Rep. Lawson Returns More than $2.4 Million to North Florida Families

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) announced that this year, his office has helped to return more than $2.4 million owed to the citizens of Florida's Fifth Congressional from the federal government.

Since January 2020, his office worked to close more than 200 cases and ensured that North Florida residents receive their long-awaited financial reimbursement from several federal agencies. A few of the top agencies include the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, FEMA and Veterans Affairs.

"There are many reasons as to why a person's case may become stagnant, but my team and I have worked hard to break the federal logjam and help citizens of our community get their cases reactivated, back on track or even expedited," Rep. Lawson said.

Jacksonville native Brian Salter was involuntarily separated from his job with the Navy after 14 years of service. He reached out to Rep. Lawson's office because after a year without separation pay, he was still not being helped. His staff placed multiple inquiries to the Navy, to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), and the Board of Corrections, and were able to get Salter's case reviewed and approved quickly. Salters was awarded 14 years' worth of back separation pay.

"Since I was involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge, I was entitled to Involuntary Separation Pay," Salter said. "I was supposed to receive those funds immediately -- within a week or two after separation from active duty service. I turned to Congressman Al Lawson for help. Sherry, my caseworker, fought for me for 18 months. I don't think I would have been able to get this pay if it wasn't for her sheer tenacity and dedication to my case. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I am happy I turned to Congressman Lawson's office for help with my case."

Individuals seeking help with a federal agency -- such as backlogged veterans' benefits, stalled tax refunds, issues with social security, the postal service or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, should call my office at 904-354-1652 (Jacksonville), 850-558-9450 (Tallahassee) or visit https://lawson.house.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency.

Total Number of Cases: 200

Grand Total Amount Saved: $2,467,927

Source