Lance Office Marks 5000^th Successful Constituent Case

District Offices Help Residents Confront Red Tape

WESTFIELD, N.J.  — Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today proudly announced his congressional offices have successfully closed its 5000^th constituent casework request.  Constituent cases are opened by Lance’s staff when residents ask the office for assistance and are experiencing difficulties with federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, the State Department or any other federal agency.  Lance’s staff works as an advocate for the constituent until a successful resolution.

“My New Jersey offices are dedicated to advocating for constituents who need help with federal agencies.  Every day constituents contact my office to help sort through issues concerning Veterans Affairs benefits, Social Security checks and passport requests.   Too often these important matters get lost somewhere in the federal bureaucracy.  My offices stand ready to help residents get the services or assistance they need and are entitled to receive.  I am proud of our team in Westfield and Flemington and I encourage all residents experiencing difficulty with a federal agency to use our offices as a resource,” said Lance.

Lance’s offices are well-equipped to handle a variety of casework matters.  Some successful examples:

Assisting constituents in dealing with the Armed Services.

“I had an issue dealing with the U.S. Army.  Congressman Lance’s office persisted and got me the answers I needed.  And the Congressman and his staff still follow up and continue to be attentive to my family and me.” — Frank White of Clinton, N.J.

Obtained earned benefits from the Veterans Administration.

“The Congressman’s staff was relentless in its pursuit of our Dad’s rights.  Through continual determination, the Congressman’s staff secured what had at one time seemed an unrealistic goal of obtaining benefits. We can rest assured that our father will receive all of the benefits he so rightly deserves as a veteran of our country due to the office’s hard work.” — Paul Ligas of Cranford, N.J.

“After 2 1/2 years of frustration everything has been approved from the V.A.!  My dad will finally receive the benefits that we have been waiting for, if not for your help, I do not think this would have ever been resolved; I was ready to give up on the whole process.  My family thanks you for staying involved over all these months to finally make this happen.  Thank you for getting this to the finish line!” — Dan Ramella of North Plainfield, N.J.

Contesting inaccurate or incomplete pension awards.

“On behalf of my mother Judy Barends and myself, we would like to thank the Congressman’s staff for all the time and effort put into regaining my father’s pension.  Had we not had your help we would not be at this point. Your efforts are very much appreciated.” — Judith Barends of Asbury, N.J.

By the numbers:

• Over 100 Passports in the hands of students and travelers.

After submitting Passport requests, some constituents never hear back from the Department of State as graduations, weddings and vacations quickly approach.  Lance’s office has helped over 100 constituents get the paperwork sorted out in time for travel. 

• $22,000 in one case alone from the Veterans Administration.

Constituents have received thousands of earned veteran benefits after contacting our office for assistance with stalled dependency claims and benefits/compensation claims.  Lance casework managers are able to escalate cases and clear the way for payment.  Thousands of dollars have been recouped by caseworker managers’ diligence.

• $400,000 in total missed earnings from Social Security Administration.

One Hunterdon County constituent had been waiting for months for a decision on his Social Security case.  Our caseworkers made an inquiry, submitted additional information to the file and determined that his situation warranted an expeditious resolution.  This story has played out on almost a weekly basis.

• 25 veterans receive never awarded military medals.

Lance’s office has assisted 25 veterans or family members receive medals earned in military service.  These include those lost, stolen or never-awarded.

• $65,000 saved by correcting IRS error.

A Union County family was billed $65,000 from the IRS in mistaken liens.  Our caseworkers advocated for them until there was a successful resolution.

Residents in need of assistance should call Lance’s Westfield District Office at (908) 518-7733 or Flemington District Office at (908) 788-6900.  Lance’s offices can assist with problems with the IRS, missing or incorrect figures from Social Security, assistance with passports and visas and a number of veterans related services including health care and pensions, treatment access and receiving service medals.