March 2023

Understanding § 402.145: Responding to FOIA Requests for Records”

Leave a Comment / How to Get Your Own Records. / March 31, 2023

In this blog post, we provide an overview of how government agencies respond to requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act, specifically focusing on § 402.145. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0145.htm The section lays out the procedures that agencies must follow when responding to FOIA requests, including retrieving records, furnishing records, and creating new records. We explain that …

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How to Request a Record Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Leave a Comment / How to Get Your Own Records. / March 31, 2023

Welcome to our blog where we will discuss § 402.130, which outlines how to request a record under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0130.htm The FOIA provides individuals with the right to access information held by the federal government. It is important to note that not all information is available under FOIA, as there are …

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Materials Available for Inspection and Copying at Social Security District and Branch Offices

Leave a Comment / How to Get Your Own Records. / March 31, 2023

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a government agency responsible for administering the Social Security program in the United States. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0055.htm As part of its efforts to provide information to the public, the SSA maintains district offices and branch offices throughout the country. Section 402.55 of the SSA’s regulations outlines the materials that are available …

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Understanding Key Definitions in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Leave a Comment / Glossary of Definitions / March 31, 2023

Welcome to our blog post explaining the definitions found in section 402.30 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0030.htm This section provides definitions that are used throughout the rest of the Act. Understanding these definitions is important for anyone who is seeking access to government records through the FOIA. The first definition is “Agency,” …

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SSA’s Balanced Approach to Administering the Freedom of Information Act

Leave a Comment / Protecting individuals' privacy. / March 31, 2023

Social Security Administration’s policy for administering Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is based on a balanced approach. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0010.htm SSA recognizes the public’s right to access information in its possession, but it also prioritizes protecting internal processes and the legitimate interests of organizations or individuals who have submitted records to SSA. Certain records, such as trade …

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Understanding the Freedom of Information Act and Disclosure of Public Records

Leave a Comment / How to Get Your Own Records. / March 31, 2023

If you’ve ever wanted access to information held by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’re in luck. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0130.htm The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires the SSA to disclose any information in their records upon request from the public, with a few exceptions. The Privacy Act permits disclosure when the FOIA requires it. The public, …

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Understanding §401.120: Disclosures Required by Law

Leave a Comment / Protecting individuals' privacy. / March 31, 2023

Are you wondering when and why your personal information is being shared by the Social Security Administration? https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0120.htm This is where §401.120 of the Privacy Act comes into play. This section explains when the SSA is required by law to disclose certain information to other agencies. The Social Security Act mandates that the SSA share …

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Understanding Privacy Act Fees: What You Need to Know

Leave a Comment / Fees / March 31, 2023

Are you familiar with the Privacy Act fees and how they work? https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0095.htm If you’re looking to request copies of your records from a government agency, it’s important to know what you might be charged for and what you can expect. According to §401.95, agencies may charge fees for copying records, but only if you …

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Protecting Your Privacy: Understanding § 401.80 Accounting for Disclosures

Leave a Comment / Protecting individuals' privacy. / March 31, 2023

Are you curious about the laws that protect your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information? Look no further than section 401.80, which lays out the guidelines for accounting for disclosures of your records. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0080.htm As stated in this section, we are committed to maintaining a detailed record of all disclosures of your record …

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Legal Authority of Parents or Guardians

Leave a Comment / Parents or Guardians / March 29, 2023

As per § 401.75 of the Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0075.htm A parent or legal guardian of any minor or an individual who has been declared incompetent can act on behalf of the minor or incompetent individual. This means that they will have the same rights and privileges as the individual they represent, except for certain …

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