Underwood Announces Over $187,000 Returned to Constituents from Federal Government

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that she has successfully secured more than $187,000 to be returned to constituents. The money returned was a result of tireless advocacy from Underwood, fighting for constituents and helping resolve issues with federal agencies including securing Veterans benefits, Medicare and Social Security benefits, obtaining or renewing passports, and helping people navigate immigration services and student loans.

"Navigating federal agencies and cutting through all the red tape can be confusing, difficult, and downright frustrating—but my office is here to help however we can. One of my most important jobs is being an advocate and resource for our community—I hope everyone knows they can reach out to me and my team and I will work tirelessly to help," said Underwood.

In May, Underwood helped Island Lake resident, Mariusz Siwiak, who was seeking help to receive back-due Social Security benefits. In less than one week, Underwood was able to pinpoint the paperwork glitch holding back the payment and return more than $41,000 in benefits to Siwiak.

"Since January 2019, I was not able to receive any information or make progress alone. Within a week of contacting Congresswoman Underwood, all issues were resolved and soon after, I received backpay benefits from SSA. I would like to thank the Congresswoman and express gratitude to the office representative for the immediate assistance and positive outcome," said Siwiak from Island Lake.

Underwood has also worked to help constituents seeking assistance with the Department of Education. In April, Underwood helped Crystal Lake resident, Lindsey, appeal the Department of Education's decision to turn a Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarship into a loan which meant that she would owe a debt to the Department of Education. Underwood intervened with the Department of Education to allow Lindsey to appeal, saving her $12,256.

"My contact with Rep. Underwood's office was to ask for assistance with a distressing and unexpected letter from the Department of Education (DOE). Ultimately, due to the assistance from Rep. Underwood's office, my appeal was successful," said Lindsey.

Underwood also helps constituents navigate medical benefits. In April, Underwood helped Lake County resident, Patrick Chaney, recover his Medicare benefits after he had inadvertently canceled them and temporarily lost health care coverage.

"I made the mistake of canceling my Medicare Part B. That cancellation effectively took me out of my medical health care coverage. I contacted Congresswoman Underwood's office and Rebecca became my guardian angel, following up with my paperwork with Social Security and checking in with me to see how I was doing. She really cared! I'm convinced that if not for my Congresswoman's office, I wouldn't have my Medicare back," said Patrick Chaney.

For more information on how Underwood's office can help, constituents may contact her district offices at 630-549-2190 or visit underwood.house.gov.

###