Casework Success Stories

One of Rep. Larson’s most important jobs as a Member of Congress is helping his constituents resolve federal matters. From Veterans’ and Military issues, Social Security and Medicare, to Travel, Immigration, and the IRS, Rep. Larson’s office stands ready to help you navigate government bureaucracy. 

Although Rep. Larson’s office cannot guarantee a favorable outcome, his District Office stands ready to assist you with your federal needs. If you are not sure whether your issue is a federal matter, his office can help you determine who can best assist you. 

To understand more about how our office can assist you, please visit the Help with a Federal Agency page, or call the District Office at 860-278-8888 to be connected with a member of Rep. Larson’s staff. 

Medicare & Social Security 

Alan from Bristol

After Alan was in an accident, Medicare believed he owed money to pay for medical bills that his private insurance already covered and directed the Department of the Treasury to collect the debt from Alan’s Social Security check. The office communicated the correct amounts his private insurance covered and Medicare stopped taking money out of his check and repaid him.

“Congressman Larson helped resolve a Social Security matter related to a settlement from a car accident. I am happy with the results. Congressman Larson’s office was very helpful.”

Candace

Candace called the office when she and her husband signed up for Medicare but did not receive their cards in a timely manner. The office reached out to Social Security, who determines eligibility for Medicare, and found out SSA needed proof of their insurance through employment. Once this information was presented to SSA, they both received the Medicare coverage they were entitled to.

“My Medicare application was held up and the Social Security Administration did not tell me why. We applied post 65 and followed the directions on their website. But the web site directions do not include specific proof people over 65 applying need to provide. Congressman Larson’s office was able to quickly determine the issue and supply me with the forms we needed to submit. Believe me I would never have gotten that information. They resolved my issue with great speed.”

Anna from West Hartford 

Anna, a retired postal worker, read about new legislation with respect to retired postal workers and their health benefits.  The legislation included changes to Medicare and she wanted to fully understand how this would affect her.  

“The timely response to my question resolved an important issue about Medicare Part B and the recently passed Postal Reform Act, which affects me as a 65-year-old postal retiree. I received a written response within days of my query, with citations to two articles for further information. I have never had the occasion to contact your office, and I was impressed.” 

Stephen from Bloomfield 

Stephen applied for retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration.  After not hearing from the agency for months and seeking answers he called Congressman Larson’s Office. 

“After waiting for 4 1/2 months for an answer from Social Security to my request for retirement benefits, you got involved and I had a response in two days! The Congressman’s office was very quick to respond, very positive, and of course, very effective! I have a positive view of my Congressman!” 

Leanne from Rocky Hill 

Leanne called in when her mother passed, and the family was attempting to close out the estate. Due to a final Social Security payment that had yet to be deposited in her mother’s account, it created a problem for many months for the family.  

“Your office assisted with my 7-month struggle trying to receive my mother's last Social Security payment. I was going around in circles, getting nowhere and this was the last piece we needed in order to close out Probate and a bank account that we had to leave open so Social Security had somewhere to deposit the check to. After I spoke with your office looking for some help, the check was received within a week and a half. Your office was wonderful: quick to get back to me on the phone and via email with forms I needed to fill out, thoroughly explaining what was needed and why, instead of telling me to just e-mail it. I was surprised at how quickly someone in government was willing to reach out and help me alleviate a problem that was not allowing my family to move forward after my mother's death.” 

Richard from West Hartford 

Richard contacted Congressman Larson’s office after he was dropped from the Medicare B Program and a Medicare Advantage Program due to missed payments. The office was able to reach out Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and have him reinstated, as well as offer Medicare Part B Premium Assistance through the Connecticut Department of Social Services: 

“I got my Medicare issue resolved quickly and it looks like I will be OK now. I presented my problem with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and your staff understood it and knew what to do. They resolved the issue in about one week where I had been struggling for over 5 months. I have always had a good view of government. This positive experience just increased my trust.” 

Karen from Newington 

Karen called Congressman Larson’s office as she was the executor of her mother’s estate and had concerns when she passed that Social Security did not stop her checks.  Karen could not reach Social Security, so the office reached out on her behalf to obtain clarification about the benefit: 

“I contacted your office with regards to a Social Security issue with my mom. Your staff was great. They took my information and contacted Social Security for me and were able to get a quick response, something I had no luck with when I contacted them on my own. Your staff was professional, efficient and took immediate action, with my issue resolved quickly. I myself was a government worker, and despite all the negativity towards the government, I know there are many good workers among the bad apples which I experienced.” 

Immigration 

Nitin from South Windsor 

Nitin contacted Congressman Larson’s office requesting assistance obtaining his family’s immigration status. Congressman Larson’s office contacted the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and was provided with the status of the pending petitions, including information concerning their eventual approval. 

“I really appreciate Congressman Larson's office, all who supported getting updates from USCIS about my family's green card application under alien of extraordinary ability category. I really appreciate the follow ups and keeping us updated on progress of me and my family's application. I loved the way Congressman Larson heard my case and gave me assurance that he will help me in any way he could. Congressman Larson did deliver his promise through his office and the assurance that government is there to help for the needy.”   

Behar from Newington 

Behar from Newington had tried unsuccessfully to obtain an interview for his naturalization application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). He contacted Congressman Larson’s office for help getting a response from USCIS: 

“My case was stuck in one of the USCIS offices and thanks to Congressman Larson’s office, I was able to get an interview scheduled. The office was very helpful in walking me through the process. I never expected this kind of service and am very impressed with what the office did for me.”

Pavan & Rupa from Rocky Hill 

Pavan and Rupa from Rocky Hill contacted Congressman Larson’s office after their green card applications were delayed. Congressman Larson’s office contacted USCIS to register interest in both applications which were subsequently approved by the agency: 

“Our green card was getting delayed though we were current from six months and responded to the Request for Evidence. We went through a lot of mental stress as we could not make travel plans and were not sure where our case got stuck. With the Congressman’s help, our case got approved.”

Jessica from Hartford 

Jessica and her spouse contacted Congressman Larson’s office requesting assistance obtaining the status of a pending waiver petition the United States Citizenship an Immigration Services (USCIS). Congressman Larson’s office contacted USCIS and was provided with the status of the pending petition, including information concerning the adjudication of the petition:    

“My case was with immigration, Congressman Larson’s office helped me a lot because my spouses’ case seemed to be stuck for 6 years and thanks to him, I was able to get clarification on the case’s status. They helped me a lot, we had communication with the office via phone and email and their help was a success. Congressman Larson helped my family a lot. Finally, my husband is waiting for his appointment so he can go to the interview in Peru and have his documents in order and we can be firmly together.” 

Housing 

Annie from West Hartford 

Annie from West Hartford had questions about rent and utility rebates available to seniors. After hearing from Annie, Congressman Larson’s office provided her with the information she needed as well as acritical update on her missing stimulus check: 

“I called in for assistance with a passport, housing, and the IRS. Rep. Larson’s office made a difference by showing that they care about me as a constituent, and I can count on them in the future. My case involved my stimulus and a housing issue that were both resolved in a timely manner.”

Debbie from Hartford 

Debbie from Hartford was struggling to pay her rent, so she applied for emergency rental assistance through UniteCT. Unable to find any information regarding the status of her application, she reached out to Congressman Larson’s office for help, whose inquiry led to the approval of her application: 

“Words cannot explain how grateful I am to the staff of John Larson. Congressman Larson was on top of the matter from beginning to the end. My experience was positive. I would encourage and recommend citizens who have issues to contact their representative. Thank you once again.” 

Sandra from Hartford 

Sandra called Congressman Larson’s office as she was seeking assistance for a homeless client through her non-profit.  The client had been provided temporary disability benefits, but they were under review.  Until they were reinstated, the client needed proof they were eligible for disability to obtain housing.  The office was able to provide proof and the housing was secured for the client: 

“I requested help to get a homeless person the income from Social Security’s disability determination to obtain housing. Your staff was extremely helpful contacting Social Security on my client’s case. They expedited her award and provided me with regular updates and paperwork to prove income. I was very pleased that your office effectively helped my indigent client receive her benefits. My client will now be admitted to a residential care facility.”   

Veterans’ and Military Issues 

Jeffrey from South Windsor 

Jeffrey, a Gulf War veteran from South Windsor, found himself unable to work due to a service-related disability. He reached out to Congressman Larson’s office after repeated attempts to get information regarding the status of his claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After Congressman Larson’s office intervened, Jeffrey’s claim was processed, and he was awarded his compensation with back pay: 

“The complicated and confusing system the VA has in place is unusable. Without the inquiry made by Congressman Larson’s office, I feel I would have gotten no answers and been left in the dark. His office made every effort to keep me informed, was kind and helpful, and even gave me weekly updates and would contact me immediately if they received information from the VA. As a retired government employee and a disabled veteran, I can honestly say this office is one of the few efficient offices in the federal government.” 

John from Glastonbury 

John contacted Congressman Larson’s office after several failed attempts at correcting his father’s military record. Congressman Larson’s office was able present evidence provided by John to the National Personnel Records Center who in turn issued a military record reflecting his father’s entitlement to the Bronze Star:   

“Congressman Larson’s office held my hand through the process, as I tried to correct my father's military record. Thanks to their assistance, my father's Bronze Star was recognized. The Congressman’s office was outstanding! They kept in touch with me every step of the way and were always available to me.”    

Travel 

Teresa from Windsor Locks 

Teresa sent applications for her daughters’ passports to the Department of State months prior to her family trip and they were still “in process”. With her family trip approaching soon, she contacted Congressman Larson’s office for assistance, who was able to get her an appointment with the Connecticut Passport Agency in time for their trip:    

“Your office ensured we could continue on our family vacation. This meant everything to us as this was our first trip with my parents and we may not have the opportunity to travel with them again due to declining health and age. Your office was very responsive and easy to work with. I found that there are ways you can assist us with Federal Offices that I previously was unaware of.”  

Michelle from Bristol 

Michelle was in the process of renewing her passport and it was lost in the mail. She attempted to contact the Department of State and was unable to get through. With her trip to Europe coming up, she contacted Congressman Larson’s office for help, who was able to get her an appointment with the Connecticut Passport Agency:   

“My passport was lost in the mail. I was traveling abroad and could not get through to the Passport Agency to make an appointment after weeks of trying. I contacted Congressman Larson's office and they got me an appointment the day before I left for a trip abroad. Without them, I wouldn't have gone. My caseworkers were extremely caring and kind. They advocated for me and called me with updates so I would be less stressed. They were very patient with my calling to check in and assured me they would do everything possible to help me and they made it happen. I couldn't be more grateful! I am a constituent of Larson’s territory and they worked on my behalf which is the job of our elected officials.”

Sonia from West Hartford 

Sonia had unprecedented delays in her passport renewal process. With upcoming professional commitments as a scientist and educator in Canada and Europe, she contacted Congressman Larson’s office for help, who was able to get her an appointment with the Connecticut Passport Agency:   

“Your office made it possible for me to renew my U.S. passport so as to meet upcoming professional commitments as a scientist and educator without risking detainment abroad. I was very impressed with the effort your office put into my case and how carefully your office kept in touch with me throughout the process. For my problem to be taken seriously and carefully solved by my Congressman's office was certainly a very positive experience. This kind of caring service is an excellent example of the value of our government.” 

Tuppence from Broad Brook 

Tuppence reached out to Congressman Larson’s office for help in securing an emergency passport renewal appointment for two minor children, ahead of a scheduled family cruise. Congressman Larson’s office contacted the Connecticut Passport Agency, who granted the appointment for in-person services and issued the minors’ passports ahead of the date of travel. 

“We applied for our expedited passports, but just so happened to fall into the sudden increased volume which meant our original forecasted time would be doubled. While mine arrived a full week ahead of our trip, my two children's passports were nowhere to be seen! I spent hours calling the passport agency, but the nearest appointment location they could offer me was in Houston, TX. Honestly, Congressman Larson’s office was a miracle worker. I have no idea how they managed to find us an appointment spot so close to our deadline, but they did. Furthermore, they kept us updated via e-mail, so we had absolute certainty that our case was being handled and we never once felt overlooked. They explained every step in detail as it came up and because of this, the process was straightforward to navigate and not at all overwhelming. Furthermore, they were very personable and very professional. I am glad our government has such fine staff members!”  

Elizabeth from Cromwell 

Elizabeth from Cromwell had planned a vacation to Budapest with her family. She was left scrambling when she realized her passport was expired. Not sure where to turn, Elizabeth contacted Congressman Larson’s office for help, who was able get her an appointment with the Connecticut Passport Agency in time for her trip: 

“Without the intervention and help from this office a ‘once in a lifetime’ vacation would have been ruined. I could not get any information about my missing passport needed for a family vacation. I was contacted by the office and they contacted essential personnel to get ma an appointment at the passport office within one day. I never realized that our elected officials could help ordinary people with bureaucratic red tape.” 

Michelle from Windsor 

Michelle from Windsor needed an emergency passport renewal when her two children were scheduled to compete in a tournament in Sweden. She reached out to Congressman Larson’s office for help elevating her request. Congressman Larson’s office contacted the State Department and appropriate embassies abroad to process the passports. Both the appointments and entry to the embassy were granted, resulting in the passports being issued: 

“Due to my oversight, my older two boys' passports had expired, and they were not allowed to board the plane with me and my other son for a soccer tournament in Sweden. We called Congressman Larson's office who promptly sent us the necessary forms and helped us get an emergency appointment with the Stanford passport agency. We are very grateful for the work of Congressman Larson's office in helping turn a nightmare into a truly memorable experience.” 

IRS/Tax Issues 

John from Granby 

John was having a problem with the IRS regarding his 2020 Tax Return. After struggling to contact the IRS, he contacted Congressman Larson’s office, who was able to contact the IRS through the Taxpayer Advocate Service and the return was released. 

“We obtained our 2020 federal tax refund plus interest. Congressman Larson’s office was extremely helpful. They clearly outlined what was needed in order to help us. We expected this high level of service from our Congressman.” 

Ryan from Winchester 

Ryan from Winchester was having a problem with the IRS related to his 2020 Tax Return, so he contacted Congressman Larson’s office. After inquiring with the IRS on the pending return, it was promptly completed and issued: 

“This is the second time that a call to the Congressman has successfully solved an issue for me when I had nowhere else to turn. I couldn't be more pleased and thankful. I was reluctant to call because I didn't believe that my case would even make it to the Congressman or anyone else's desk. But I'm so glad I did. I tried repeatedly and to no avail to get help or answers from all channels before calling. But I now know Congressman Larson actually does care and helps out the ‘little guy.’ When all options are exhausted and you think there's no hope, there is somewhere to turn.”

Stephen from West Hartford 

Stephen, a senior living on fixed income in West Hartford, was told he must pay a higher Medicare premium because the IRS had yet to process his tax return. Congressman Larson’s office worked to rectify the situation. The adjustment meant that Stephen had to pay much less towards his Medicare premium: 

“We were assessed an adjustment to our Medicare premium as a result of the IRS not having processed our tax return submitted in 2021. We were unable to contact the IRS as they were not taking phone calls and Social Security would not rescind the adjustment until the IRS gave the okay. Out of frustration I contacted your office to register a complaint, not expecting that your office could help resolve the issue. To my surprise I was told that you could help.” 

Kathleen from Torrington 

Kathleen from Torrington had been working tirelessly to correct her elderly father’s tax returns. Without any success on her own, Kathleen called Congressman Larson’s office, who was able to get her dad’s returns amended: 

“After trying for two-and-a-half years to get my dad's 2019-2021 tax returns corrected, your office helped in getting my dad's returns processed and his refunds mailed to him. Your staff was outstanding. It's been a long process but your office kept in touch with me every month until everything was settled. I would highly recommend people contact your office.” 

Stuart from West Hartford  

Stuart was having a problem with the IRS regarding his father's 2022 Tax Return. As the Executor of the Estate, he wanted to settle the account. After struggling to contact the IRS, he contacted Congressman Larson’s office, who was able to contact the IRS through the Taxpayer Advocate Service and the return was released:  

“Through the office's intervention, I was finally able to get my father's IRS refund check processed. The office was very helpful explaining the process and forwarding me the proper paperwork. The office also kept me informed. I think government can work for the people.” 

Consumer Protection 

Marc from Newington 

Marc from Newington was incorrectly charged an overdraft fee by his bank that negatively impacted his good standing. After several failed attempts to correct this mistake with his bank on his own, Marc reached out to Congressman Larson’s office, who elevated Marc’s claim, promptly reversing the fee: 

“I reached out to Congressman Larson’s Office to file a complaint regarding the predatory overdraft fees my bank was charging me. Upon contacting his office, I was met with professionalism, understanding, and compassion. The Congressman’s advocacy on my behalf resulted in a full reversal of the overdraft fees charged to my checking account, as credits to my account Thank you, Congressman Larson for your advocacy and efforts!”