---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 C.F.R. § 402.45"
title: "20"
number: "402.45"
heading: "Requests handled outside of the FOIA process."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/20/402.45"
---

# §402.45. Requests handled outside of the FOIA process.


When records outlined in [paragraphs (a) through (d)](#a..d) of this section are requested from OPD, OPD will respond to the requester and provide information for requesting the records sought:

- (a) To the extent a request asks for records that are currently publicly available, either from SSA or from another part of the Federal Government. See [§ 402.155](/cfr/20/402.155.md).
- (b) If the records sought are distributed by SSA as part of its regular program activity, for example, public information leaflets distributed by SSA. See [§§ 402.155 through 402.165](/cfr/20/402.155..402.165.md).
- (c) If the records sought are earnings records covered by [§ 422.125](/cfr/20/422.125.md) of this chapter.
- (d) If a request does not meet the requirements of a FOIA request as defined in [§ 402.30](/cfr/20/402.30.md). We will send written correspondence to the requester:
  - (1) Providing instructions for how to submit a proper FOIA request; or
  - (2) **Asking for additional information to make the request a proper FOIA request.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 405, 902(a)(5), and 1306); 5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a; 18 U.S.C. 1905; 26 U.S.C. 6103; 31 U.S.C. 9701; E.O. 12600, 52 FR 23781, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 235.

### Source

Source: 89 FR 102711, Dec. 18, 2024, unless otherwise noted.