onder why you haven’t received your federal tax refund yet? Need help finding a care giver for an aging parent? Or what about that tax law Congress just passed--how does it affect your pocketbook? Today information is power. It’s a complex world, and consumers need to be more vigilant than ever. Knowing where to turn for answers to questions or to find information is essential to your personal and financial health. So here’s a short list of government agencies that may help.

Thinking about a vacation? You’ll find phone listings for the tourism offices of all 50 states, and a whole lot more, at the Consumer Information Center’s Web site. Visit the site for free on-line information about consumer topics such as cars, money, small business, travel, food and nutrition, and employment. Call (888) 878-3256 or write to Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009. Note: There may be a small charge to obtain materials through conventional mail.

Suspect a problem with your pension? Check it out. The Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA), Washington, D.C., enforces federal laws governing pensions and other employee benefits. Contact your local PWBA office for inquiries; check the federal government listings in your phone book, or call the Washington headquarters at (202) 219-8776. The brochure hotline is (800) 998-7542. Visit PWBA’s Web site for information about regional and district offices, or to view publications, such as Protect Your Pension: A Quick Reference Guide.

Call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at (800) 772-1213 or your local office for questions about your benefits. Or write to: SSA, Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security Blvd., Room 4-C-5 Annex, Baltimore, MD 21235. The SSA’s Web site provides information about how to obtain a personal earnings and benefit estimate statement (PEBES); disability and Medicare requirements; how to report fraud; or how to apply for services. Note: The SSA has temporarily discontinued the on-line interactive PEBES test due to security concerns.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) supervises and insures 7,152 federal credit unions and insures 4,240 state-chartered credit unions. NCUA administers the federal fund that insures member deposits up to the $100,000 federal limit. Call NCUA at (703) 518-6330; fax (703) 518-6409. Write to NCUA’s Office of Congressional Affairs at 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, or e-mail at [email protected].