TN 5 (11-15)

Based on office demographics and public service considerations such as accessibility, safety, and workload trends, the local FO employs a certain number of employees to assist the local population. Each office assists claimants and other customers within that office’s designated service area. ZIP code(s) or other recognizable boundaries may define an office’s service area.

Third party requesters with consent must contact the office that services the mailing ZIP code of the individual who is the subject of the requested record(s). If an FO receives a third party request outside of its servicing area, return the request to the requester with an explanation of why we cannot honor it. Use the sample language below. DO NOT forward the request to the correct servicing FO.

The sample language is available for use in the Document Processing System (DPS).

Sample Language:

The local Social Security field office (FO) employs a certain number of employees to assist the local population based on office demographics and public service considerations such as accessibility, safety, and workload trends. Each office assists claimants and other customers within that office’s designated service area. ZIP code(s) or other recognizable boundaries define an office’s service area.

We do not process third party requests for claim file reviews or record information on behalf of claimants or other individuals residing outside of our service area as this practice conflicts with our servicing office policy. While a customer or claimant may visit any office and receive service, a third party requester with consent must direct requests for claim file reviews and record information to the office that services their clients’ mailing ZIP code. Third party requesters with consent may also visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/locator and enter the mailing ZIP codes of their clients to obtain the address of the appropriate servicing office.

Your cooperation in this matter will enable all Social Security offices to carry out the program administration responsibilities under the Social Security Act and effectively provide quality service to all customers.

Thank you for your cooperation.