Year in Review: Kelly’s office Returns Millions of Dollars Owed to Arizonans

Since taking office, Kelly’s office has returned over $33.3 million in owed benefits and payments to constituents

This year, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s office continued delivering results for Arizonans seeking help with federal agencies. From assisting veterans with their benefits and Social Security issues to expediting passport renewals and resolving tax refund delays, Kelly’s office acted on behalf of more than 4,700 constituents, returning over $8.6 million in owed payments and benefits. Since taking office, Kelly’s team has helped return more than $33.3 million owed to Arizonans. 

This year, Kelly’s office also participated in resource fairs for Arizonans across the state, including hosting one in Yuma that connected rural veterans with critical services. Partners at the event provided information on health care, employment opportunities, and disability claims. 

See below for examples of Arizonans helped by Senator Kelly and his office: 

Social Security Benefits 

Ms. Wilbour from Tucson contacted our office seeking assistance with her widow’s benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), as she had been approved but had not yet received any payment. Following our inquiry on her behalf, the SSA responded favorably by issuing a back payment in the amount of $14,663 and initiating her total annual benefits of $17,976. 

Taxes 

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick from Phoenix recently adopted their grandson after the sudden death of their daughter, but the IRS found that they were ineligible to receive an adoption tax credit. After our inquiry and assistance with facilitating their appeal, the IRS allowed the tax credit to be issued with interest. 

Ms. Smith from Phoenix reached out to our office because she had not yet received her 2020 tax refund. After our inquiry, the IRS released her refund of $3,371.23 including $431.23 of interest.   

Veterans Affairs 

Mr. Kahle from Peoria contacted our office seeking assistance with getting approval for specialized care through the VA. After we submitted an inquiry, his request was approved. 

Ms. Winchell from Peoria contacted us after waiting over 10 months for her VA survivor benefits. After our office submitted an inquiry, her benefits were approved. 

Immigration and Passports 

Mr. Unoroh from Tucson reached out for help obtaining visas and passports for his children, which had been delayed at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. After our inquiry, the documents were issued, and the family was able to travel together to the U.S. 

Ms. Cherry from Phoenix contacted our office for assistance with obtaining her first passport. As a flight attendant, she needed the passport quickly or would risk losing her job. We secured an expedited appointment for her passport with the local passport center. 

Senator Kelly is committed to ensuring the federal government delivers for Arizona. Constituents needing assistance with federal agencies can contact his office at https://www.kelly.senate.gov/services/casework.