Tips for Requesting Casework Assistance

Tips for Requesting Casework Assistance

It is always recommended that you try to resolve a problem directly with the agency involved before contacting Senator Feinstein’s office. If you need additional assistance after contacting the agency, please write to me to the attention of the senator’s casework staff in San Francisco.

Below you will find a few agency specific tips to keep in mind when requesting casework help. Feel free to call the senator’s San Francisco office at (415) 393-0707 if you have any additional questions.

Tips for Requesting Casework Assistance

Department of Veterans Affairs

  • In order to contact a VA Regional Office (VARO) regarding benefits, the veteran must already have an active claim pending at the VARO. If you have not yet filed a claim, you can contact the VA directly for information on how to do so.
  • The VA requires a signed privacy release form for us to obtain information on a case.
  • Expediting claims for benefits will be considered if the veteran is going to be homeless and has a letter from his landlord with an intent to evict, or if there is an imminent medical emergency.

Department of Defense

  • Senator Feinstein’s staff does not review requests for recommendations for military service.
  • The DOD and all branches of the military require signed authorization from the service member in order to release information regarding his/her case. Please include a signature with your request for casework assistance.

Internal Revenue Service

  • In order for Senator Feinstein’s office to open an inquiry with the IRS, you must complete a Privacy Release Form. You must also include your Social Security number and list the relevant tax years which you are disputing.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

  • All expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and are granted at the discretion of the agency Director. The criteria are: Severe financial loss to company or individual, extreme emergent situation, humanitarian situation, nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States, Department of Defense national interest situation, USCIS error, compelling interest of USCIS.
  • Cases pending an “FBI NAME CHECK”: The expedite criteria listed above does not apply. The senator’s staff will be happy to assist you in following up on the status of your pending name check if your case has been pending with the FBI for at least one year. We are very much aware of the delays and inconveniences that result from the FBI name check process, however, please keep in mind that the FBI cannot determine when your name check will be completed. The USCIS has issued a press release, available on the agency’s website, regarding this process.
  • Employment-Based I-485 Applications: If you are requesting assistance with an employment based I-485 please include the priority date and receipt number of the I-140 petition attached to your case. If you have more than one valid I-140 petition and you would like them to be cross charged or interfiled, please make sure to include the priority date, receipt number, and country charge of each I-140 petition.

U.S. Department of State

  • Visa cases pending a “security clearance”: This is not the same as an FBI name check. The senator’s staff can check on the status of your case, but will not be able to request mandatory clearance procedures be expedited or waived.
  • If you are writing about a denied non-immigrant visa case, please keep in mind that there is no appeal option for such cases. If the applicant is still interested in visiting the U.S. he/she should be prepared to reapply directly with the Consulate/Embassy.
  • U.S. Citizens Travelling Abroad: It is always recommended that you register your trip with the Department of State. Click here for more information. If you are writing to me about your concerns with a U.S. citizen who is currently abroad, please include that person’s full name and passport number or date of birth.

Housing and Urban Development

  • Steps you can take to obtain federally subsidized housing:

  1. Contact your local housing authority or your nearest housing counseling office.
  2. Find out if their Section 8 wait list is open. If so, fill out an application and make sure to indicate any preferences that are applicable (these vary per Housing Authority)
  3. Request a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized housing booklet. The HUD website also lists subsidized apartments in your area.

  • The waitlist for HUD subsidized apartments tends to be much shorter than Section 8 waitlists. It is recommended that you apply to as many properties as possible and to expand your search to other areas. This will maximize your chances of finding an opening faster.

Transportation Security Administration

  • If you believe your name appears in error on a TSA or other government watch list, the senator’s office can assist you in making a claim with TSA through the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP). However, please note that TSA does not guarantee that making a TRIP claim will eliminate all future travel difficulties. You may access the TSA TRIP form here. 

Social Security Administration

  • Please be as clear as possible when outlining your concerns with SSA. The agency will only be able to address your concerns as they are outlined in your letter to me.
  • All requests for assistance with SSA must include the person’s name, contact information, Social Security number, and a privacy release form. This form must be signed by the person involved, or proof of Power of Attorney must be provided. It is helpful if you include copies of recent correspondence with the agency.
  • Expedite Requests: Please refer to the SSA’s Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law Manual (HALLEX)for more explicit qualifications. If you would like to apply for expedited processing, please provide the senator’s office with evidence and documentation, as outlined by HALLEX, demonstrating why you need your case expedited.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

  • Please be as clear as possible when outlining your concerns with CMS. The agency will only be able to address your concerns as they are outlined in your letter to me.
  • All requests for assistance from Medicare beneficiaries (those receiving benefits through Medicare) must include the participant’s name, contact information, Social Security number, and a signed privacy release form. This form must be signed by the person involved, or proof of Power of Attorney must be provided. It is helpful if you include copies of recent correspondence with the agency.
  • Medicare service providers: Please include the provider’s name and contact information, as well as a national provider identifier number, provider transaction access Number, email address, business hours, tax ID and any additional information or documents applicable to the issue. It is helpful if you include copies of recent correspondence with the agency.

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