NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today met in his Newark office with a pair of constituents who he and his staff successfully helped break through the bureaucracy to secure Veterans’ disability benefits and to obtain U.S. citizenship.

“There is nothing more satisfying than making a difference in someone else’s life. That’s what public service is all about,” said Sen. Menendez. “The feedback I get from constituents often exposes areas where Washington can work better and be more responsive to the American people. The stories New Jerseyans share with me often help guide policy and bring about needed change. I and my staff stand ready to help them any way we can.”

Helping New Jersey Veterans

Vincent Ottina of Emerson contacted the senator’s office in 2015 on behalf of his 82-year-old father Primo, a Korean War vet who was struggling to pay the increased cost of his health care. Primo Ottina’s health had been deteriorating; he was confined to a wheelchair, was on dialysis, and recently moved into an assisted living facility.

When Mr. Ottina initially applied for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), he was offered a paltry $88—not enough to pay his mounting medical bills. After the senator’s staff contacted the Philadelphia VA on his behalf to request an additional review of Mr. Ottina’s application, he was awarded a $1,938 a month in benefits allowing him to afford assisted living and his treatment.

“I was forced into making a decision between whether to pay my mortgage or keep my father alive,” said Vincent Ottina. “It was a nightmare applying for VA benefits. When someone suggested I call my senator for help, I didn’t know I could do that. But, Sen. Menendez and his office came through for me in a big way. I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate it.”

Helping Unlock the Doors to Citizenship

Carlos Mendez of Morristown, a Guatemalan immigrant with lawful permanent residency in the U.S., dreamed of one day becoming a U.S. citizen. That dream, however, was threatened when the married father of two was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a rare and debilitating neuromuscular disease. He feared he would become incapacitated before he could meet the requirements for citizenship.

The senator’s office contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Mr. Mendez’s behalf and requested they expedite his citizenship application given the nature of his degenerative medical condition. In less than five months after reaching out to Sen. Menendez for help, Mr. Mendez became a naturalized citizen on February 2, 2016.

“I came to this country to make a better life for me and my family. I am so happy I am citizen,” said Carlos Mendez, holding up his passport to show the senator. “It was my dream. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”

Dealing with large federal government agencies can be confusing and frustrating. Sen. Menendez’s dedicated staff of constituent service representatives stand ready to help New Jersey residents who have questions about government programs, need help with a benefit application they have submitted, or have a problem. They routinely handle issues related to Veterans, housing, taxes, Social Security and Medicare, healthcare, and immigration. If staff are unable to answer a question or directly intervene on a case, they refer constituents to the offices or individuals who can.

For assistance with federal agencies and issues, New Jerseyans can contact Sen. Menendez’s Office of Constituent Services online, or by phone at 973-645-3030 (Newark) or 856-757-5353 (Barrington).

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