Our office provides a variety of services to Rhode Islanders to help you navigate federal agencies, get the most out of recently passed legislation, and more.
If you need help, please fill out our casework form below.
What Can We Help You With?
If you are a resident of Rhode Island and you need help with a federal agency, we will be happy to work with you. If you are not from Rhode Island, please contact your home state senators for assistance.
Federal agencies include departments within the President’s cabinet, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, and independent agencies, like the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. Visit USA.gov for a list of offices within the federal Executive Branch.
While we can’t ask an agency to circumvent its rules, force it to decide a question in your favor, or change a decision that is already final, we can make inquiries about the status of your situation and review steps taken thus far to make certain your case is being handled properly.
Navigating Federal Agencies
- If you are experiencing issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense, need military records or medals, or have problems receiving your benefits, our office may be able to assist. The Department of Veterans Affairs website may offer answers as well.
- Late Social Security payments? Questions about your Medicare coverage? These problems are essential for our seniors. If you’re having issues receiving benefits, please reach out or check the Social Security Administration web site or the Medicare website.
- If you have a trip coming up and need to renew your passport, our team is ready to help. We can also assist with some immigration matters and help you navigate the Department of Homeland Security. The State Department provides information for U.S. citizens on obtaining a passport and traveling abroad. Check the web site maintained by S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration questions.
- We’re happy to help you communicate with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding outstanding tax issues, delayed returns, or other questions. Also check the IRS website for further information
- The IRS web site includes information on preparing and filing your tax returns, the Earned Income Tax Credit, local assistance with personal tax issues, and other frequently-asked questions.
- If your employer doesn’t offer affordable health insurance, you may be eligible to sign up for coverage through Rhode Island’s state-based health insurance marketplace, HealthSource RI.
- Check out ed.gov, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, or give us a call to learn more.
Sheldon Working for Rhode Islanders
Learn more about how Sheldon is working for Rhode Islanders from these stories below.
It took 4 hours with Senator Whitehouse's letterhead to accomplish what proved impossible for our family in 18 months.
I want to thank Senator Whitehouse for helping save my IRS refund after 21 months.
I have been trying to accomplish this for 2 years! I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate it. Such a burden off my back.
Casework Success Stories
Betty, a retired public school teacher, contacted Senator Whitehouse’s office for assistance paying off her lingering federal student loans. At the time, the type of student loans she had made her ineligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. After the Biden Administration’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness waiver was announced in 2021 at Whitehouse’s urging, the Senator’s team shared the good news that Betty’s public service would now be recognized toward loan forgiveness. Whitehouse’s team walked her through the application process and frequently checked in with the Department of Education to ensure the application was processed in a timely manner. After 4 months from the completion of the application process, her $16,000 student loan balance was forgiven.
The family of Francis, a 98-year-old World War II veteran, reached out to Senator Whitehouse’s office for assistance obtaining the complete set of honors he earned during his service. The veteran had received numerous decorations for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded in action in April of 1945. Our team worked closely with the National Personnel Records Center and the United States Army to secure a fully re-issued set of the veteran’s medals. Once the full set was restored, Senator Whitehouse presented Francis with his medals in a ceremony attended by his family and friends.
Among the many unsung heroes who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, James is a member of the custodial staff at a local senior center. He helped keep the facilities clean while stepping up to take care of the seniors. In doing so, he worked over the allotted time allowed under his Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The SSDI payments stopped in October 2021, despite multiple attempts to rectify the issue. His employer reached out to Whitehouse’s office for help, reiterating that this stellar employee went above and beyond the call of duty to help others and he shouldn’t be penalized for that. Whitehouse’s team contacted the local Social Security office on his behalf, and twelve days later, the employee received more than $9,000 in back SSDI payments.
