Constituent Success Stories
Helping our neighbors with federal issues is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as your representative for Illinois’ 17th District. My team and I work hard every day to help our neighbors solve real problems—whether it's with veterans' benefits, Social Security, taxes, immigration, or passports.
We're proud of what we've done so far for the hardworking people of Central and Northwestern Illinois. Use this page to take a look at what others have said. And remember - We may be able to help you, too!
“When you send an email you don’t always expect a quick response. That’s not the case when you have an issue you need addressed with Mr. Sorensen. Glad to have him in office, helping our community.”
Toni, Silvis.
“Congressman Eric Sorenson and his office were extremely quick to address my issue and concern. It made me very proud he is our districts representative, because it is very clear he cares about the issues affecting the citizens in his part of the country!”
Jacob, Farmington.
“I can honestly say you helped me a lot and I’m blessed to have contacted you.”
Kenyetta, Rock Island.
If you ever need assistance, give us a call at (309) 786-3406 or fill out our casework request form here. We've already helped more than 1,800 constituents and returned $3.2 million in tax dollars through casework.
Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families
“I was having trouble having my VA benefits reinstated after they were mistakenly revoked. After contacting representative Sorensen's office, staff handled my case, and my benefits were reinstated, and I had a check within 30 days.”
Daniel, Peoria Heights.
"I had been getting emails from Congressman Eric Sorensen that showed how he had helped other veterans, so I contacted his office for help. I was helped by his office staff and then by Mr. Sorensen. Within five weeks my case was settled with back pay and an increase in my compensation and pension. Best thing I ever did was contact Congressman Eric Sorensen.”
Donald, Rockford.
"I was in need of my DD214 to be updated to obtain my VA benefits. Congressman Sorensen and his staff went above and beyond to get the issues resolved."
Brett, Glasford
“I’ve been having trouble getting the VA to return money they removed from my account after my husband passed. We could not get them to realize their mistake for nearly one year. Eric Sorensen‘s office kept on the case, and checked in with me every month for several months. She was diligent, and we finally got the case resolved 11 months later. I was very impressed with their staying in contact and working to help me!”
Peggy, Galesburg
Social Security
“I had been waiting 7 months to receive some withheld Social Security retirement benefits that the Social Security Administration should have started paying me in November of 2023.
I contacted Congressman Eric Sorensen’s office. Within a month after that, I received the past due benefits. The extra income is of great help in meeting my living expenses. Thank you, Congressman Sorensen and your staff, for all your help!”
Jeff, Rockford.
“I was getting the run around from social security and after an inquiry from your office the issue was quickly resolved.”, Mark, Milan.
“I received a confusing letter from SSA regarding our son’s disability. Rep. Sorensen’s office answered quickly and arranged for a rep from SSA to call and explain the situation.”
Jerry, Peoria
Labor
“My husband passed away in May 2023. He was a mailman for 30 years. I signed up for survivor benefits and OPM told me they were eight months behind. I contacted my representative and he then contacted Eric Sorensen’s office. Once they were involved, I received my back pay within a month and I will start getting my monthly benefits in December.”
Susan, Rockford
“I was injured at work and as a federal employee, our workers’ compensation is done through the Department of Labor. After surgery, I was off work for a little over seven weeks. After five weeks and no paycheck, I contacted Eric Sorensen's office and they were aware of an ongoing problem with the lag at the Department of Labor. His staff was very sympathetic and one day after a congressional inquiry was made, I received notice that I would be receiving payment. I'm very grateful for the help.”
Lance, Rock Island
“Ever since I lost my job at WCCS Head Start, I have had help with gaining information on how to get my past wages that are due. Eric Sorensen’s office has helped me gain information about my situation and ways to improve the outcome.”
Katie, Monmouth
Passports
“Eric Sorensen’s office went above and beyond to help me receive my passport in time for my trip. They were very clear they couldn't make any promises, but they made it happen. Every question I had, email, or phone call was always returned within hours. I'm forever grateful to his office and received my passport in time to have my 30th wedding anniversary trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much.”
Leslie, Rock Island
“Staff helped us with the issue we were having trying to renew our passports. If she would not have kept pushing for a resolution, we would not have received them, as the only response we could get was the passport processing center lost them. We are so thankful for their continued excellent fast assistance to our needs.”
Deb, Freeport
Taxes
“I needed help with my tax return. There was a hold on my refund and my case worker got everything resolved in less than 2 months. I appreciate all the help!”
Shakyra, East Moline.
“The office was able to get the IRS to expedite my tax return. The communication was quick. I was helped until my issue was fully resolved.”
Marte, Rockford.
“I reached out in hopes to get help with repeated problems I have been having with the IRS. They were able to reach out on my behalf and figure the issue out. Within a very short timeframe my issues were all resolved.”
Holly, Morrison
Rural Communities
“I had some issues with getting a USDA direct loan... After contacting the representative’s office, the staff kept on my case. I would get calls and or emails regularly for updates. Because of the involvement of the representative’s office, my husband and I are currently house shopping! I am so thankful to have such a representative as Representative Sorensen! Because of him and his office, we will soon be living in a healthy, safe environment that we own!”
Kimberly, Chadwick
Immigration
“I contacted back in September of 2023, after my work permit application was taking a long time. His office contacted me within days. I explained my situation and without hesitation they contacted USCIS on my behalf. I am very happy with their help. it was a long process but at the end of the day my application was approved.”
Octavio, Silvis.
“Staff assisted me in the process of rescheduling USCIS appointments for a refugee family in Moline. Her assistance has allowed a constituent and her family the opportunity to continue the immigration process more easily. Staff has been friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable every step of the process. We are so grateful for her help.”
Melissa, Rock Island
“A citizenship specialist was extremely helpful and communicative when working with myself and a client I was assisting at my place of work. We are very appreciative of their assistance and knowledge as we navigated obstacles relating to citizenship matters.”
Steven, Rock Island
International Issues
“My wife and I were visiting our son and his family in Ashdod, Israel. The purpose of our visit was to meet our new two-month-old grandson and our three-year-old granddaughter. We arrived October 4th and, on the 7th, Hamas attacked. As the war intensified, it was apparent that we needed to leave. Almost all flights leaving Israel were booked or canceled. Not knowing what to do, we had a friend send us contact information for Sorensen's office. Staff were very helpful in navigating the paperwork needed to secure our flight out of Israel.”
Paul, Peoria
Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Health Care Needs
“I signed up for Marketplace healthcare in September for myself and my two sons. One of my sons was sent to the state to see if he qualified for state insurance, which set off a six-month long battle to get him insurance coverage. Within four days of contacting your office, the issue was fixed, and my son was covered by insurance retroactively. The communication with your office was amazing, and I'm still in shock at how quickly you resolved it. My family is very grateful for your help!”
Kelly, Galesburg
“I was having difficulty trying to get my Medicare Part B to begin on 9-1-23 with our local office of the Social Security Administration. After many failed attempts to get a certain individual to return my calls, as well as several conversations with the Chicago and Maryland offices with no results, I contacted your office. I spoke with staff in your office about my difficulties with this matter on 8-31-23 and within three days, our local office received a letter or document from your office, and they got me signed up for Part B on 9-15-23 to be effective 9-1-23... Staff were caring and showed extraordinary expedience in helping me get this issue resolved.”
Bob, Peoria
“It was taking a long time to get my Medicare card when I signed up for the first time. I contacted your office and a short time later I received it. Thank You.”
Cathy, Galesburg
Capitol Tours and Other D.C. Visitor Requests
My office helps constituents of Illinois' 17th District schedule tours in Washington, DC. If you are planning on visiting DC and would like assistance, click here!
“Thank you for coordinating and providing a private tour of the capital. It felt really special. My kids loved being whisked around all of the crowds and hearing the personal insights of our guide. He patiently answered their stream of obscure questions.”
Samuel, Rockford
“Staff with Representative Sorensen’s office was very helpful arranging our tours and answering all our questions. We were able to cross some things off our bucket list with touring the White House, Capitol, and Air & Space Museum. Touring the White House was the highlight of our trip. Our family was very appreciative of these memories we were able to make with your office’s help.”
Mary, Peoria