Just over six months into this term, the district offices of U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., have already resolved hundreds of constituent cases, resulting in taxpayer savings and benefits of more than $1 million.
Caseworkers help constituents resolve problems and navigate a variety of federal issues, including veterans’ benefits, foreclosure prevention, Social Security, passports and visas. About 45 percent of District One’s casework deals with veterans and defense issues, and the rest are related to Social Security, IRS, housing and other areas.
“My caseworkers are working hard to help folks cut through red tape and get results,” Kirkpatrick said. “In many cases, the constituents we assist are veterans trying to get the benefits they’ve earned or seniors struggling with a Social Security or Medicare issue. We are here to help, and we have several offices throughout District One.”
A few success stories:
Casework savings/benefits: $20,076
A Sedona veteran was at risk of becoming homeless because of a reduction in his VA pension. Our caseworkers successfully escalated his claim, and the VA was able to get him the assistance and resources he needed.
Casework savings/benefits: $587
An Oro Valley constituent received a notice that his Medicare Part B coverage had been terminated for lack of payment, even though he had actually overpaid for his plan. Our caseworkers contacted CMS and made sure his Medicare coverage was current and that he was credited with the overpayment.
Casework savings/benefits: $3,600
A Casa Grande constituent was about to lose his home and lacked the funds to stop the foreclosure process. Our caseworkers helped him escalate the issue to his bank in order to modify his mortgage loan, and then assisted him in submitting the appropriate documents to reinstate his pension.
Arizona’s Congressional District One is a massive, mostly rural district that is larger than many states, so Kirkpatrick has offices and staff in Flagstaff, Tuba City, Chinle, Show Low, Globe, Casa Grande and Marana (click here for addresses and contact information). Her staff also provides mobile office hours in Camp Verde, Safford and Sedona.