Constituent Success Stories
I want to sincerely thank Senator Luján and his office for their help. After my brother passed in May, I applied for Department of Veterans Affairs burial reimbursement in July, but the process stalled. Thanks to their support and follow-ups, I was finally able to receive the reimbursement—five months later, but sooner than expected given the circumstances. I appreciate you guys. Thank you, and God bless you.
- Frances, Santa Fe
During my service in the United States Marine Corps, I was repeatedly exposed to extremely loud weapon fire, which led to serious hearing loss. My initial attempts to get help from the Department of Veterans Affairs were unsuccessful. I then reached out to Senator Luján’s office, and the response was immediate and effective. I’m deeply grateful to Senator Luján and his office for their prompt attention and support in resolving my issue.
- Wayne, Mimbres
I care for my 84-year-old mother, who has multiple health issues, including diabetes. Managing her blood sugar required glucose sensors, but delays and miscommunication with prior authorization left us nearly out of supplies by April 2024, worsening her condition. I contacted Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office, and their staff acted quickly, communicating regularly and resolving the issue. Without their help, we wouldn’t have had a positive outcome. Thank you, Senator Luján and staff, for everything you’ve done for my family!
- Marlina, Albuquerque
My husband’s cancer returned in 2023 and metastasized to his lung. The treatments were so difficult that he could no longer work, so we applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. Despite his stage four diagnosis, months passed with no response. A friend suggested contacting Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office, and after filling out a form on his website, we quickly got help. His staff guided us, and within weeks, we had an approval. We’re incredibly grateful—this support lifted a huge burden and allowed my husband to focus on treatment. Thank you, Senator Luján, for truly caring about New Mexicans.
- Rebecca, Santa Fe
I was starting to pack for a very anticipated trip to India when I discovered my passport was missing. I thought I would have to cancel, but then Senator Luján’s office said they could help, and voila! Got the passport and will be able to travel.
- Sandra, Alamogordo
After my dad passed, my mother’s Medicare assistance was canceled because she became the head of household. This caused confusion and disrupted her benefits, leaving her without needed care. We are incredibly grateful to Senator Luján’s office and staff for their help in restoring her benefits quickly. Thanks to their support, my mother was approved for a nursing home in Rio Rancho, closer to me—something that wouldn’t have happened without their assistance. We truly appreciate their prompt and compassionate help.
- Ernestine, Rio Rancho
After applying for survivor benefits to support my three daughters, I was told on February 14, 2021, that payments would be suspended. Thanks to Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office, my benefits were reinstated, allowing me to keep working as a lifeguard and caring for my family. You and your team have been a godsend. Thank you for everything!
- Desiree, Santa Cruz
The Town of Tome Land Grant had been trying for years to get the Internal Revenue Service to correct our Employer Identification Number, but without success. Once Senator Ben Ray Luján and his staff got involved, they contacted the Internal Revenue Service, and within two months, the issue was resolved and a new Employer Identification Number was assigned. We are deeply grateful to Senator Luján for his support of Land Grants throughout New Mexico.
- Andrea, Tome
I lived in an apartment complex where raw sewage had been leaking underneath for two years. After reaching out to everyone I could, Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office stepped in to help. Thanks to their support, I was able to move into a safe, clean apartment where I’m now happily living and able to breathe easy.
- Georgia, Santa Fe
Senator Luján’s office was exceptionally kind and professional in helping arrange a flyover for my father, Captain John Willoughby Brown, United States Navy, at Arlington National Cemetery on October 4. Without their efforts, this tribute would not have been possible. Our entire family is extremely grateful. It was a spectacular send-off for a fine officer and gentleman.
- Susan, Silver City
After becoming a widow two years ago and raising two grandbabies, it was getting hard financially. I’m disabled and couldn’t work, and after almost two years of appealing my benefits, I contacted Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office. They made some calls, and I’m glad to say that after 28 months, I finally got approved. Thank you with all my heart for your help.
- Bernice, Santa Fe
I experienced several problems after applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. After two years of waiting and being told my case was set for a hearing, Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office helped me get things done. I’m grateful to the office for guiding me through all the hurdles and taking the time to assist me.
- Lea Ann, Raton
My 92-year-old parents didn’t receive their second 2020 or first 2021 stimulus payments due to an Internal Revenue Service error with their 2019 tax records. Senator Ben Ray Luján’s Santa Fe office was incredibly helpful and supportive, ensuring my parents’ 2021 stimulus payments were released and helping us begin resolving the tax issue. Their assistance was both pleasant and reassuring, showing that Senator Luján genuinely cares and makes his office available to help constituents.
- Margaret, Santa Fe
I’m incredibly grateful to Senator Luján’s office for helping secure Veterans Affairs benefits for my 94-year-old father. After moving into assisted living due to dementia and fall risk, we discovered he was deeply in debt and couldn’t afford to stay without help. Though we applied immediately, nine months passed with no response from the VA, and he was on the verge of homelessness. Senator Luján’s staff answered every call with kindness and urgency. Thanks to them, my father got the support he needed. You changed his life — thank you.
- Lauren, Albuquerque
My husband was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive lymphoma in 2020 and passed away in February 2025 after a six-year battle. In his final year, he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance, but the Social Security Administration later claimed no application was submitted. Overwhelmed with caregiving, we hired an attorney who did almost nothing to help. After my husband’s death, I found out the attorney was paid—but I wasn’t, despite a contract stating payment would only occur if benefits were awarded. Frustrated, I visited the Social Security office five times and was told to “write your representative.” I thought it would be pointless—but I was wrong. Senator Luján’s office responded immediately, showing real compassion and urgency. Thanks to their efforts, I received the funds on September 2, 2025. I never imagined a U.S. Senator and his staff would care so much about an individual constituent, but they did—and it has renewed my hope in our elected representatives.
- Noel, El Prado
I contacted Ben Ray Luján’s office for help obtaining Social Security Disability. I was very blessed to be connected with his office — they facilitated paperwork, checked on status, and ultimately got me a hearing with a judge that awarded my benefits faster than it would have taken if I had gone it alone or even with an attorney. I am very thankful for their professionalism, kindness, and dedication in addressing all my concerns.
- Carlos, Rio Rancho
After months of getting nowhere with Social Security about back pay—even in person—I contacted Senator Luján’s office. A staff member listened, took my concerns seriously, and reached out to Social Security on my behalf. Within two weeks, I received my back payment and details about future benefits. I’m truly grateful for their help. Without it, I’d likely still be waiting.
- Teofilo, Española
Senator Luján’s office helped me secure my disability after a four-year wait during which my health worsened. They also obtained my back pay, allowing me to finally rest easier. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.
