Commonly Asked Questions

• I was awarded a favorable decision by an Administrative Law Judge but have not received any benefits. Can the Congressman’s Office help me?
• I have been charged with an overpayment. What are my options?
• My claim is taking too long to process, can the Congressman request an expedite?

I was awarded a favorable decision by an Administrative Law Judge but have not received any benefits. Can the Congressman’s Office help me?

Yes. Occasionally, for one reason or another, benefits are delayed in getting to our constituents. Congressman Blumenauer's office can call and check on the status of your claim, and give you an estimated time frame for when you can expect benefits to arrive. In certain cases, where the need warrants the action, the office can ask that the Social Security Administration (SSA) expedite the claim. An example of such need would be if a beneficiary were to receive a foreclosure notice on his or her home, an eviction notice from a rental property, or the beneficiary does not have long to live.

I have been charged with an overpayment. What are my options?

Overpayments can occur for a variety or reasons, and they are always frustrating. The first option is to appeal the decision that an overpayment has been made. You may appeal the overpayment if you feel that the Social Security Administration has made an error. You have a right to continued benefits while your appeal is in review. Second, if the SSA has not made an error, and you are indeed overpaid you may apply for a hardship waiver. A hardship waiver is awarded if the beneficiary is without fault in the overpayment and meets income requirements that prove it would be a terrible hardship to repay the debt. Third, if it is determined that the overpayment is legitimate and there is no hardship, a payment plan can be set up to repay the debt in a manner that is agreeable to both parties.

My claim is taking too long to process, can the Congressman request an expedite?

No. It is not possible for a Member of Congress to expedite a Social Security claim. However, a staff member can monitor your claim and make certain that it is handled properly and within a reasonable period of time relative to other cases in the same office.