Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) announced Monday, July 21 that his office has helped residents of the 52nd District secure more than $1.1 million in benefits to which they are entitled.

By cutting through red tape and helping them navigate the often complex federal bureaucracy, Rep. Peters and his district office staff have helped more than 1,000 constituents garner approximately $750,000 in due Veterans Affairs benefits, $130,000 from the Social Security Administration, and $130,000 from the Internal Revenue Service, the news release stated.

“One of the most important jobs I have as a member of Congress is to help my constituents break through the bureaucratic log-jam of government red-tape to get the answers they’re looking for and the benefits they are due,” Rep. Peters said in the news release.

“The message I want to get across today is that these services are available to you.

"These are your tax dollars at work for you. If you feel like you’re not able to navigate the complex federal bureaucracy, my office is here to help. Between backlogged benefits, immigration, visa, and passport help, and veterans claims, we are here working for you.”

Rep. Peters made the announcement today at a press conference, flanked by constituents he has helped get due benefits:

• Rhonda Wright who was able to access Social Security disability payments after trying unsuccessfully for six years;
•  Renee Keller who, after four years of trying, finally received a retroactive payment from the Veterans Administration and
• Ted Gross, who was able to access an improperly delayed Veterans Affairs claim.

Residents of the 52nd district having trouble getting an answer from a federal agency regarding Social Security, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS, or Immigration Services, or who feel that they've been treated unfairly, should contact Rep. Peters' office at 858 455-5550.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego.  He is a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and is a former board member at The Center, San Diego’s LGBT Community Center. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.