Frequently Asked Questions: Casework


Can I help you?

I can help you if you need assistance with a federal agency, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, or Medicare.  If your concern does involve a federal agency, a trained caseworker on my staff will be able to help you deal with that agency.

Typical casework requests include the following:

tracking down a misdirected benefits payment;

filling out a government form;

applying for Social Security, veterans', education, and other federal benefits;

explaining government activities or decisions;

applying to a military service academy;

seeking relief from a federal administrative decision; and

emigrating to the United States or applying for U.S. citizenship.

When am I unable to help you?

My office is unable to offer legal advice or recommend an attorney. The rules of the House do not allow me to intervene in or influence the outcome of cases that are under the jurisdiction of any court.  Finally, my office cannot intervene in matters under the jurisdiction of local or state governments.  This would include local zoning issues, criminal investigations, worker's compensation, and state/local licenses.

What is casework?

The term casework in a congressional office refers to the response or services that Members of Congress provide to constituents who request assistance. Each year, thousands of constituents turn to Members of Congress with a wide range of requests, from the simple to the complex. Members and their staffs help constituents deal with administrative agencies by acting as facilitators, ombudsmen, and, in some cases, advocates. In addition to serving individual constituents, some congressional offices also consider as casework liaison activities between the federal government and local governments, businesses, communities, and nonprofit organizations.

Do you reside in Florida's Sixth Congressional District?

Congressional courtesy and ethics rules provide that Members of Congress may only help those living in the district that they represent.

Does your case involve a Federal agency?

I can help you if you need assistance with a federal agency, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, or Medicare.

What about privacy?

Under the Privacy Act, each agency that maintains records containing an individual's personally identifiable information must have a release from that individual to share information with any other entity. In general, executive branch agencies cannot reply to a congressional inquiry without a Privacy Act release signed by the constituent requesting assistance.