Veterans

Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help with my Veteran’s Affairs claim?

If you have a claim pending with the VA, my office can check on the status of your claim. However, please be aware that we are unable to compel the VA to process your application ahead of others who have filed before you. If you have a genuine emergency, my office can relay your situation to the VA.

For general information about veteran’s issues, visit the Department of Veteran’s Affairs website at http://www.va.gov.

Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help me to get my military records?

To request a copy of your military records, you should fill out the form SF-180. This form can be downloaded by clicking http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf. If you have completed the SF-180 and have not received a timely response, our office can check on the status of your request.

Social Security

Where is my local social security office?

The Social Security Administration has field offices throughout Minnesota. In order to locate the office closest to you, visit the “local office search” page on the SSA website at https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp.

How do I apply for social security disability benefits?

You can apply for social security disability benefits online on the social security website. You can also get assistance with your application over the phone or in person by visiting your local office.

More information about applying for social security disability benefits is available at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/.

I have been waiting for several months for a Social Security Disability hearing. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office check on the status of my case?

My office can contact the social security Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) and request that your case be marked “congressional interest.” ODAR will then send an update on your case to my office each month. To have your case marked as “congressional interest,” please fill out our Privacy Act Release form and send it to my Minnesota office.

Can Senator Klobuchar’s office expedite my hearing date for my application for social security disability benefits?

The average wait time for a hearing is 18 to 21 months. Unfortunately, our office is unable to reduce the wait time. In certain, limited instances, the Social Security office will expedite case processing. In order for a case to be expedited, you must meet one of the following conditions: lack of food, inability to afford prescriptions or receive adequate medical care, lack of health insurance, imminent eviction, or homelessness.

For general information about social security issues, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/.

I submitted a claim for social security disability benefits but I have not received any information. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office check on my claim?

If you have submitted a claim for disability benefits and have not received a response from the Social Security Administration, my office can make an inquiry to check on the status of your claim. Please be aware that the Social Security Administration makes final decisions regarding whether a claim can be approved under their pre-established guidelines.

Identity Theft

I have been a victim of identity theft, what should I do?

The Federal Trade Commission has extensive information on how to avoid identity theft, and what to do if you believe your identity has been stolen. Please visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.cfm for more detailed information.

If you have errors on your credit report as a result of identity theft, or you are having difficulties resolving an issue with one of the credit reporting agencies, (Trans Union, Equifax, or Experian) my office can help you get in direct contact with representatives at the credit reporting agencies.

Education

How do I apply for student loans for college?

You can apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN (Personal Identification Number), fill out a FAFSA, and apply for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education online at http://studentaid.ed.gov.

If you have questions regarding loan options or the application process, contact your school’s financial aid office directly.

I am unable to repay my student loans because I am disabled and on a limited income. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help me?

The U.S. Department of Education offers resources for individuals who are unable to repay their student loans. Information is available at http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/repaying.jsp.

In some very limited circumstances, the U.S. Department of Education will allow a discharge of your student loans. For information on how to apply for a discharge of your student loans, please visit the link above, or contact my office.

Medicare

My Medicare claim was denied. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help with this?

If you have submitted a claim to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), my office can contact Medicare to inquire about the reason for the denial and whether any options are available.

If you are having a problem with your Medicare Part D provider, my office can contact your provider on your behalf. In addition to our regular Privacy Act Release which can be found at the top of this page, please complete a HIPPA-compliant release (link to HIPAA release). This allows your Medicare Part D provider to discuss your situation with my office.

Taxes/IRS

Can Senator Klobuchar’s office find out when I will receive my tax refund?

To check the status of your Federal tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service, visit the IRS website at www.IRS.gov.

If status information is not available, or you did not receive your refund in the time listed on the IRS website, my office can contact the IRS on your behalf. Please fill out a Privacy Act Release form and send it to my Minnesota office.

For information on your Minnesota state tax refund from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, visit www.taxes.state.mn.us. Because this is a Minnesota state agency and not a federal agency, you will need to contact your state elected officials for additional assistance.

How do I locate IRS forms and find e-filing information?

IRS forms and publications and links to e-filing resources are available at www.IRS.gov.

I am having a problem with the IRS that I have been unable to resolve on my own. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office contact the IRS for me?

If you are having a problem with the IRS and have been unable to resolve it on your own through normal channels, my office can contact the IRS on your behalf. My staff works with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an IRS program that provides an independent system to assure that tax problems are promptly and fairly handled.

For IRS assistance, please fill out a Privacy Act Release form and send it to my Minnesota office. Please include copies of any important documentation or recent IRS notices that might help us to more accurately understand your problem.

Please be aware that my office is unable to get involved in legal disputes with the IRS.

Immigration

Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help to expedite my application to become a United States citizen?

The USCIS processes millions of naturalization applications each year. As part of the process, your application must undergo a security clearance. The FBI states that the majority of name checks clear electronically within 48-72 hours. The remaining applications must undergo a manual search which can take an extended period of time. The FBI has informed my office that expedite requests for name checks can only be made by the FBI’s customer agencies and that if my office contacts the FBI, it will only further tie up vital resources. Therefore, my office is not able to contact the FBI regarding your name check. To view more information about the FBI security check process, please visit the FBI’s FAQ website at http://www.fbi.gov/page2/nationalnamecheck.htm.

I have filed an application for an immigration benefit but have not received any information. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office assist me?

If you have a pending claim with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, my office can check on the status of your case. If the receipt date on your application is not current, however, the USCIS is unable to process your case ahead of other cases. To obtain a list of processing dates, please visit the USCIS website at https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp;jsessionid=bKknV3FKbHOg.

For general information about immigration issues, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website at http://www.uscis.gov.

My relative or friend was denied a visa to travel to the United States. Can Senator Klobuchar’s office help my relative or friend to obtain a visa?

Applicants for visitor visas must prove that they have a residence outside the United States which they have no intention of abandoning. Cases which do not unequivocally establish the applicant's intention to return to their home country are routinely denied and are extremely difficult to overcome in later applications.

Unfortunately, there is no appeal process for denials of visitor visa applications. If your relative or friend plans to reapply for a visa and can demonstrate evidence of strong ties to his or her homeland, my office can send a letter to the Embassy or Consulate requesting due consideration of the application.

Passports

Over the past several years, applications for United States passports have increased significantly, causing a serious backlog and delay in application processing times. Much of the increase in applications stems from the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires passports for travel within the Western Hemisphere. I am very concerned about the huge problems this delay has been causing for Minnesotans. Over the last couple of years, I have urged the State Department to deal with this crisis and in May of 2009 the State Department announced the opening of a new office in Minneapolis to help handle passport requests.

In June of 2007, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security temporarily lifted certain passport requirements to ease longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand. However, this temporary rule no longer applies. On June 1, 2009, the final phase of the Western Hemisphere travel Initiative (WHTI) went into effect.

CURRENTLY:

When traveling by air, between the U.S. and any other country, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda, you are required to present a U.S. Passport. This applies to everyone, including newborns, infants, and children. The only exceptions are:

• U.S. Citizens on active duty with the U.S. Armed forces traveling with military ID and travel orders
• U.S. citizen merchant mariners traveling in conjunction with maritime business, with U.S. issued Merchant Mariner Document
• Travelers with a NEXUS card for use at a NEXUS kiosk at Canadian Preclearance airports
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents with a Permanent Resident Card or other evidence of Permanent Resident status AND required travel document
• Refugees and Asylees with a Refugee Travel Document

AS OF JUNE 1, 2009 THESE NEW PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND AND SEA TRAVEL HAVE TAKEN EFFECT:

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The new rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport or a passport card. The only exceptions are:

• CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 traveling BY LAND OR SEA between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the countries of the Caribbean will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
• Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, BY LAND OR SEA between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the countries of the Caribbean will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship
• Members of the U.S. Military with military ID and travel orders
• Lawful Permanent Residents with a Permanent Resident Card AND acceptable travel document

U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. Passport Card, which facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards. Many Minnesotans who live near the U.S.-Canadian border have applied for these passport cards.

For more information on the WHTI, please visit the Department of Homeland Security's comprehensive Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative web site at http://www.getyouhome.gov

How can Senator Klobuchar's office assist me with my passport?

With the recent change in regulations, passport applications are taking much longer than the normal processing times. Staff in my Minnesota office is working to help Minnesotans get through this passport crisis. Here's how:

Have You Already Applied for a Passport?

You check the status of your application on the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

If you depart within two weeks and have not received your passport, please send an email to our Minneapolis office at Passports@klobuchar.senate.gov with the following information:

Departure Date:

Name:

Date of Birth:

Social Security Number:

Application Number:

Address:

Phone:

When did you apply for your passport?

Did you apply for routine or expediated service?

Someone from our Minneapolis office will respond to your email right away. If you have not received a response within 24 hours of sending your request or if you have any questions, please call our Minneapolis office at (612) 727-5220.

Need to apply for a passport?

For information on applying for a passport, visit the Department of State passport website at http://travel.state.gov/passport. Here you can find information on where to apply and what documents you will need, application fees, travel document requirements, and how to get your passport in a hurry.

If you have any questions, please call our Minneapolis office at (612) 727-5220.

How long does it currently take to get a passport?

According to the Department of State, passport applications (first time applications and renewals) are taking 4 weeks, and expedited applications and renewals are taking 2 to 3 weeks. However, my office has learned that routine applications are actually taking longer than 4 weeks, so please allow extra processing time for your passport. Apply early, and pay for expedited processing if necessary.

The following resources are available to learn more about passport changes:

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm

http://www.getyouhome.gov

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html

http://travel.state.gov/passport

Small Business

Can Senator Klobuchar assist me in getting funding to start a small business?

The U.S. Small Business Administration assists Americans to start, build and grow businesses. The SBA provides a variety of financial assistance programs for existing small businesses and loan programs for people interested in starting a new business. To find more information about assistance for small businesses, visit the SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/index.cfm.

Housing

I am facing foreclosure on my home because of predatory lending. Where can I get assistance?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved agencies throughout Minnesota to provide housing and financial counseling to individuals and families. You can find a list of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=MN.

I have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and I am having trouble with my landlord or property management company. How can Senator Klobuchar’s office help me?

My office has a designated liaison at the Minneapolis HUD field office that will help constituents resolve issues with their landlords or management companies. Additionally, my office can help you resolve a problem you are having if you live in public housing.

Please fill out a Privacy Act Release form and send it to my Minnesota office and make sure to include your full name, property location and name, and the name of your housing authority or agency.