Welcome to our blog post where we’ll be discussing the fee schedule for providing records and related services under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0165.htm
In this post, we’ll cover the various fees and charges associated with different types of records and services. Let’s dive right in!
1. Manual Searching or Reviewing of Records Fees are charged based on the employee’s grade level, and are adjusted as federal salaries change. As of January 5, 1997, the hourly rates are:
- GS-1 through GS-8: $14
- GS-9 through GS-14: $28
- GS-15 or above: $50
2. Computer Searching and Printing Fees are charged based on the actual cost of operating the computer, as well as the time spent by the operator, at the rates specified in section 1.
3. Photocopying Standard Size Pages A standard charge of $0.10 per page applies. However, lower fees may be applicable in certain situations, such as when a document has been printed in large quantities, using existing stock won’t interfere with program requirements, and the lower fee covers the prorated share of the original printing costs.
4. Photocopying Odd-Size Documents Fees are charged based on the actual costs of operating the machine and materials used, as well as the time spent by the operator, at the rates specified in section 1.
5. Certifying True Copies of Records Although not required by the FOIA, if this service is provided, a $10 charge per certification applies.
6. Sending Records via Express Mail, Certified Mail, or Other Special Methods Not required by the FOIA, but if provided, fees are charged based on the actual costs incurred.
7. Other Special Services For any other special services requested and agreed upon, fees are charged based on the actual costs of operating machinery, materials used, and the time spent by employees, at the rates specified in section 1.
8. Billing Exceeds Cost of Service Generally, fees will not be charged when the cost of the service is less than the cost of sending a bill. However, if multiple separate requests are made, the total costs will be billed periodically.
9. Fee for Copies of Printed Materials When extra copies of printed material are available, the charge is generally 1 cent per page. If the material may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, the charge is set by the Superintendent.
10. Fee Schedule Not Applicable This fee schedule does not apply to requests for records governed by section 1106 of the Social Security Act and §§ Sections 402.170 and 402.175.
That’s it for our comprehensive breakdown of the fee schedule for records and services under the FOIA. Stay tuned for more informative blog posts on various topics!