Casework Tips!

Tips for IRS casework-  

• A signed/dated copy of the tax return in question is required, along with the constituent’s signed authorization form.  The tax return should be uploaded in pdf format along with the authorization form.  
   
• Authorization form must include date of birth and Social Security number.       
   
• If requesting an expedited processing of the return due to financial hardship, please include supporting documentation of the hardship (eviction or foreclosure notice, late notices, etc.). 

Tips for USPS casework-  

• You must submit a signed authorization form for our office to reach out to USPS on your behalf.  Please be as specific as possible.  (How many weeks/months has your mail service been erratic?   How many days since your mail was delivered?  How many missed delivery days this week?)     
   
• Include incident dates when applicable and any assigned USPS case numbers or tracking information.   
   
• If searching for a missing mail piece, please include addresses or origin if available and destination.     
   
• If the problem is with mail forwarding, be sure to include starting/stopping dates and the old address as well as the forwarded address.   
   
• Please upload photos from your USPS informed delivery account of mail that is missing.    
   
• For mail that arrives extremely late, damaged, or open, please upload a photo of the front and back of the envelope showing barcodes.   This will assist USPS in determining what happened while in transit.     

Tips for Employment-related casework  (DOL, EEOC, or other federal agency personnel matter) 

• Your signed authorization form must include your Social Security number and birth date.   
   
• Your request to the agency for grievance, re-consideration, appeal, etc., is submitted by our office exactly as you submit it to us.  
   
• Be very specific in your request and provide any applicable case numbers, incident dates, etc. for which you are seeking assistance as well as documentation to support your request.   

Tips for Passport Renewals

• Check your passport expiration date! If it is expired or expiring within 1 year, submit for renewal whether you have travel or not to travel.state.gov
   
• Have a valid passport before you make irreversible travel plans. Even expedited service takes longer than most people expect.
   
• Pay extra for 1-2 day return delivery and use traceable mail to send, so you can track your application before it enters our system.
   
• Check application status online at passportstatus.state.gov and sign up for emailed updates. If you applied online, log into MyTravelGov to check status.
   
• Use the online’s form filler tool and online photo info to submit a good application

Tips for Immigration Casework

• Before we can make an inquiry on your behalf, please review USCIS processing times here to determine whether your case is still within normal processing times. You can also check the status of your case through this portal. If you are requesting expedited processing, please carefully review USCIS criteria here.
   
• If your case is outside of normal processing times, you believe USCIS has made an error in processing your case or you believe you meet the USCIS criteria for expedited processing, my office can submit a formal inquiry on your behalf. We will not be able to submit a "case status" inquiry to USCIS if your case is still within normal processing times and you do not qualify for expedited processing, as the status of your case will be shared on the case status portal on the USCIS website.
   
• Requests for expedited processing must include documentation to support your claim that your case meets USCIS criteria. USCIS will not consider an expedite request without supporting evidence. Please upload all available evidence with your Privacy Release Form.