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Understanding the Procedure for Assessing and Collecting Fees for FOIA Records

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Welcome to our blog, where today we’ll discuss the procedure for assessing and collecting fees when providing records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/402/402-0180.htm Let’s go through the process step by step. 1. Initial Request and Fee Agreement When you send a request, we’ll assume you agree to pay for the required services. […]

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Fee Schedule for FOIA Records and Services: A Comprehensive Breakdown

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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

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Understanding § 402.145: Responding to FOIA Requests for Records”

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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).

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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

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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)

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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. /

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

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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

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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

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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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