Casework - Prepare Your Case
This section will outline what materials you will need to gather and submit to my office to open your case. Please read this information carefully as the material you submit must be complete in order for my staff to assist you more effectively and efficiently to resolve your problem. To speak with a member of my staff for additional assistance or to answer any questions you may have, you may call my South Carolina office nearest you.
Step 1 - Complete a Privacy Release Authorization
Please print and complete a copy of the privacy release authorization form that applies to the type of case you need my office to assist you with:
- Immigration/Naturalization Privacy Release Authorization (PDF)
[The USCIS requires certain specific information to track your case. The required information is contained on this release form.]
- Internal Revenue Service Privacy Release Authorization (PDF)
[The IRS requires its own authorization form, which you must complete before they will respond to an inquiry from my office.]
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To view and print a PDF file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your PC. |
Why it is necessary to submit a privacy release form?
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that Members of Congress and their staff receive written authorization from the individual involved before they are allowed to obtain information about an individual's case. This is to protect you from having people access information about you without your permission. Privacy is a precious right and any personal information you provide to my office related to your case will be handled on a confidential basis.
Step 2 - Gather Relevant Paperwork about your Case
Make copies of any relevant documents you have that provide a summary of your case.
In addition, for certain types of cases the agency involved requires specific information in order to proceed with an inquiry on your behalf. You should include the following information if it applies to your case:
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Cases: You will need to provide your CSA or CSF number, as well as your Social Security number and your date of birth. To report the death of an annuitant and to apply for survivor benefits, you will need the death certificate of the deceased.
- Social Security Disability (SSD) Cases: You will need to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) before you contact my office. Once you have applied, my staff will need to know which specific office you filed your claim or appeal and where you are in the process. When applying for SSD, you should be prepared to go through several steps.
- Veterans Affairs Cases: You will need to provide your CF number, along with your Social Security Number.
- Workers' Comp Cases: You will need to provide your case number, along with your Social Security Number to help us track your case.
Step 3 - Submit your paperwork
There are specialists on my staff who can assist you with your case. Once you have compiled the necessary information and supporting documents and completed the required privacy release form, please mail it to, or drop it off at, my South Carolina office nearest you.
Why can't I just send you my information by e-mail?
E-mails are not secure communications. You should never put any private, personal information, such as your Social Security number, in an e-mail, as that e-mail could be intercepted over the Internet.
Casework Contact Information
To speak with a member of my staff for additional assistance or to answer any questions you may have, you may call my South Carolina office nearest you.