Federal Advocacy: Gottheimer's Office Reports $173 Million in Recovered Funds
A Hackensack event detailed four specific cases where congressional staff intervened to resolve disputes with the IRS, SBA, and insurers, resulting in immediate financial relief for local residents.
By Daniel Rogers ·
A congressional office in New Jersey has recovered more than $173 million for constituents, according to a release issued on Nov. 1.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s staff presented four detailed case studies at a Hackensack gathering, focusing on how the team navigates federal bureaucracy to secure refunds and benefits. The office stated that the specific cases highlighted at the event generated over $171,000 in direct financial relief for the families involved.
Robert Lunzer of Englewood faced a year of deductions from his Social Security benefits tied to a fraudulent Small Business Administration loan. The office noted that the application bore an incorrect name and an unfamiliar signature. After the SBA’s fraud unit validated the identity theft claim, the agency canceled a $93,600 debt and refunded approximately $4,500 to Lunzer within one week.
In Haworth, Ann Marie and Jim Dunlop, both in their 80s, waited months for a tax refund after filing in mid-March. The IRS flagged the return for identity verification. Gottheimer’s team worked with the couple and their accountant to provide necessary records to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. The couple received a refund of more than $22,500 within weeks of that intervention.
Suzanne Jackson, a nurse at Englewood Hospital, sought help after UnitedHealthcare denied coverage for a prescribed K3 prosthetic limb. The insurer initially approved a lower-tier K2 prosthetic, which Jackson said prevented her from working 12-hour shifts. After contacting the office in July, staff reviewed the case with UnitedHealthcare. The insurer approved the original prescription the following day.
Joey Shimm of Tenafly assisted his wife, Yoko, whose green card contained a typo in her name. When her 95-year-old mother suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in Japan, the family needed travel documents. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offered an appointment after the scheduled flight. The team secured a next-day appointment at the Newark field office, resulting in a temporary stamp in Yoko’s passport that allowed her to travel.
Gottheimer’s office remains available for similar issues involving veterans benefits, Social Security, and IRS refunds. Residents can contact the team at 201-389-1100 or via email at HelpNJ5@mail.house.gov.
Source: The Press Group (Northern Valley Press)
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