Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today she has helped Southwest Washington residents save or return $1,015,025.24 through casework services since January 2020.
Herrera Beutler has helped more than 800 residents obtain money they've earned, or benefits owed to them by the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, the Washington and Oregon unemployment agencies, and other federal agencies.
"Serving, protecting, and advocating for Southwest Washington residents is a huge part of my job," Herrera Beutler said. "Whether that's helping a veteran who's been given the run-around by the VA, or a senior citizen who hasn't received their Social Security check, to now ensuring folks receive their unemployment benefits or economic impact payments during this COVID-crisis -- I'm here to assist.
"I'm encouraged we've saved more than one million dollars for residents so far this year, especially while folks are struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID pandemic. For anyone needing assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and my office -- I'm here to serve you."
Fighting for residents during COVID-19
During the COVID pandemic, Herrera Beutler has taken on solving delayed economic impact payments and securing unemployment benefits, stepping in on residents' behalf with the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Oregon Employment Department (OED).
For example, Mr. Josh Barnett, of Vancouver, reached out to Jaime's office due to trouble he was experiencing in receiving his unemployment benefits from ESD. After waiting weeks after filing, constantly calling ESD, and receiving no word on his unemployment benefits, Mr. Barnett contacted Jaime's office.
Jaime stepped in, contacted ESD, and made sure it was aware of his case. And after advocating on Mr. Barnett's behalf, ESD finally deposited the unemployment benefits to his account.
Southwest Washington residents can request help on Herrera Beutler's website at JHB.house.gov or by calling her Vancouver office at (360) 695-6292.