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1331 F St., NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004-1111 202-272-0080 Toll free: 1-800-872-2253 TDD: 202-272-0082; TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-993-2822 Fax: 202-272-5447 E-mail: info@access-board.gov Web site: www.access-board.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922 Toll free: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437) (24 hrs.) Toll free: 1-800-344-SIDA (7432) (for Spanish speaking) TDD toll free: 1-800-243-7889 (for Deaf and hard of hearing callers) Web site: www.cdcnpin.org
General Inquiries Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333 Toll free: 1-800-311-3435 Web site: www.cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/spanish (Spanish)
Commission on Civil Rights
624 9th St., NW Washington, DC 20425 202-376-8513 (Complaint Referral in DC) 202-376-8128 (Publications) 202-376-8312 (Public Affairs) Toll free: 1-800-552-6843 (complaint referral outside DC) TDD nationwide: 202-376-8116 (complaint referral)
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Office of Public Affairs Office of External Affiars Lafayette Center 1155 21st St., NW Washington, DC 20581 202-418-5080 Fax: 202-418-5525 E-mail: oea@cftc.gov Web site: www.cftc.gov
Also, see CFTC Consumer Alerts/Advisories under "Customer Protection" on the CFTC web homepage at www.cftc.gov.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Washington, DC 20207 Toll free: 1-800-638-CPSC (2772) (Product Safety Hotline) TDD toll free: 1-800-638-8270 Fax: 301-504-0051 (On Demand) E-mail: info@cpsc.gov Web site: www.cpsc.gov
CPSC oversees the safety of over 15,000 kinds of consumer products, including toys and nursery equipment, appliances, sports, yard and playground equipment, furniture, clothing, computers, and fireworks. It announces about 250 recalls a year of potentially unsafe products. To get information on product recalls or report a hazardous product or product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline (Spanish-speaking staff available), visit its web site, or send an e-mail. To order free publications, visit the web site or write to the address above, Attention: Publications Request.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Affairs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Department of Agriculture (USDA) 4700 River Rd., Unit 51 Riverdale, MD 20737 301-734-7799 Fax: 301-734-5221 Web site: www.aphis.usda.gov
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service U. S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250-2215 202-720-4651 Fax: 202-690-0289 Web site: www.reeusda.gov
Or consult county government listings in your local telephone directory for the number of your local Cooperative Extension office.
Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Department of Agriculture (USDA) 3101 Park Center Dr., Room 1034 Alexandria, VA 22302-1594 703-305-7600 Fax: 703-305-3400 E-mail: info@cnpp.usda.gov Web site: www.cnpp.usda.gov
Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Food and Nutrition Service 703-305-2281 Fax: 703-305-2313 E-mail: webmaster@fns.usda.gov Web site: www.fns.usda.gov
Meat and Poultry Hotline Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2925 South Washington, DC 20250 301-504-6316 Toll free: 1-800-535-4555 TDD/TTY toll free:1-800-256-7072 Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov
Office of Communications Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 506-A Washington, DC 20250 202-720-2791
Department of Commerce
Bureau of the Census Department of Commerce Customer Services Washington, DC 20233 301-763-INFO (4636) Fax: 301-457-4714 E-mail: webmaster@census.gov Web site: www.census.gov
National Institute of Standards Metric Program Department of Commerce 100 Bureau Dr., Mail Stop 2000 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2000 301-975-3690 Fax: 301-948-1416 E-mail: metric_prg.@nist.gov Web site: www.nist.gov/metric
The metric program educates the public and offers free resources to facilitate greater awareness and understanding of the metric system of measurement.
Office of Weights and Measures National Institute of Standards and Technology Department of Commerce Room 223, Bldg. 820 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 301-975-4004 Fax: 301-926-0647 E-mail: owm@nist.gov Web site: www.nist.gov/owm
The Office of Weights and Measures of the National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes uniformity in U.S. weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace.
Seafood Inspection Program National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Commerce 1315 East-West Hwy., F/SI Room 10842 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-713-2355 Toll free: 1-800-422-2750 Fax: 301-713-1081 Web site: seafood.nmfs.noaa.gov
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees fisheries management in the United States, and through the 1946 Agricultural Marketing Act, provides a voluntary inspection service to the industry. The NOAA Seafood Inspection Program offers a variety of professional inspection services which assure compliance with all applicable food regulations. In addition, product quality evaluation, grading, and certification services on a product lot basis are also provided. Benefits include the ability to apply official marks, such as the U.S. Grade A, Processed Under Federal Inspection (PUFI) and Lot Inspection. These services can be provided nationwide, in U.S. territories, and in foreign countries. All types of establishments such as vessels, processing plants, and retail facilities may receive these services.
United States Patent and Trademark Office Department of Commerce Patents: Commissioner for Patents ( 20231) Trademarks: 2900 Crystal Dr. (22202) Arlington, VA 22202 703-308-4357 Toll free: 1-800-786-9199 TDD/TTY: 703-305-7785 Fax: 703-308-5258 Web site: www.uspto.gov/
Department of Defense
National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Department of Defense 1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22209-2405 703-696-1400 Toll free outside DC: 1-800-336-4590 Fax: 703-696-1411 Web site: www.esgr.com
Provides assistance with employer/employee problems for members of the Guard and Reserve and their employers. See page 124 for Family and Community Service Centers.
Department of Education
Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202 Web site: www.ed.gov
1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) TTY/TDD: 1-800-437-0833 Fax: 202-401-0689 e-mail: USA_LEARN@ed.gov http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/tollfree/index.html#geninfo Use this phone number and website to obtain information on the Department of Education's programs and major initiatives; publications, videos, and other materials; directory assistance; and referrals to specialists or other experts. Comments or questions about No Child Left Behind Telephone: 1-888-814-NCLB TTY: 1-800-437-0833 Fax: (202) 401-0689 e-mail: NoChildLeftBehind@ed.gov National Library of Education 1-800-424-1616 TTY/TTD: 202-219-1699 e-mail: Library@inet.ed.gov www.ed.gov/NLE Use this phone number to obtain information about education statistics, research, and publications published by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Educational Resources Information Center 1-800-LET-ERIC Use this phone number to find out about the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and the world's largest database of educational materials. Call to learn about new materials or receive referrals to other agencies. EDInfo Electronic Newsletter E-mail: peter_kickbush@ed.gov Web site: www.ed.gov/MailingLists/EDInfo/ei-annou.html
Join the EDInfo mailing list by: 1. Addressing an email message to listproc@inet.ed.gov 2. Writing this (and nothing else) in the message: subscribe EDInfo yourfirstname yourlastname (for example "subscribe EDInfo John Doe"). If you have a signature block please turn it off.
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) Department of Education The George Washington University 1118 22nd St., NW Washington, DC 20037 202-467-0867 Toll free outside DC: 1-800-321-NCBE (6223) Fax: 1-800-531-9347 (Toll free) or 202-467-4283 E-mail: askncela@ncela.gwu.edu Web site: www.ncela.gwu.edu
NCBE is funded by the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs (OBEMLA) to collect, analyze, synthesize and disseminate information related to the education of bilingually and culturally diverse students in the U.S.
Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Room 5E301 Washington, DC 20202 202-401-0404 Fax: 202-401-8607
Office of Public Affairs Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Room 7E231 Washington, DC 20202 202-401-1576 Fax: 202-401-3130
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Department of Education 330 C St., SW, Room 3132 Washington, DC 20202-2524 202-245-7488 TDD: 202-205-4208 Web site: www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS
Publications Center (EDPUBS) Department of Education PO Box 1398 Jessup, MD 20794-1398 Toll free: 1-877-4ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827) TDD/TTY toll free: 1-877-576-7734 Fax: 301-470-1244 E-mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov Web site: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html
Ed Pubs is the Education Publications Center for the US Department of Education. You can contact ED Pubs to find out what's available on topics of interest to you and to order free copies of publications, videotapes, CD-ROMS, posters, bookmarks, and other products. Many Department publications can be acquired instantly in electronic form via the Internet. You can order copies of publications using one of the ways listed above.
Federal Student Aid Information Center Department of Education Toll free: 1-800-4FED-AID (433-3243) Use this phone number to receive information about how to apply for federal student aid. (For general information on student loans, grants and scholarships available from the Department of Education.) Toll free Default line: 1-800-621-3115 (debt collection service) TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-730-8913 Fax: 202-708-7970 E-mail: OPE_SFA@ed.gov Web site: www.ed.gov/finaid.html
If the student has already filed a free Application for Federal Student Aid, he or she can check the status of the application by calling (319) 337-5665. For Direct Loan toll-free services, including information about repayment options call: Direct Loan Origination Center Applicant Services: 1-800-557-7394 Consolidation: 1-800-557-7392 TDD: 1-800-555-7395 School Relations: 1-800-848-0978 Additional web sites: for students, www.ed.gov/studentaid for financial professionals, iafap.ed.gov for Direct Loans, www.ed.gov/DirectLoan for information about our organization: www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP
Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse Department of Energy PO Box 3048 Merrifield, VA 22116 202-586-1510 Toll free: 1-800-DOE-3732 TDD toll free: 1-800-273-2957 Web site: www.eren.doe.gov
For information about conservation and renewable energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Department of Energy Washington, DC 20585 202-586-4074 Fax: 202-586-1233
For inquiries about weatherization assistance
Office of Consumer Information Department of Energy Washington, DC 20585 202-586-1908 Fax: 202-586-8006
Office of Scientific and Technical Information Department of Energy PO Box 62 Oak Ridge, TN 37832 865-576-1188 865-576-8401 (Document Requests) Fax: 865-576-5728 Web site: www.osti.gov
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Administration on Aging One Massachusettes Ave., NW Washington, DC 20201 202-619-0724 Toll free Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 (M-F, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EST) Fax: 202-357-3555 E-mail: aoainfo@aoa.gov Web site: www.aoa.gov
The Eldercare locator is run by the DHHS and two association for the aged. Set up to locate community assistance for senior citizens, its trained volunteers can provide you with the names and phone numbers of local organizations that can help you and the person you have been caring for. Web site: www.dhhs.gov
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 330 C St., SW Washington, DC 20447 703-385-7565 Toll free outside DC: 1-800-394-3366 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., M-F, automated system off-hours_) E-mail: nccanch@calib.com Web site: nccanch.acf.hhs.gov
Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857-0001 Toll free: 1-888-463-6332 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET) Web site: www.fda.gov
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line Food and Drug Administration Toll free: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) [10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.] Web site: www.cfsan.fda.gov
Center for Beneficiary Choices Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 7500 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Toll free: 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Toll free: 1-800-633-4227 TDD toll free: 1-877-486-2048 Web site: www.medicare.gov
Call 1-800-MEDICARE to get help with your questions about Medicare. You can order Medicare publications (english, spanish, audi-tape, braille), get detailed information about the Medicare managed care plans in your area, order Medicare health plan quality and customer satisfaction information, and listen to recorded questions and answers on topics such as Medicare health plan choices and health plan quality information. CMS runs the Medicare, Medicaid, Clinical Laboratories (under the CLIA program), and Children's Health Insurance programs, and works to make sure that the beneficiaries in these programs are able to get high quality health care.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Toll free: 1-800-4-CANCER (422-6237) Web site: www.cancer.gov
National Health Information Center Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) PO Box 1133 Washington, DC 20013-1133 301-565-4167 (Maryland) Toll free: 1-800-336-4797 Fax: 301-984-4256 E-mail: healthfinder@nhic.org Web site: www.healthfinder.gov
A health information referral service which links consumers and health professionals who have health questions with organizations best able to provide answers. Also maintains http://www.health.gov/nhic/
National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services 6001 Executive Blvd. Room 8184 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 301-443-4513 Toll free: 1-866-615-6464 TTY: 301-443-8431 Fax: 301-443-4279 E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov
Fax on Demand: 301-443-5158 (Mental Health Fax 4U) NIMH is the federal agency that conducts and supports research that seeks to understand, treat, and prevent mental illness. Trained information specialists are available 8: 30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday thru Friday. Contact NIMH for information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, clinical trials and research. A publications ordering system is available on the NIMH website. Some publications are available in Spanish.
National Runaway Switchboard Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 3080 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 773-880-9860 Toll free: 1-800-621-4000 TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-621-0394 Fax: 773-929-5150 E-mail: info@nrscrisisline.org Web site: www.nrscrisisline.org
Office of Civil Rights Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 200 Independence Ave., SW Mail Stop 509F Washington, DC 20201 202-619-0403 Toll free: 1-800-368-1019 Fax: 202-619-3818 E-mail: execsec@os.dhhs.gov Web site: www.dhhs.gov/ocr
Office of Civil Rights Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 212-264-3313 Toll free: 1-800-368-1019 TTY: 212-264-2355 Fax: 212-264-3039
Office of Child Support Enforcement Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 4th Floor East Washington, DC 20447 202-401-9373 Fax: 202-205-5927 Web site: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Department W 200 Independence Ave., SW Room 738-H Washington, DC 20201-0004 202-690-9000 Fax: 202-690-5211 Web site: www.fitness.gov
HHS-TIPS Fraud Hotline Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) PO Box 23489 Washington, DC 20026 Toll free: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) Fax: 1-800-223-8164 (Toll free: cover sheet required/10 page max.) E-mail: htips@os.dhhs.gov
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC, 20528 202-282-2000 Web site: www.dhs.gov
Terrorism Preparation Website: www.ready.gov Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) Department of Justice Toll free: 1-800-375-5283 (National Customer Service Center) Toll free: 1-800-238-1945 (Border Patrol Recruitment) Other Office Corps Positions: (612) 725-3253 TDD toll free: 1-800-767-1833 Web site: www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm
Customs and Border Protection Department of the Treasury 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20229 202-354-1000 Fax: 202-927-1380 Web site: www.customs.gov
United States Coast Guard Navigation Center Department of Homeland Security 2100 Second St., SW Washington, DC 20593-0001 202-366-4000 Web site: www.uscg.mil
National Response Center United States Coast Guard Department of Homeland Security 2100 Second St., SW, Room 2611 Washington, DC 20593 Toll free: 1-800-424-8802 Fax: 202-267-2165 Web site: www.nrc.uscg.mil
NRC must be called immediately if there is environmental release of hazardous chemicals, biological, radiological or etiological agents or oil pollution; NRC provides the WMD hotline.
United States Secret Service 950 H St., NW Washington, DC 20223 202-406-5800 E-mail: www.secretservice.gov
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Home Improvement Branch Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh St., SW, Room 9272 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-6396 Fax: 202-401-8951 Web site: www.hud.gov/homeimpr.html
Home Mortgage Insurance Division Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh St., SW, Room 9272 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-2121
Inspector General's Fraud Hotline Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Investigations 451 7th St., SW Washington, DC 20410-4500 202-708-4200 Toll free outside DC: 1-800-347-3735 TDD toll free: 1-800-304-9597 E-mail: hotline@hudoig.gov Web site: www.hud.gov/oig/oighot.html
Office of Manufactured Housing Program Office of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory Affairs and Manufactured Housing Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh St., SW, Room 9152 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-6423 Toll free: 1-800-927-2891 Fax: 202-708-4213 E-mail: mhs@hud.gov Web site: www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/mhs/mhshome.cfm
(Also visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/mps/mpshome.cfm) The Manufactured Housing Program is a consumer protection program that regulates the construction of certain factory-built housing units called "manufactured homes", formerly known as "mobile homes". HUD works with 37 states to respond to consumer complaints. The Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards for buildings constructed under HUD housing programs. This includes new single family homes, multi-family housing and health care type facilities.
Office of Affordable Housing Programs Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh St., SW, Room 7164 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-2685
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh St., SW Room 5100 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-4252 Toll free: 1-800-669-9777 (hotline complaints)
Office of RESPA and Interstate Land Sales Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory Affairs and Manufactured Housing 451 7th St., SW, Room 9146 Washington, DC 20410 202-708-0502 Toll free: 1-800-217-6970 (Home Buyer Assistance) E-mail: hsg-respa@hud.gov Web site: www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/res/respa_hm.cfm
(Also visit : www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ils/ilshome.cfm (Interstate Land Sales)) Handles complaints and provides information regarding real estate loan transactions and borrower rights under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). The Interstate Land Sales program protects consumers from fraud and abuse in the sale or lease of land. The Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act requires land developers to register subdivisions of 100 or more non-exempt lots with HUD and to provide each purchaser with a disclosure document called a Property Report. The Property Report contains relevant information about the subdivision and must be delivered to each purchaser before the signing of the contract or agreement.
Department of Justice
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Line Civil Rights Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Disability Rights Section--NYAV Washington, DC 20035-6738 Toll free: 1-800-514-0301 TTY: 1-800-514-0383 Web site: www.ada.gov
Antitrust Division Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room 3645 Washington, DC 20530 202-514-2481 Fax: 202-514-6543 E-mail: antitrust@usdoj.gov Web site: www.usdoj.gov/atr
Civil Rights Division Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20530 202-514-2151 Fax: 202-514-0293 Web site: www.usdoj.gov/crt
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Department of Justice Washington, DC 20537 202-307-1000 Web site: www.dea.gov
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Department of Justice 935 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20535 202-324-3000 Fax: 202-324-2020 Web site: www.fbi.gov
Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy Department of Labor Room S1303 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365) TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Fax: 202-693-7888 Web site: www.dol.gov/odep
Employment Standards Administration Department of Labor Room S2321 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243) TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Web site: www.dol.gov/esa
Employment and Training Administration Office of Public Affairs Department of Labor Room S2307 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 Toll free: 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627) TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Web site: www.doleta.gov
Mine Safety and Health Administration Department of Labor 1100 Wilson Blvd., 21st Floor Arlington, VA 22209 Toll free: 1-866-4 USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365) Toll free: 1-800-746-1554 (anonymous reporting of hazardous working conditions in mine area) Web site: www.msha.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Office of Information and Consumer Affairs Department of Labor S2315 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA Toll free: 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742) TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Web site: www.osha.gov
Office of Public Affairs Department of Labor S2514 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 202-693-4650 (News Media Inquiries) TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Web site: www.dol.gov
Employee Benefits Security Administration Office of Program Services Department of Labor Room S2524 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 Toll free: 1-866-444-3272 TTY toll free: 1-877-899-5627 Web site: www.dol.gov/pwba
Provides information and answers questions on private sector, employer-sponsored pension benefit and health benefit plans.
Women's Bureau Department of Labor S3002 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 Toll free: 1-800-827-5335 TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Fax: 202-693-6725 Web site: www.dol.gov/wb/
The Women's Bureau covers work issues such as sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and family and medical leave, and dependent care (child and/or elder care) policies.
Department of Labor (DOL)
Veteran's Employment and Training Service Room S1316 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 Toll free: 1-866-4-USA-DOL TTY toll free: 1-877-889-5627 Web site: www.dol.gov/vets
Department of State
Overseas Citizens Services Department of State Washington, DC 20520 202-647-5225 (emergencies and non-emergencies, Mon.-Fri., 8:15 a.m.-10 p.m.) 202-647-4000 (after hours emergencies, Sundays, holidays call and ask for the duty officer) 202-736-7000 (International Child abduction; Aadoption of foreign children) Fax: 202-647-2867 Web site: travel.state.gov
For help with emergencies and non-emergencies affecting private Americans abroad. Office of Children's Issues (international child abduction & adoption of foreign children) 202-736-7000 Fax: 202-663-2674 National Passport Information Center Passport Services Department of State Toll free: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TDD/TTY toll free: 1-888-874-7793 Web site: travel.state.gov
For information on U.S. passports, including the status of pending applications, as well as the locations of the over 4,500 passport acceptance facilities.
Visa Services Department of State Washington, DC 20520 202-663-1225 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST M-F) Emergency after hours: 202-647-1512 Fax: 202-663-3897 E-mail: usvisa@state.gov Web site: travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
For information on U.S. visas for foreigners.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of the Interior 1849 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240 202-208-3711
Bureau of Land Management Department of the Interior 1849 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240 202-452-5125 Fax: 202-452-5124
Fish and Wildlife Service Department of the Interior 18th and C St.s, NW Washington, DC 20240 202-208-4131
Geological Survey Department of the Interior 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr. Reston, VA 20192 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) Web site: www.usgs.gov
National Park Service Department of the Interior 1849 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240 202-208-4747 (Public Affairs) Web site: www.nps.gov
Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Department of the Treasury 650 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20226 202-927-7777 Fax: 202-927-7862 Web site: www.atf.treas.gov/
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of External Relations Department of the Treasury 14th and C St.s, SW, Room 533 M Washington, DC 20228 202-874-3019 Fax: 202-874-3177 Web site: www.moneyfactory.com
Office of the Commissioner Bureau of the Public Debt Department of the Treasury 999 E St., NW, Room 500 Washington, DC 20239 202-691-3502 Web site: www.publicdebt.treas.gov
Customer Assistance Group Comptroller of the Currency Department of the Treasury 1301 McKinney St., Suite 3710 Houston, TX 77010 Toll free: 1-800-613-6743 Web site: www.occ.treas.gov
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs Financial Management Service Department of the Treasury Liberty Center 401, 14th St., SW Room 555 Washington, DC 20227 202-874-6740 Fax: 202-874-7016 Web site: www.fms.treas.gov
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Department of the Treasury General Information: 1-800-829-1040 Automated Refund Information: 1-800-829-4477 Forms: 1-800-829-3676 Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1-877-777-4778 To Report Tax Fraud or Abuse: 1-800-829-0433 TDD toll free: 1-800-829-4059 Web site: www.irs.gov
IRS e-file: IRS e-file is fast, easy, and safe; more than 46 million Americans chose IRS e-file to file their 2001 tax returns. Information about filing from your home computer is available at www.irs.gov. IRS e-payment: IRS e-payment options offer secure, convenient payment of tax balances. Direct debits can be authorized on electronically filed returns. Credit card payments can be made through e-filing software, by phone, or via the Internet. For more information, go to www.irs.gov and www.eftps.gov. Refund Status: IRS has more options than ever for you to check the status of a federal income tax refund. Access the secure Web site www.irs.gov to find out if the IRS received your return and whether your refund was processed and sent to you. You can also call 1-800-829-4477 or 1-800-829-1040. Whichever method you choose, you'll need your social security number, filing status, and the refund amount. Employer Identification Numbers: Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) can be obtained by fax, mail, or phone. To get an EIN by fax or mail, download Form SS-4, Application for Employer ID Number, from www.irs.gov or order a copy from 1-800-829-3676. Complete the form and fax or mail it to the number or address shown on the form for your state. To get an EIN by phone, call toll-free 1-866-816-2065 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. local time. Frivolous Tax Arguments and Abusive Schemes: Don't fall victim to a frivolous tax argument or abusive scheme. Be on guard for tax scams and recognize that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Office of Thrift Supervision Compliance Policy Department of the Treasury 1700 G St., NW Washington, DC 20552 Toll free: 1-800-842-6929 Web site: www.ots.treas.gov
The Office of Thrift Supervision handles complaints about Federal savings and loans and Federal savings banks.
Bureau of the Public Debt Marketing Office Department of the Treasury 999 E St., NW, Ste. 313 Washington, DC 20239 202-691-3535 Toll free: 1-800-4US-BOND (toll free recording of savings bond interest rates) Web site: www.publicdebt.treas.gov
Customer Service Center United States Mint Department of the Treasury 10003 Derekwood Lane Lanham, MD 20706 Toll free: 1-800-872-6468 Web site: www.usmint.gov
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 400 Seventh St. Washington, DC 20590 202-366-2519 Web site: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Household Goods Consumer Complaint and Safety Violation Hotline. Consumers may and are encouraged to submit household goods (HHG) commercial complaints to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by calling toll- free number, 1-888-368-7238 (DOT-SAFT). Additional information about rights and responsibilities when moving may be found at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/moving.htm. This same toll-free number may be used to report dangerous safety violations involving a commercial truck or bus. Federal Aviation Administration (ASY- 300) Department of Transportation (DOT) Washington, DC 20591 Toll free: 1-800-255-1111 (Air safety hotline for general public and aviation community to report unsafe aviation practices.)
Federal Aviation Administration Department of Transportation (DOT) 800 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20591 202-366-4000 Toll free: 1-800-FAA-SURE (322-7873) (consumer hotline other than safety issues, see above, 8 am-4 pm, M- F) Web site: www.faa.gov
AIR Consumer Protection Division Department of Transportation (DOT) C-75, Room 4107 Washington, DC 20590 202-366-2220 E-mail: airconsumer@dot.gov Web site: www.dot.gov/airconsumer
Airline Service Complaints.
Office of Safety (RRS) Federal Railroad Administration Department of Transportation (DOT) Office address: 1120 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC 20005 202-493-6300 Fax: 202-493-6309
Railway Safety Mailing Address: Federal Railroad Administration 400 Seventh Street, SW Mail Stop 25 Washington DC 20590
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Department of Transportation (DOT) 400 7th St., SW, Room 5232 Washington, DC 20590 Toll free DOT Safety Hotline: 1-888-DASH 2 DOT (1-888-327-4236) Web site: www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Auto Safety Hotline. NHTSA wants to hear from consumers regarding potential defects in their cars. NHTSA's hotline has information on safety recalls; crash test ratings; child safety seats; bicycles; air bags; and impaired driving prevention.
Transportation Security Administration Department of Transportation (DOT) 400 7th St., SW Washington, DC 20590 Toll free: 1-866-289-9673 (Complaints about the baggage screening process at airports. Also to report items damaged in screening.) Toll free: 1-888-328-6172 (For Security Screener and Law Enforcement Employment Inquiries) Web site: www.tsa.dot.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Toll free: 1-800-827-1000 Web site: www.va.gov
For information about VA medical care or benefits, write, call or visit your nearest VA facility. Consumer Affairs Service (075B) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 810 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC 20420 202-273-5760
For consumer information or general assistance.
National Cemetery Administration (402B2) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 810 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC 20420 202-273-5221 Fax: 202-273-6698
For information about burials, headstones or markers, State cemetery grants program, and presidential memorial certificates.
Veterans Benefits Administration (20S5) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 810 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC 20420 202-273-7588 (Publications only) Toll free: 1-800-827-1000 Web site: www.va.gov
For information about benefits.
Veterans Health Administration (10C3) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 810 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC 20420 Toll free: 1-877-222-8387 Fax: 202-273-9609
For information about medical care.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Energy StarŪ Program Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Room 6202J Washington, DC 20460 Toll free: 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937) E-mail: info@energystar.gov Web site: www.energystar.gov
The ENERGY STAR label is awarded to products for the home and office that are highly energy efficient. Buying appliances, consumer electronics, lighting, heating and cooling equipment and other products that carry this label helps protect the environment and saves money as well. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PO Box 37133 Washington, DC 20013 703-356-4020 Toll free: 1-800-438-4318 E-mail: IAQINFO@aol.com Web site: www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqxline.html
The IAQ is an easily accessible, central source of information on indoor air quality, created and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Inspector General's Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 2410 Washington, DC 20460 202-566-2476 Toll free: 1-888-546-8740 Fax: 202-260-0711 Web site: www.epa.gov/oig/ombudsman-hotline.htm
EPA Headquarters Information Resources Center Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Library and Mailcode 3404T Washington, DC 20460 202-566-0556 Fax: 202-556-0562 E-mail: public- access@epamail.epa.gov
Mailing address: 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mailcode 3201 Washington DC 20460 This is the EPA headquarters library, which provides assistance in locating EPA and environmental information, including general interest, non-technical publications on a variety of environmental topics.
National Pesticide Information Center Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Oregon State University 333 Weniger Hall Corvalis, OR 97331-6502 Toll free: 1-800-858-7378 (United States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) Fax: 541-737-0761 E-mail: npic@ace.orst.edu Web site: ace.orst.edu/info/npic
A service that provides objective, science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects, including: pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, environmental chemistry.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) RCRA, Superfund and EPCRA Hotline Washington, DC 20460 703-412-9810 (DC metro area) Toll free outside DC: 1-800-424-9346 Toll free: 1-800-535-0202 (9-6 EST) TDD toll free: 1-800-553-7672 Fax: 703-412-3333 E-mail: epahotline@bah.com Web site: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hotline
Safe Drinking Water Hotline Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 703-285-1103 Toll free: 1-800-426-4791 E-mail: hotline- sdwa@epamail.epa.gov Web site: www.epa.gov/safewater
Answers questions on the Safe Drinking Water Act, rules and regulations, and consumer questions.
Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Information Service Hotline (TSCA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 202-554-1404 Fax: 202-554-5603 E-mail: tsca-hotline@email.epa.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1801 L St., NW Washington, DC 20507 202-663-4900 Toll free outside DC area: 1-800-669-4000 (file-a-charge information) Toll free: 1-800-669-3302 (publications) TDD toll free outside DC area: 1-800-800-3302 (publications) TDD toll free outside DC area: 1-800-669-3302 (file-a-charge information) Web site: www.eeoc.gov
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 445 12th St. SW Washington, DC 20554 Toll free: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) TTY toll free: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov Web site: www.fcc.gov
Public inquiries, informal complaints, cable, radio, satellite, telephone, television and wireless
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Compliance and Consumer Affairs Division Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection Division 550 17th St., NW Washington, DC 20429 202-736-0000 Toll free: 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) TDD toll free: 1-800-925-4618 Fax: 202-898-6683 E-mail: www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/ Web site: www.fdic.gov
FDIC handles questions about federal deposit insurance coverage and complaints about FDIC-insured state banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Office of Inspector General Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Toll free: 1-800-323-8603 (Government Waste Hotline) Web site: www.fema.gov/ig/
Office of Public Affairs Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 500 C St., S.W. Washington, DC 20472 202-646-4600 Fax: 202-646-4086 E-mail: opa@fema.gov (general inquiries) Web site: www.fema.gov
Federal Insurance Administration Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program 500 C St., SW Washington, DC 20472 202-646-2780 Toll free: 1-888-CALL-FLOOD TDD toll free: 1-800-427-5593 Fax: 202-646-2531 Web site: www.fema.gov
United States Fire Administration National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 16825 South Seton Ave. Emmitsburg, MD 21727 301-447-1117 (Office of the Superintendent, National Fire Academy) 301-447-1286 (Office of the Superintendent, Emergency Management Institute) Toll free: 1-800-238-3358 Web site: www.usfa.fema.gov
Response and Recovery Directorate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 500 C St., SW, Room 705 Washington, DC 20472 202-566-1600 Web site: www.fema.gov/about/respond.shtm
Disaster victims living in presidentially-declared major disaster area can find out if they are eligible to apply for disaster assistance by calling the toll free number.
Federal Maritime Commission
Office of Consumer Complaints The Office of Consumer Complaints 800 North Capitol St., NW Washington, DC 20573 202-523-5725 Fax: 202-523-5807 E-mail: Complaints@fmc.gov Web site: www.fmc.gov
Regulatory agency maintaining statutory authority over ocean carriers and certain other entities, operating in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States. Our assistance is available to consumers engaged in disputes with transporting carriers as well as with cruise operators.
Federal Reserve System
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 20th & C St.s, NW Washington, DC 20551 202-452-3693 (Complaints Only) 202-452-3204 (Public Affairs) TDD: 202-452-3544 Web site: www.federalreserve.gov
The Board of Governors handles consumer complaints about state-chartered banks and trust companies which are members of the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Consumer Response Center Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20580 Toll free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) TDD/TTY: 1-866-653-4261 Web site: www.ftc.gov
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
General Services Administration
Business Service Centers General Services Administration Toll free: 1-888-633-4472 Web site: www.gsa.gov
These centers provide practical information on contracting procedures for small businesses wishing to do business with GSA. Call 1-888-633-4472 for information on how to reach the center serving your area or access the GSA web site at www.gsa.gov/oed. Federal Citizen Information Center Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) General Services Administration Pueblo, CO 81009 719-948-4000 Toll free: 1-888-8PUEBLO (catalog orders only) Toll free: 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636) Web site: www.pueblo.gsa.gov
FCIC publishes the free Consumer Information Catalog, which lists more than 200 free and low-cost Federal booklets on a wide variety of consumer topics, and maintains the official web portal to federal government websites at www.firstgov.gov, which is also available in Spanish at www.espanol.gov.
Federal Information Center (see Federal Citizen Information Center) General Services Administration
Federal Information Relay Service (see page 114) General Services Administration
Surplus Federal Property Sales General Services Administration
GSA disposes of both personal property and real estate. GSA's Public Buildings Service sells most surplus government real estate. For information, you may call 1-800-472-1313 or access the GSA web site at : www.gsa.gov/pbs/pr/prhome.htm. GSA's Federal Supply Service manages the disposition of surplus Federal personal property. Such property may be (1) donated to public agencies or qualified nonprofit organizations, or (2) sold to the general public. For more information, you may access the web site at www.gsa.gov.
Government Printing Office (GPO)
Superintendent of Documents Government Printing Office (GPO) PO Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250 202-512-1800 Toll free outside DC: 1-866-512-1800 Fax: 202-512-2250 E-mail: orders@gpo.gov Web site: bookstore.gpo.gov
The Government Printing Office (GPO) sells many Government publications and subscriptions of interest to consumers. GPO accepts orders by mail, telephone, fax, and e-mail, and operates 24 bookstores nationwide. For a free catalog of new and popular titles, which includes a list of the Government bookstores, write to: Free Catalog, P.O. Box 37000, Washington, DC 20013. To order publications and subscriptions, write to: Gov't Publications address in PA listed above.
National Archives and Records Administration
National Archives and Records Administration at College Park 8601 Adelphi Rd. College Park, MD 20740-6001 Toll free: 1-866-272-6272 E-mail: inquire@nara.gov Web site: www.nara.gov
NARA is an independent Federal agency that helps preserve our nation's history by overseeing the management of all Federal records. NARA's mission is to provide ready access to essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience.
National Council on Disability (NCD)
1331 F St., NW Suite 850 Washington, DC 20004 202-272-2004 TDD: 202-272-2074 Fax: 202-272-2022 E-mail: mquigley@ncd.gov Web site: www.ncd.gov
The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on policies affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities.
National Credit Union Administration
1775 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314-3428 703-518-6300 Web site: www.ncua.gov
The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund provides Federal insurance for nearly 10,300 credit unions.
National Labor Relations Board
National Labor Relations Board Division of Information 1099 14th St., NW, Room 94000 Washington, DC 20570 202-273-1991 Fax: 202-273-1789 Web site: www.nlrb.gov
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Office of Consumer Affairs Office of Public Affairs U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Washington, DC 20555 301-415-8200 Fax: 301-415-2234 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Web site: www.nrc.gov
The NRC regulates the commercial use of nuclear materials and nuclear power in the U.S. to protect public health and safety.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Contact Center Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 1200 K St., NW Washington, DC 20005-4026 202-326-4100 Toll free: 1-800-400-PBGC TDD/TTY users, call the federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 Fax: 202-326-4156 Web site: www.pbgc.gov
Questions and comments about the website should go to webmaster@pbgc.gov. Personal Pension Inquiries should go to mypension@pbgc.gov. There is a list of e-mails for the participants, plan administrators and others at www.pbgc.gov/contacts/allcontacts.htm.
Postal Rate Commission
Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA) Postal Rate Commission 1333 H St., NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20268-0001 202-789-6839 Fax: 202-789-6819 E-mail: prc-oca@prc.gov Web site: www.prc.gov
The Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to the Governors of the Postal Service on proposed changes in postal rates and mail classifications. The Office of the Consumer Advocate represents the interests of the general public in such cases. The Commission and the OCA are separate from the Postal Service and have no involvement in mail delivery or service matters.
Railroad Retirement Board
844 North Rush St. Chicago, IL 60611-2092 312-751-4500 Toll free: 1-800-808-0772 (Helpline) Toll free: 1-800-772-4258 (To report fraud or abuse) TDD/TTY: 312-751-4701 E-mail: help@rrb.gov Web site: www.rrb.gov
The Railroad Retirement Board is an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government. The Board's primary function is to administer comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families, under the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Office of Investor Education and Assistance Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 450 Fifth St., NW Washington, DC 20549-0213 202-942-7040 Toll free: 1-800-SEC-0330 (to order publications) TDD: 202-942-7114 Fax: 202-942-9634 (Information and Complaints) Web site: www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Toll free: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (827-5722) (information) Toll free: 1-888-REG-FAIR (734-3247) (Your rights to regulatory fairness) TDD: 704-344-6640 Fax: 202-481-6190 E-mail: answerdesk@sba.com Web site: www.sba.gov
SBA offices are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For the office nearest you, look under "U.S. Government" in your telephone directory.
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries Social Security Administration Windsor Park Bldg. 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 Toll free: 1-800-772-1213 Web site: www.socialsecurity.gov
The Social Security Administration provides retirement, survivors and disability benefits, as well as administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. To report Social Security or SSI fraud, call toll free: 1-800-269-0271.
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
1925 K St., NW Washington, DC 20423-0001
Complaints about railroad rates and services. Office of Congressional and Public Services Surface Transportation Board (STB) 1925 K St., NW Suite 840 Washington, DC 20423-0001 202-565-1592 Fax: 202-565-9016
Office of Press Services Surface Transportation Board (STB) 1925 K St., NW Washington, DC 20423-0001 202-565-1596 (Press Releases) Fax: 202-565-9016
Press Releases.
U.S. Postal Service
Office of Consumer Advocate U.S. Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 5801 Washington, DC 20260-2202 202-268-2284 Toll free: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) TTY: 1-877-877-7833 Web site: www.usps.gov
In order to meet the real-time needs of consumers and better serve them, the Consumer Advocate's office provides three channels to gather feedback from its customers. Customers can: SPEAK to their local postmaster/management staff CALL 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777) VISIT www.usps.com United States Postal Inspection Service U.S. Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20260 Web site: www.usps.gov/postalinspectors
If you believe you have been the victim of a crime involving the U.S. mail or need assistance with postal-related problems of a law enforcement nature, you should contact your nearest Postal Inspection Service office. Addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the government pages of your telephone book or by visiting the Postal Inspection Service Web site.
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