Constituent Stories

In 2023 alone, my team of expert caseworkers secured $22,454,426.75 for NY-18 families and businesses that they were owed by federal agencies. From helping senior access Social Security, to getting a couple a last-minute passport for their daughter’s wedding, to ensuring our veterans receive the full benefits that our government promised them, my team takes an all-hands-on-deck and around-the-clock approach to cutting through bureaucratic tape and getting you the answers, results, and benefits you deserve.  

Just like Amy in Kingston said of my Constituent Services Director, “Maria Ingrassia got back to me and there is nothing this woman cannot solve.. Thank you!!!!”

Here are some of what our neighbors have said about the assistance they received after contacting my office:

“The service provided by Pat Ryan and staff was extremely quick. My issue was solved within the first day. Pat Ryan and staff are people proven with integrity and care for those they serve. They are an outstanding example to those in the realm of politics.”

-Duain, Beacon

“I had spent 30 months trying to get my social security benefits and had gotten nowhere. After contacting Congressman Ryan's office I was put in touch with Destiny H. who interceded on my behalf and got me results. I cannot thank her enough and am totally sincere when I say that her help changed my life.”

-Thomas, Port Jervis

“When I lost my job working overseas, my family was forced to separate. My son and I repatriated back to the US for work, but my wife was forced to stay behind in Japan due to not having a green card. After waiting almost a full year with no word from USCIS, Congressman Ryan's office was successful in getting her case expedited. Now, instead of missing our son grow up, my wife will be able to obtain her green card and be present for all milestones.”

- Benjamin, Beacon

"I was undone. Although my passport would not expire for 4 more months, Peru required a 6 month lead time. It was Tuesday and we were scheduled to leave from EWR on Sunday. I called Pat Ryan's office and the wonderfully competent Wendy Flores somehow managed to get me an appointment for Friday. My husband and I are forever grateful. Fifty years together and rarely happier than this moment!"

- Ellen, Stone Ridge

"I felt my case was being overlooked by the federal agency and had no way to get insight into my case. The wait was disheartening and a burden. I am a veteran of the U.S. Marines, fought in Afghanistan and as I fought for my country, I hoped my elected officials would fight on my behalf. One day after contacting the office of Congressman Pat Ryan I was told they would assist and one day later my case was approved. They fought for me, and I am forever grateful, one step closer to having the love of my life with me."

- Evan, Beacon

“My father is a 100 year-old WW 2 veteran. He has been in fairly good health for probably 93 of those 100 years! Currently he is needing a lot of assistance to be able to stay in his own home.

I reached out to Congressman Ryan’s office to see what services he would be eligible for through the Veterans Administration. I did receive a call from a staff member and we are on our way to getting the help we need. Thank you so much.”

-Barbara, Stone Ridge

“I had a great experience with Congressman Ryan's office and am so grateful for their support in helping to obtain my passport renewal. Maria Ingrassia, Director of Constituent Services, was incredibly helpful and followed up with me several times to ensure that the issue was resolved. It is a deeply meaningful feeling to know that the people representing me are available to me and are truly serving their community members. Thank you, Representative Ryan, Maria and Dominick!”

-Natasha, Warwick

“Honorable Pat Ryan was so kind and helpful the day I called explaining it has been 7 months waiting for widow spouses death benefit from social security. His office contacted social security immediately. Every month after, they would check with me to see if I received anything. It took ten months to receive my widow spouse benefit. I appreciate the efforts and attention, Destiny, from Congressman Ryan’s office, gave to this matter. Thank you Congressman Pat Ryan and Destiny for all your help.”

-Rosalie, Poughkeepsie

“Congressman Ryan's office was extremely helpful in getting our daughter on a state department flight out of Israel. They were available at all hours and then followed up to make sure the situation was resolved. We really appreciate their efforts.”

-Emily

“I have been waiting since July 2023 for my army records as I was advised to seek a claim after being exposed to Agent Orange during my military duty. There is a time limit and I was worried as I was not receiving any help. Two weeks after calling your office I am now picking up my 52 pages of military records tomorrow. I knew Pat's office would be competent and get the job done. Thank you.”

-Benjamin, Rosendale

"My elderly brother was admitted to the hospital in need of acute care for 3 weeks and then transferred to a rehab center for a month-long stay to regain his motor skills. He had no insurance and only a pending application for Social Security and Medicare. We contacted Congressman Ryan's Office and they were able to have my brother's application for benefits quickly approved. Without their assistance, particularly Maria Ingrassia, Director of Constituent Services, I'm not sure how our family crisis would have been resolved. Thanks to all of you! What a difference you have made."

-John, Poughkeepsie

"Thirty-Five years ago, for a short time, I collected social security disability benefits for serious injuries following a car accident. As a result, I experienced months of bureaucratic red tape trying to obtain Medicare, as I am approaching my 65th birthday. Within days of going to Congressman Ryan's C.A.R.E.S. Van for help, I was approved for Medicare and a short time later received my Medicare Card. Words cannot express my gratitude. Without Medicare, I was at risk of losing all medical and pharmaceutical insurance coverage. THANK YOU!"

-Deborah, Salisbury Mills

“Representative Pat Ryan stands by his commitments to his constituents, tackling government and Social Security bureaucracy and ensuring that senior citizens in his district are not just a number to be ignored. After 14 months of frustration with the Social Security Administration for benefits owed to me, Representative Ryan’s office was able to support me and resolve my challenge with Social Security in less than a week.”

-Barbara, Middletown

"OUTSTANDING!! is how I can describe the much appreciated immediate response as well as the empathy shown towards my particular situation. Maria Ingrassia went the extra mile for me and my problem with the Social Security Administration was solved within 6 hours of speaking with her. THANK YOU!!"

- Keith, Highland Falls

"We are so grateful for the excellent assistance we received. For two years we have been trying to resolve a problem with the IRS, and because of the intervention of your office (specifically Maria Ingrassia) the issue has been properly resolved, and we actually received interest on an amount due from the IRS! It took something special to get this matter looked at and your office provided that!"

-David, New Paltz

"Wendy Flores was my main point of contact and she couldn't have been more communicative and supportive. We requested a letter of support from Congressman Ryan's office for a tourist visa application from Lebanon to the U.S. Knowing that we have the support of our local and state elected officials for something so personal really elevates why it matters who we elect to office. The care and concern of Ms. Flores and Congressman Ryan's office will not be forgotten to our family and I hope for many others."

-Lisa, Red Hook

“I would like to thank the office of Congressman Ryan and especially the representative who handled my case. She called me at least twice a week to check on me and give updates. I really appreciate the time given by Congressman Ryan's office after six months of the same message from The Office Of Personnel Management gave me. I will recommend every one call our N.Y. Congressman office when in need.”

-Mary, Newburgh

“I have been trying to obtain my father's DD214 for over 6 months and have not had any success. I only asked you to look into this matter less than a month ago and your office has gotten me the information that I needed. Thank you so much for your help in this matter.”

-Janet, Red Hook

“I had been working for two years to apply for a Green Card for my wife. It was finally approved, but was not mailed to us for more than 8 months. Congressman Ryan’s staff cut through the bureaucracy. We received the card shortly after their active involvement. Thank you!!”

-James, Brighton

“The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an historic Hudson Valley service organization, experienced an unexpected automated action from the IRS that if not resolved quickly could have had very negative consequences. I immediately contacted Congressman Ryan's office for advice and support. The Congressman's staff promptly responded to our request for assistance, contacted the IRS Tax Advocate Services on our behalf, and advocated for our need to expedite review and resolution with professional skill. We greatly appreciate the response we received. Thank you!”

- David, Beacon

“My 2022 tax return was held up by the IRS for nine months. I had plans for my refund. The case worker assured me this problem could be resolved in two weeks. As promised, I received my refund electronically. It is nice to see our government working efficiently.”

-Robert, Kingston

"I was so surprised by the outcome when I reached out to Congressman Pat Ryan. He and his team, especially Wendy Flores, really work to make the average person like me feel heard. I'm very appreciative of what they've done for me. I finally can feel confident that I'll be able to reunite with my wife."

-David, Fishkill

"I needed a rush passport, they got an appointment a few hours later and helped me pick up the passport on the same day and in time for my flight. They made me so calm and comfortable. Thank you so much."

-Eli, Monroe

"I was having trouble getting a tax refund from the IRS for my brother's final 1040 filing. I called the IRS every 2 months for 2 years. I contacted Congressman's Ryan's office through the his web site. I received the refund within 6 weeks of contacting the office. It was among the three remaining task I had to do in order to close my brother's estate."

-William, Poughkeepsie

“I had been struggling with the VA about some disability benefits. I called Congressman Ryan's office and his liaison Joseph helped resolve the issue in two weeks. I had been trying since July with no luck. The help was immediate and got better results than I could have imagined.”

-Franklin, Staatsburg

"For two years after retiring from federal service, I was unable to get my full annuity despite numerous phone calls and written correspondence to the Office of Personal Management. Your Constituent Advocates Destiny Hallenbeck and Wendy Flores accomplished in a matter of months what I could not in two years. I am extremely grateful for their assistance."

-Joseph, Modena

"I had a problem with my visa and had to leave the country in 3 days. I am very grateful to Congressman Pat Ryan's office for the efficiency and speed with which they worked my case and brought it to a positive conclusion in a short time. I am now able to return with my new visa to the United States."

-Patricia Hyde Park

“I was VERY pleased with the help I received from your office! My VA claim had been for 7 months with no action. When I inquired about it to the VA I was told it was in the national queue. I called your office and talked to Joe Paine. He said he would look into it and 10 days later I was informed of the VA decision!! Thanks Pat and Joe!”

-Anthony, Verbank

“The office of Congressman Pat Ryan was incredibly helpful in allowing me to get my passport on time! I am very grateful and it was a pleasure speaking to the staff, as they were pleasant and eager to help out. My issue got resolved, and as a college student in New York getting the guidance I needed was a huge relief!”

-Shelly, Warwick

“Maria Ingrassia was extremely helpful and got my passport in my hands within a week of reaching out! It was a pleasure to speak with her and I’m so thankful for the assistance!”

-Cari, Warwick

“Natalie helped my husband and I resolve an issue with the IRS. She was a wonderful communicator. I was very thankful for the service she provided. I did not have to waste any more of my time with the people at the IRS that were not helping me and giving me the run around, for hours and hours of my time.”

-Lisa, Poughkeepsie

“The staff at Pat Ryan's office was pleasant and professional. They were easily available and were able to promptly and successfully have my student loans reviewed within a week of my request. I had been put in a never ending cycle of 60- 90 days for Federal Student Aid to properly review my application for over a year! Pat Ryan's staff helped to have it reviewed properly in a week!”

-Theresa, Red Hook

“I met with your representative of Military and Veterans Affairs locally at one of your mobile office locations. His explanation of how I should proceed in gaining additional disability benefits was straightforward and accurate. He said he'd follow up and make sure my paperwork didn't get mired in "red tape". His help resulted in me getting the additional benefits that were applied for and in a short period of time. Very glad to have that kind of support from your office!”

-Robert, New Paltz

“ From the moment Natalie contacted me with my dilemma, I knew we would get results. She kept in touch with us and the matter was resolved successfully. Thank you for your persistence and assistance towards our issue.”

-Catherine, Washingtonville

"I contacted Congressman Ryan's office for assistance dealing with a government agency and obtaining personal information it was reluctant to release. After a few weeks, I received a call from Wendy saying "we got the letter for you". I was beyond words and very grateful. My family and I thank you, Congressman Ryan, and your staff for your efforts."

-Ralph, Walden

"After numerous attempts at navigating the VA archival system, one simple email to the office of Congressman Pat Ryan and his staff was all it took to provide me with the documentation I was seeking. Courteous, prompt and professional, are just three of the terms that I wish to express. Thank you."

-William, Goshen

"Wendy Flores couldn't have been more helpful in assisting with an IRS refund that was due to my father's estate. The IRS was making it impossible to get help in this matter. Wendy was more patient than I was as she guided me through the process. She called today with news of a refund check in the mail. I am truly impressed with your office."

-Marnie, Montgomery

"I contacted Wendy regarding my case on USCIS. She was a great help, helped me to get a summary of what stage my case is. I am happy that our community has people that are willing to help."

-Melita, Beacon

“My request for connection to Military and Veterans Affairs Office was responded to within 24 hours! The staffer was responsive and extremely helpful. He has represented you in an exemplary fashion.”

-Douglas, New Windsor

"Wendy Flores was enormously helpful getting the IRS to focus on my deceased brother-in-law's 2021 tax return. He died in 2022, after a long illness, and the IRS responded to our tax accountant's filing of his 2021 tax return in August of 2022 with a letter in Novemeber saying that the return was "locked." We made another submission in November, and received no word for six or seven months. Ms. Flores' help unlocked the return apparently, and got the IRS finally to act."

-Walter, Millbrook

“From the moment Natalie contacted me with my dilemma, I knew we would get results. She kept in touch with us and the matter was resolved successfully. Thank you for your persistence and assistance towards our issue.”

-Catherine, Washingtonville

"Congressman Pat Ryan's office responded to me promptly after contacting them regarding the petition I filed last year regarding my mom's I-130 form and within 3 days I got my approval. Thank you so much, Congressman Ryan. The caseworker who responded to my case is amazing - I appreciate you all."

-Miguel, Poughkeepsie

"Our federal tax refund was being delayed with no explanation- just a letter that it was being reviewed. My husband and I have a very simple return- 1099R forms and one W-2. I contacted one of Congressman Ryan's aides at the Town of Newburgh town visit and Natalie called me two days later. Within weeks, we noticed the refund was pending in our checking account. We have no doubt that we would have waited much longer without the help of Natalie and Congressman Ryan's office."

- Mary, Cornwall on Hudson

"The office of Congressman Pat Ryan was very professional while handling my case. They showed me that they cared about my case every step of the way. My family is grateful for Congressman Pat Ryan and his staff members for being there when we needed help."

-Salvador, Poughkeepsie

"I asked for help with getting two passports and both times I was amazed at how helpful Maria Ingrassia was. The passport agency requested documents impossible to obtain, and Maria resolved the problem. We got the passport within a day of her contacting the agency."

-Olga, Wallkill

"The attention given to my Agent Orange case is greatly appreciated. Your caseworker was very professional and listened to my concerns."

-Gary, Millbrook

"I cannot commend Congressman Ryan's office enough for their exceptional assistance in resolving my pressing issue. With time being of the essence, they displayed unparalleled efficiency, swiftly navigating through the complexities of the matter to secure a resolution. Their dedication and expeditious action were truly remarkable, ensuring that the issue was addressed with the urgency it demanded."

- Alcides Poughkeepsie

"My social security number was used/stolen by someone in April 0f 2022. When I tried to e-file my 2021 federal tax return, it was rejected. I filed an identity theft form and I have been trying for just shy of 2 years to get my 2021 tax refund that was owed to me. I made numerous phone calls, filed with the tax advocate, and they just kept pushing the resolution date out, most recently to 650 days!!! I contacted Representative Pat Ryan on Feb 22, 2024 at a mobile office in Millbrook. Someone from Washington DC called within a week and my refund ( a significant amount) was in my bank account on March 24, 2024."

-Laura, Salt Point

"I was really satisfied with the help I received from Congressman Pat Ryan's office, in particular with Natalie. She was extremely helpful and responsive, and at the end I received the results I was looking to resolve. Thank you so much Natalie."

-Moses, Monroe

“We have had very poor service from our local post office for quite some time. It came to a head when our mail was not forwarded to our part time address. Wendy Flores Congressmen Pat Ryan's advocate was able to resolve the problem. NO small feat when dealing with the USPS.”

-David, Amenia

“I am applying for a Service Academy Nomination from Representative Ryan, and the office staff have been incredibly helpful and encouraging throughout the process. They have held multiple events supplying information about the application, the Academies, and service commitment, which I intend to pursue. Thanks to this opportunity from Representative Ryan, I am another step closer to achieving my goal of service to my nation.”

-Ryan, Red Hook

“On January 4, I contacted the office of Congressman Patrick K. Ryan in reference to a pending immigration case. His office returned my email in less than 24 hours. They asked me about the situation and they immediately began to help me with my case. Without the help of Congressman Patrick K. Ryan and his team this would not have been possible. I don't have enough words to thank you for all the help, thank you so much.”

-Luciano, Poughkeepsie