On Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) met with Sussex resident Corrie Besaw to discuss her experience with the Social Security Administration and his office. On August 17, Besaw received over $15,000 in Social Security disability insurance payments after not receiving a payment for nearly a year.

“After trying to get my payment for so long, I felt like I had nowhere else to turn,” said Corrie Besaw. “I didn’t even know calling my Congressman was something I could do about this sort of issue, but I am so happy I did. I am incredibly grateful for the work Congressman Gottheimer’s team did on this issue.”

“Social Security is not a giveaway – you pay into it so that you can use it when life takes an unpredictable turn, much like it did for Corrie,” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). “One the most important parts of my job is to be an advocate and a champion for my constituents. No one should be denied their payments because of a bureaucratic glitch, and I am here to make sure that does not happen. I would encourage anyone in the Fifth District experiencing difficulties with federal agencies to contact my office.”

In June of 2016, Ms. Besaw was sent a notice that her benefits had been terminated. After completing the Social Security Administration’s Continuing Disability Review, the Department of Disability Services determined she is still disabled according to the SSA’s guidelines, but her benefits had not been reinstated. Ms. Besaw visited the Social Security office in Newton multiple times and was told each time that the payment that would be processed within 30 days.

She contacted Congressman Gottheimer’s office in July of 2018 about reaching out to the Social Security Administration and a case was opened. After contacting the Social Security Administration and clearing up the situation, Ms. Besaw received the full amount due since her benefits had been stopped, $15,562.

Fifth District residents experiencing difficulties with federal agencies are encouraged to reach out to Congressman Gottheimer’s office at (201) 389-1100 or by filling out the contact form here.