In exceptional cases, the Commissioner of Social Security or a designee may approve, on a case-by-case basis, disclosure of non-tax return information under the ad hoc disclosure provision of SSA’s disclosure regulation (20 C.F.R. § 401.195). In these cases, the following requirements must be met:

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  the disclosure seems appropriate or necessary, and

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  there is no provision for disclosure in our disclosure regulations (20 C.F.R. Part 401) as interpreted by POMS GN Chapter 033, and

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  no provision of law specifically prohibits the disclosure.

Components should contact the Privacy Officer (PO) immediately, through the Office of the General Counsel, Office of Privacy and Disclosure, for all requests for information involving national security or other ad hoc disclosure situations.

Before referring the case to the PO, quickly find out as much as information as possible about the crime or other activity prompting the request, the requester's position in the law enforcement agency or other agency, and the information needed. You may ask the requester to fax or email a written request. Notify your Regional Privacy Act Coordinator if you contact the PO.