home, and at home assisted care.
It has been six months since I have heard anything from the VA on my claim. What should I do? Can you call and make them give me my benefits?
You should contact your veterans' representative (DAV or other) who is helping with your claim and see if they have an update. I would also be happy to send an inquiry asking for a status update.
Quick Answers: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
United States Citizneship and Immigration Services (USCIS) deals with legal entry to the United States and the naturalization of legal residents. This is the agency that grants extension of non-immigrant visas.
How long will it take for USCIS to approve a peition that I filed?
USCIS provides current processing times for all forms on their website.
I would like USCIS to expedite a petition that I filed. How can I get a quicker decision?
USCIS requires that anyone wishing to receive an expedited decision on a petition file an expedite request. Expedite criteria and instructions are available on their website.