Rep. Carbajal Highlights ‘Life-Changing’ Breakthrough in Federal Benefits Case for Recent Allan Hancock Graduate Alexander Espinoza

Rep. Carbajal and his team took on federal agency to secure “life-changing amount” of benefits withheld from Santa Maria constituent 

Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) sat down with Alexander Espinoza, a Santa Maria resident and recent graduate of Allan Hancock College, to discuss the recent breakthrough his team had in unlocking a “life-changing amount” of federal benefits previously withheld by a federal agency.

Mr. Espinoza incorrectly saw his benefits reduced from Social Security. Congressman Carbajal’s team worked with him and the Social Security office to correct the error and deliver back pay that he was owed.

“Government works most of the time, but every once and a while there are challenges. It shouldn’t be like that – but that’s what my office is there for,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My office’s number one priority is constituent service, and I hope highlighting this win will encourage others to also seek help with a problem they may be having with a federal agency.”

“It’s good to know that there’s an office or agency to help people like myself, or even with smaller or bigger issue, that you can go to them, and it’s ok,” said Mr. Espinoza. “I’m grateful to you for being there to help us.”

A clip of the conversation between Mr. Espinoza and Congressman Carbajal can be found here.

Espinoza recently completed two associates degrees through Allan Hancock College, and is now studying to earn his Bachelor’s.

Congressman Carbajal’s office handles hundreds of similar cases with federal agencies every year. In 2023, Congressman Carbajal’s team returned $1.3 million to Central Coast constituents owed to them by the federal government.

This includes help with issues related to the Internal Revenue Service, Medicare and Veterans Affairs benefits, U.S. visas and passport renewals, the U.S. Postal Service, and other federal agencies.

Central Coast residents can learn more and start a case today by visiting carbajal.house.gov/help/