Agency Assistant:
The Internet has cracked open the bureaucracy of the federal government. Many of the problems citizens have with government agencies can can be easily resolved online. This Agency Assistant provides answers to the most common questions, which are grouped by category. The answers often have links to specific websites, and addresses or phone numbers of agency departments to help you help yourself.
Of course, my casework specialists are available in each of my regional offices to assist if needed.
Veterans
- How can I obtain a copy of my military service record?
- How can I get or replace my medals or those of a family member?
Military
- Can I attempt to resolve a problem for a family member who is currently on active duty?
- I was previously a member of the armed services and was honorably discharged. How can I reenlist?
- Can you help me contact my family member stationed oversees?
Social Security Administration
- How do I replace a lost or stolen Social Security card?
- When can I retire and receive Social Security benefits?
- Must I sign up for Medicare benefits even though I have not yet retired?
- Is it true that the Social Security Administration tracks the most popular baby names?
- Can I speak with a live person at the Social Security Administration when I call?
Immigration related matters
- How do I become a United States citizen?
- Where can I find immigration forms?
- How can I check the status of my pending application?
Passports
- How do I get a passport?
- Where can I apply for a passport in Idaho?
- How can I get a passport quickly?
- Can I renew my passport by mail?
- Do U.S. citizens need a passport to return from a trip to Canada or Mexico?
- Can I track the progress of my passport application on-line?
Internal Revenue Service
- Can I check the status of my tax refund?
- Can I speak with someone at the IRS?
- Where I can get help when having ongoing problems with the Internal Revenue Service?
Veterans
Q: How can I obtain a copy of my military service record?
The National Archives stores records of individual military service pertaining to former service members who no longer have a service obligation at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). While service records are not available online, everything you need to know to obtain them is available on the National Archives website. Your request must be submitted in writing to the NPRC, either by letter, or by using Standard Form 180, or by sending a customized request created on the eVetRecs website.
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National Archives: Military Service Records Ways to Request Military Service Records eVetRecs: Create your request online Standard Form 180 NARA's National Personnel Records Center |  |
National Personnel Records Center9700 Page Avenue |
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voice: 314-801-0800 fax: 314 801-9195 |
Q: How can I get or replace my medals or those of a family member?
Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. Family members may only request medals and awards of living veterans by obtaining their signed authorizations. For deceased veterans, requests will be accepted only from next-of-kin. The National Personnel Records Center website offers detailed instructions and addresses for submitting requests, which must be in writing in a letter, on Standard Form 180, or in a customized request created on the eVetRecs website.
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NARA's National Personnel Records Center Requesting issuance of military awards and decorations eVetRecs: Create your request online Standard Form 180 | |
National Personnel Records Center9700 Page Avenue |
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voice: 314-801-0800 fax: 314 801-9195 |
Military
Q: Can I attempt to resolve a problem for a family member who is currently on active duty?
Our active duty soldiers defending freedom around the world occasionally have unique circumstances when dealing with federal agencies, and oftentimes have limited time and resources to resolve such matters because of where they are stationed. If you would like to act on the behalf of a family member on active duty, I would encourage you to discuss the matter with a casework specialist on my staff. The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) prohibits federal government agencies from releasing any information or discussing anything regarding another individual without their written permission. Although you may be family, the service member would need to complete and sign a Privacy Release form and return it to my office.
Q: I was previously a member of the armed services and was honorably discharged. How can I reenlist?
Begin by speaking with your local recruiter, who will need a copy of your DD-214. If you encounter difficulties, including age restrictions, please contact my office for assistance.
Q: Can you help me contact my family member stationed oversees?
My office can work with the specific military branch to get your message to the soldier, but it is then up to the soldier to return the call. Please have any information which may help when you speak with a casework specialist in my nearest regional office. The Red Cross offers emergency communication services to military personnel when important news is involved, such as an illness or death in the family, or the birth of a child. Visit the Red Cross website or contact your local chapter to learn more.
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Red Cross: Emergency Communications Services for families of Military Personnel |
Social Security Administration
Q: How do I replace a lost or stolen Social Security card?
You can replace your card by completing a Social Security Card Application, form SS-5, and mailing or taking it to your local Social Security Administration office. Along with the form, you will need to prove your identity with certain documents. The instructions included on form SS-5 list acceptable evidence documents and explain exactly what you will need.
Unfortunately, identity theft is a real concern in the world today. You should keep your Social Security Card in a safe place with your other important documents rather than carry it with you. The SSA offers a publication about identity theft that may be helpful if you are concerned after having your Social Security Card lost or stolen.
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SSA Fact Sheet: Getting a Social Security Card Application for Social Security Card (Initial or replacement) Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number | |
toll free: 1-800-772-1213, Live assistance Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., automated phone service 24 hours a day |
Q: When can I retire and receive Social Security benefits?
The minimum age for retirement is 62 years of age, but it is never too early to start planning. The Social Security Administration website offers a retirement planner and answers to many common questions. You may also contact the SSA for answers to specific questions.
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SSA Planners: Includes a retirement planner, benefits calculator, and frequently asked questions | |
toll free: 1-800-772-1213, Live assistance Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., automated phone service 24 hours a day |
Q: Must I sign up for Medicare benefits even though I have not yet retired?
There are many different scenarios that can affect your Medicare requirements, and I encourage you to access the Medicare Resources page on the Social Security Administration's website for complete information, or contact the SSA directly to discuss your requirements.
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SSA: Medicare Resources | |
toll free: 1-800-772-1213, Live assistance Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., automated phone service 24 hours a day |
Q: Is it true that the Social Security Administration tracks the most popular baby names?
Yes, the SSA tracks the top baby names for each year and releases a report on the previous year each Mother's Day. Access the SSA website for more information.
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SSA: Popular baby names |
Q: Can I speak with a live person at the Social Security Administration when I call?
Yes, you can contact the Social Security Administration by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Live representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can also use this number for automated services 24 hours a day.
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Contacting the Social Security Administration | |
toll free: 1-800-772-1213, Live assistance Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., automated phone service 24 hours a day |
Immigration related matters
Q: How do I become a United States citizen?
During my time in Congress, I have had the honor to speak at numerous Citizenship Ceremonies. I continue to be humbled by the process of choosing one's citizenship and swearing allegiance to a country in which you were not born. I encourage you to take this process very seriously and enroll in citizenship classes in your community. Contact the National Customer Service Center, or access the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service website to learn about eligibility, download forms, submit an application online, or check the status of a pending application.
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Infopass: Online scheduling of appointments with an officer at a local USCIS office | |
National Customer Service Center, 1-800-375-5283 automated telephone service 24 hours a day, live assistance available Monday through Friday 8am until 6pm |
Q: Where can I find immigration forms?
Immigration forms may be downloaded and submitted on the USCIS website. You may also obtain forms from a USCIS local office. There are two USCIS local offices that service Idaho:
- Boise Field Office online info
1185 South Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709 - Spokane Field Office online info
U.S. Courthouse, Room 691, 920 West Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Service |
Q: How can I check the status of my pending application?
If you have a pending application, and know the case number assigned to it by the USCIS, you can check the status of your application from the front page of the USCIS website.
If you have encountered problems with the processing of your application, I may be able to help. Contact a casework specialist in my nearest regional office for assistance.
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Service |
Passports
Q: How do I get a passport?
United States citizens can visit the State Department's web site, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center. Although the U.S. Department of State suggests allowing 6 weeks for processing of a passport application, I strongly encourage Idahoans planning a trip out of the country to obtain a passport a minimum of three months prior to travel.
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U.S. Department of State: Passports | |
U.S. National Passport Information Center: 877-4USA-PPT (877-487-2778) |
Q: Where can I apply for a passport in Idaho?
The Department of State designates many post offices and county clerks of court to accept passport applications on its behalf. To locate the office closest to you, access the Department of State website to search for acceptance facilities by ZIP code.
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Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page |
Q: How can I get a passport quickly?
A passport application may be expedited at an additional cost. The Department of State website explains how you can get your passport in a hurry.
There may also be circumstances that require a passport to be obtained immediately. Idahoans can travel directly to a passport agency in specific cities throughout the nation for an in-person interview. A casework specialist in my nearest regional office can assist you with scheduling an appointment.
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How to get your passport in a hurry |
Q: Can I renew my passport by mail?
Yes, if you have a passport that has not been damaged and is less than 15 years old, and you were at least 16 years old when it was issued and have the same name (or can legally document your name change) you can renew your passport by mail. Instructions and forms are available on the Department of State website.
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U.S. Department of State: Passports | |
U.S. National Passport Information Center: 877-4USA-PPT (877-487-2778) |
Q: Do U.S. citizens need a passport to return from a trip to Canada or Mexico?
At the beginning of 2007, the U.S. Department of State implemented new passport travel requirements for air travelers entering the United States—including U.S. citizens. While this first phase currently affects only those traveling by air, travelers entering the United States via land and sea must also comply with the new requirements as early as January 1, 2008--this includes return travel from Canada and Mexico. You can obtain complete information on this initiative and passport applications and instructions on the Department of State website.
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New Requirements for U.S. Citizens Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Document Requirements |
Q: Can I track the progress of my passport application on-line?
Yes, you can track the progress of your passport application on the Department of State website with your last name, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Please note: it takes a minimum of three weeks for your information to appear in the system.
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Checking the Status of Your Application |
Internal Revenue Service
Q: Can I check the status of my tax refund?
Yes, a taxpayer can check the status of their refund on the IRS website.
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IRS: Where's My Refund? |
Q: Can I speak with someone at the IRS?
Yes, live telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday between 7am and 10pm. There are also four IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Idaho where taxpayers can speak with an IRS representative in person:
- Boise
550 West Fort Street
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(208) 387-2847 - Coeur D'Alene
1221 Ironwood Drive
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(208) 676-8798 - Idaho Falls
1820 East 17th Street
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(208) 523-8041 - Pocatello
611 Wilson Avenue
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(208) 236-6795
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IRS: Telephone Assistance IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Idaho | |
for Individuals: 1-800-829-1040 for Businesses: 1-800-829-4933 |
Q: Where I can get help when having ongoing problems with the Internal Revenue Service?
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an IRS program that provides an independent system to assure that tax problems are handled promptly and fairly. This service is free and offers confidential assistance for taxpayers who have been unable to resolve their tax problems through normal channels and also for individuals experiencing a hardship.
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The Taxpayer Advocate Service | |
Taxpayer Advocate 550 West Fort Street Boise, ID 83724 |
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voice: 208-387-2827 toll-free: 877-777-4778 fax: 208-387-2824 |