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In Illinois, Obama Helps Naperville Constituent Obtain $64,342 Social Security Back-pay

With the assistance of U.S. Senator Barack Obama's Constituent Services staff, Joseph Merkin of Naperville, Illinois received $64,342 in Social Security disability back-pay.

Merkin's wife, Joan, said of her husband's back-pay, "We couldn't have done it without Senator Obama's help. We were going down the tubes fast and had no where else to turn. His office responded right away and helped us. We were losing our house, now we have a chance. I'm very appreciative to his office. It was a huge help."

Merkin's case had been pending with the Social Security District Administration Office in Aurora since October of 2003. Due to serious health problems, Merkin has been unable to work for the past 3 years. Last August, Joan Merkin contacted the Chicago office of Senator Barack Obama after her husband was denied Social Security disability benefits on three different occasions.

Following the inquiry by the Merkin family, Obama Constituent Services agent Joan Currie-Leonard worked with the Social Security District Administration Office in Aurora to seek further review and consideration of Merkin's case. After a series of hearings, his disability back-pay was approved in February of 2006.

"I finally got my normal monthly payments and back-pay. I'm very pleased with the Senator's efforts on my behalf," stated Merkin.

"Franklin Roosevelt's greatest legacy promised the couple who put in a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work that they could retire in comfort and dignity because of Social Security," said Senator Obama. "Clearly Joseph and Joan Merkin exemplify the vision of Franklin Roosevelt. Their struggles represent the thousands of American families who Roosevelt aimed to support."

Since January of 2005, Obama's Chicago office has secured more than $295,661 in Social Security back-pay for Illinois constituents.