August 7, 2021
Dear Friends,
As a public servant and member of Congress, my top priority has always been ensuring our Capital Region families and communities are supported. This work has never been more important than over the last nearly 18 difficult months of this COVID crisis. My team and I have been working around the clock, responding to thousands of requests, delivering assistance to you and making sure you have the latest updates and information.
To that end, this week I’m featuring some of the top issues you’ve been reaching out about recently, including passport applications, the Child Tax Credit, Small Business Administration programs and more.
Applying for and renewing your passport
The unprecedented influx of passport requests, delays in the mail and other operational issues have led to serious delays in the processing of passport applications. The U.S. Department of State and National Passport Agency are sharing that wait times for U.S. passports exceed customer expectations.
- Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
- Expedite service can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
To ensure you receive your passport on time, the National Passport Agency recommends you apply six months before planned travel. If you have urgent travel, you can only make an appointment by using the agency’s Online Passport Appointment System or by calling 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793. Available 24/7.
Check the status of your passport application at passportstatus.state.gov.
Helping kids and families thrive
As part of our American Rescue Plan, most working families with children in our Capital Region have begun receiving Child Tax Credit payments of up to $300 per kid every month starting on July 15th through the end of 2021. These payments are scheduled for delivery July 15th, Aug. 13th, Sept. 15th, Oct. 15th, Nov. 15th and Dec. 15th.
If you’ve filed tax returns in 2019 or 2020, or if you have previously signed up to receive a stimulus check from the IRS, you don’t need to sign up or take any action. But if you haven’t filed any recent tax returns, you can use the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to sign up today.
You can manage delivery and check the status of your payments using the IRS’s Child Tax Credit Update Portal.
If you haven’t received a monthly payment and you believe you qualify see the IRS Child Tax Credit FAQ Page and click on the question: My payment was issued but I didn’t receive it. What can I do?
Updates on SBA’s PPP Forgiveness
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has just launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. This new change will help rush relief to over 6.5 million smallest of small businesses.
The new forgiveness platform began accepting applications from borrowers on Wednesday August 4th. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through https://directforgiveness.sba.gov.
In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions can call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8:00AM to 8:00PM EST.
My staff and I remain committed to serving all who call our Capital Region home, including making sure we remain accessible through my official website and by phone. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. My team and I stand ready to assist you however possible.
Thank you all for your continued strength.
And as always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
