Trump Administration Resources
Despite the uncertainty of what this new administration will bring, my office is here to assist. We will continue to help residents of the 6th District with matters in front of Federal Government Agencies, such as tracking down a missing tax refund, navigating an overpayment with Social Security, ensuring Medicare coverage is reinstated, or obtaining a passport in time for travel. Whether you have questions about federal agencies or are having difficulty understanding your options, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (978) 531-1669 or through our website here.
On this page you will find a running list of resources to help you navigate federal agencies.
For a list of actions I have taken to combat the Trump Administration, visit our response page here.
Resources for Federal Workers
A number of unions have a national consultation relationship with the Office of Personnel Management.
"The SF-50 is the Notification of Personnel Action. It contains certain employment information useful to the applicant or if applying for another federal job. It is used by current and former federal employees.”
Understand Your Rights as a Federal Employee
"OSC's primary mission is to safeguard the merit system by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices (PPPs), especially reprisal for whistleblowing.”
Learn How to File an Appeal (U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board)
“One of the MSPB's primary statutory functions is to protect Federal merit systems against partisan political and other prohibited personnel practices by adjudicating employee appeals over which the Board has been given jurisdiction.”
Information for Probationary Employees (Merit System Protection Board)
“If the agency terminates you for unsatisfactory performances or conduct during your probationary period, you are entitled to a written notice on why you are being separated and the effective date for the separation. You may appeal your termination if it was not required by statute, only if you allege it was based on partisan political reasons or marital status 5 C.F.R. § 315.806(b)."
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (U.S. Office of Government Ethics)
Reductions in Force (Congressional Research Service)
Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I’m Currently Receiving Social Security Benefits, Do I Have To Verify My Identity?
A: No. Anyone already receiving benefits will continue to receive their monthly check as usual.
Q: When Is Identity Verification Required?
A: If you are applying for a benefit for the first time or if you have to update your direct deposit information, you will be required to verify your identity. This is not new, though the methods to do so are. As of April 14, 2025, you will no longer be able to do this by phone, and will be required to either online or in person.
Q: I Have To Identify My Identity. Now What?
A: SSA requires a driver’s license or state ID card, a photo, and a SSN. This can be uploaded to your online SSA account or in person at your local field office.
Q: I Have Limited Access To The Internet. What Do I Do?
A: One option is to contact your local senior center, as they may be able to help you set up an online account to try to avoid a visit to the SSA office. Otherwise, you will be required to go in person to your local office to verify your identity.
Q: How Do I Know Which Office To Go To?
A: Your field office will be based on your zip code. You can identify your office by using SSA’s office locator tool.
Q: What Is SSA’s Phone Number?
A: Some offices list the national phone number (800-772-1213) as the best point of contact. The proper contact information for each SSA field office in or adjacent to our district can be found below:
Office | Phone Number |
Cambridge | 888-527-9340 |
Haverhill | 866-964-4324 |
Lawrence | 877-669-3127 |
Lowell | 877-746-9850 |
Lynn | 866-366-7792 |
Malden | 866-596-8598 |
Salem | 866-248-2394 |
House Committee Actions
Oversight Committee
We encourage you to fill out the House Oversight Committee's safe and secure tip line.
You can also find statutory whistleblower protections and accompanying resources for whistleblowers on the Dems Oversight Website.
Veterans Affairs
Whistleblower form: democrats-veterans.house.gov/contact/whistleblower
House Veterans Affairs Democratic staff have created two additional inboxes for Veterans and VA employees fired from the federal government or contracts. democrats-veterans.house.gov/contact/submit-your-story
Science Committee
The Democratic Staff of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is conducting a survey to assess the effects of the Trump Administration's mass termination of federal employees from science agencies.
If you were fired from your position after January 20, 2025, please complete this short survey: democrats-science.house.gov/sciencefirings
Unemployment Assistance
Consider applying for unemployment benefits. To apply, visit the State’s website, or call (617) 626-6800, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
If you’ve lost your job, COBRA may be an option to temporarily continue your coverage. Visit the Department of Labor’s website to learn more about COBRA.
Shop for Affordable Health Insurance Plans
It may be possible to enroll in a plan now for certain qualifying life events, including a layoff. In addition, healthcare.gov also has more information to help you decide whether shopping for a new plan or COBRA may be right for you.
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth has launched a landing page for impacted Federal workers. https://www.mass.gov/federal-workers
Job Seekers
MassHire Career Centers are located throughout the state. Each career center offers help with your job search, occupational and educational training, and veterans’ services.
https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers-for-jobseekers
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as food stamps,
ensures that Americans can feed their families. Congress has invested in SNAP in the last three bills to help Americans put food on the table during this crisis. Apply for SNAP by calling (877) 382-2363 or by going online.
Fuel Assistance
Many Massachusetts residents do not realize they are eligible for help paying their gas and electric bills. Call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800)-632-8175 to find out more, or visit the DHCD Resource Locator to get started.
The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. Find out if you are eligible here or here: masscap
Food Banks
Find a short list of food banks below, with a full list here: Find Your Local Pantry
12 Mudge Way, Bedford
781-275-7727
194 Main Street, Amesbury
978-388-1907
119 Rantoul Street, Beverly
978-927-1561
28 Emerson Ave, Gloucester
978-283-6776
Resources for Immigrant Families
Everyone in the United States has protection under the constitution. Visit my Know Your Rights page here: Know Your Rights - Encountering Immigration Enforcement
You can search for more using the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) referral search here: www.ailalawyer.com.
List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers | EOIR | Department of Justice
Online self-service tools:
- Attorney General Hotline - Report bias-motivated harassment and threats here: 1 (800) 994-3228
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) - Find information related to immigration court cases. This is an automated line where users need to input A#: 1 (800) 898-7180
- Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) Individuals looking for loved ones that may have been detained can search for the location of detainees by entering A# and country of birth on the following website: https://locator.ice.gov
- Northeast Justice Center’s “Immigration Hotline” - Receive telephonic immigration consultation, information, and referrals for income-eligible immigrants from Essex County and Northern Middlesex County here: (781) 599-7730 or here (toll-free): (888) 657-2889
- MIRA Immigration Helpline - The helpline provides general information and resources on immigration processes, rights, and what to do after detention, but does not offer individual legal advice or representation. Schedule consultation: https://calendly.com/miralegalhelpline or call (508) 293-1817
- Lawyers for Civil Rights’ Immigrant Defense Hotline - Receive free, same-day legal advice on questions about enforcement actions like raids or deportations by staff and pro bono attorneys here: (617) 988-0606
Additional Resources:
PASSPORTS & TRAVEL
Know Your Rights: Airport Travel
Everyone in the U.S. has rights under the Constitution. Understanding what to expect and how to assert your rights at borders and airports can help you stay safe and prepared. Learn more here.
UK Travel Alert:
Effective January 8, 2025: New Entry requirements for US citizens traveling or transiting through United Kingdom airports.
All U.S. citizens transiting through or traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for 6 months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel.
For more information – and to apply for an ETA – go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
Gender X Marker Passport Guidance
Per Trump administration order, the U.S. will no longer issue U.S. passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs) with an X marker. Passports will only be issued with an M or F sex marker that matches the customer's biological sex at birth. If you submit a passport application requesting an X marker or requesting a sex marker that differs from the sex marker at your birth, you may experience delays getting your passport.
All passports - including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different from your sex at birth - will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy. More information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/sex-marker.html