Rep. McDonald Rivet Announces Over $10 Million Returned to Mid-Michigan Families and Seniors
FLINT— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) announced her office has returned over $10 million to mid-Michigan families and seniors through more than 1,500 resolved constituent services cases.
“Our team is one of the best in the country at slashing through the red tape and getting answers from the IRS, Social Security, and so many more government agencies,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Since being sworn in last year, we’ve already put over $10 million back into the pockets of local families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses. Anyone in mid-Michigan who’s having problems with the federal government should know our team is here to help.”
Residents of Genesee, Saginaw, Bay, and Midland Counties are encouraged to reach out if they are having trouble navigating federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Defense. The Congresswoman’s office also frequently resolves issues with passports, visas, federal aid and grants, and much more. Constituents can call the Flint office (810-238-8627) or Saginaw Township office (989-898-6060), or request help at https://McDonaldRivet.house.gov/ Services/Help-Federal-Agency.
Below are stories from constituents Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s office has helped:
Kristin from Flint said, “I reached out to Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s office for help with my Social Security backpay for my child. I was supposed to receive a payment worth six months of my child’s Supplemental Security Income, but I was experiencing a delay and couldn't get a clear answer from the agency on when I would receive it. After reaching out to Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s office, I was contacted by the agency and received my backpay disbursement within a matter of weeks. It put over $12,000 dollars back into my account, and I’m thankful for their assistance.”
Seth from Essexville said, “Earlier this year, the VA withheld $16,000 from me over a clerical error on my DD214 form. I drafted a response explaining why they were wrong. With the help of Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet’s office, we successfully appealed to the Army Review Board and got my money. If you're a local veteran and need help, please reach out to her office. They will do everything they can to get it taken care of.”
Ashley from Bay City was missing months of Social Security Disability payments due to a coding error. After the office took action, she received over $99,000 in back pay.
Dana Beasley from Flint said, “I had a wait of three to four months to get into the [VA] dental clinic, and from there it was just time-consuming… After I reached out to the Congresswoman’s office… I got into the dental clinic a week after that… Don’t give up hope. Contact your local congressman or congresswoman’s office. They can help you.”
Joe from Auburn was waiting for months of Social Security Disability Insurance back pay, but a paperwork issue prevented the money from being deposited into his bank account. After the office reached out to the payment center, he received $8,925 in back pay and his scheduled monthly payments of $2,975 resumed.
Stephen from Bay City, a member of the Air Force who was waiting for an overdue travel voucher, said, “I hadn’t been paid in, I think over eight months. And then when I contacted [the Congresswoman’s] office, there was a congressional questionnaire placed into my base and to the commander… And within a couple of days, I was paid out, which was awesome. I really appreciate the help.”
Leslie from Flint said, “I was searching for my deceased father’s military service records and any photos, or his enlistment photo. I had searched on my own and got nowhere. [The Congresswoman’s] office was able to secure all of his service records and information on where I may find photos of him or his ship and forwarded it to me. I am so very appreciative of [the Congresswoman and her] staff assisting me with this matter.”
A woman from Swartz Creek was missing her 2024 tax refund. After the office reached out to the IRS, her refund was unfrozen, and she received over $11,000.
A family from Flint approached the office after Medicare claimed their grandmother owed $22,500 from services provided in 2001 after an injury. After the office intervened, Medicare corrected the case and dropped her debt.