§1665.2. Requests for access. — Inbound Citations

Rules governing the granting of access to the accounting of disclosure are the same as those for granting accesses to the records (including verification of identity) outlined in § 1665.2.

(a) If the requester is dissatisfied with the SSS response, the requester can appeal an adverse determination denying the request to the appellate authority listed in the notification of denial letter. The appeal must be made in writing or electronically (as specified in § 1665.1(a)), and it must be postmarked (or sent by email) within 60 calendar days of the date of the letter denying the initial request for records or amendment of information. The appeal should include a copy of the SSS determination (including the assigned request number, if known). For the quickest possible handling, the appeal whether in writing or by email should specify that it is a “Privacy Act Appeal.” If the requester is dissatisfied with the SSS response, the requester can appeal an adverse determination denying an initial request to access or amend a record in accordance with the provisions of §§ 1665.2 and 1665.4. The requester should submit the appeal in writing or electronically (as specified in § 1665.1(a)) and, to the extent possible, include the information specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Individuals desiring assistance in the preparation of their appeal should contact the records manager at the address provided herein.

(ii) A statement as to whether access will be granted only by providing copy of the record through the mail; or the address of the location and the date and time at which the record may be examined. In the event the requester is unable to meet the specified date and time, alternative arrangements may be made with the official specified in § 1665.2(b)(1);

(i) The request for access to a record in a system of records shall be addressed to the records manager, at the address cited above, and shall name the system of records or contain a description of such system of records. The request should state that the request is pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974. In the absence of specifying solely the Privacy Act of 1974 and, if the request may be processed under both the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act and the request specifies both or neither act, the procedures under the Privacy Act of 1974 will be employed. The individual will be advised that the procedures of the Privacy Act will be utilized, of the existence and the general effect of the Freedom of Information Act, and the difference between procedures under the two acts (e.g. fees, time limits, access). The request should contain necessary information to verify the identity of the requester (see § 1665.2(b)(2)(vi)). In addition, the requester should include any other information which may assist in the rapid identification of the record for which access is being requested (e.g., maiden name, dates of employment, etc.) as well as any other identifying information contained in and required by SSS Notice of Systems of Records.

(ii) When the individual's identity has been previously verified pursuant to § 1665.2(b)(2)(vi), further verification of identity is not required as long as the communication does not suggest that a need for verification is present. If the individual's identity has not been previously verified, SSS may require identification validation as described in § 1665.2(b)(2)(vi). Individuals desiring assistance in the preparation of a request to amend a record should contact the records manager at the address cited above.