Dealing with the Vermont Service Center

[John_Wayne 0]

Hi All,

Weird scenario… I sent in my application on 1/21/11. My check was cashed on 1/31/11. I didn’t receive my NOA1. I called (800-375-5283) before 30 days, talked to the first person (who seems to only be a screener) and was told to call back after 30 days.

I called back (800-375-5283) on 2/22/11. I told the first person (who seems to only be a screener) that I didn’t receive my NOA1, and was forwarded to a second person (Officer Andrews). Officer Andrews found my receipt number for me. After I got my receipt number, I asked “How long are the NOA2(s) running these days”? It sounded like she looked up something on the computer then said “They are working on your case… You should hear something by early April, maybe before”. When I expressed my surprise, she seemed very sure of herself stating that “You should definitely hear something within 90 days of the date you submitted the application”. I did submit a supplemental letter with my application that explained some hardships, and respectfully requested to have my application expedited.

Today, I called back in (800-375-5283) and could not get past the first person (screener). I asked the first person about the NOA2, and was read a statement saying the processing time is five months. I explained about the information from Officer Andrews, and received no answer. I asked if Officer Andrews may have actually been looking in the computer, and received no answer. I asked if there was any way to check it in the computer, and was told “no” (an obvious lie). I was polite, and thanked her for her “help”.

Three questions:

1)Do you think Officer Andrews was looking in the computer?

2)Is there a way to call (800-375-5283) and get past the first person (screener)? Should I be calling another number?

3)If the first person (screener) won’t give me any information, is there an escalation process to talk to someone who can lookup my actual case? If so, what is the title of that person (IE: Officer?)??

Thanks everybody, much appreciated!!

JW