1. a. 

   If the inquirer is the subject of the record and makes a request in person, have them complete a written request that includes:

   • •

     Their SSN, name, date of birth, parents' names, and signature;

   • •

     Name of pension plan and year the NH terminated employment covered by the plan;

   • •

     The Privacy Act penalty statement: “I certify that I am the person to whom the record pertains, or that person's parent (if a minor) or legal guardian, or a person who is authorized to sign on behalf of that individual. I know that the knowing and willful request or acquisition of records under false pretences is a criminal offense subject to a fine of up to $5,000”;

   • •

     Name and address of person who is to be sent the information; and

   • •

     Have the individual provide evidence of identity such as a driver's license.

2. b. 

   Verify the accuracy of the individual's SSN by examining their Social Security card or by checking the NUMIDENT.

3. c. 

   Forward only the written request to:

   OCO
   
   Office of Earnings Operation
   
   Attention: ERISA Correspondence Group
   
   P.O. Box 33007
   
   Baltimore, Maryland 21290-3007

   NOTE: 

   Since FO personnel do not maintain a file, do not photocopy the evidence of identity. Also, do not send the individual's identity document with the written request.

4. d. 

   If the individual is the subject of the record and makes the request by telephone:

   • •

     Identify the individual using the mandatory identifying data elements (name, SSN, address, date of birth, place of birth, and one other element from the record);

   • •

     Have the individual complete a written request as detailed in “a” above; and

   • •

     Direct the individual to send the written request to the address noted above.

5. e. 

   If the inquirer is a third party and makes the request in person or by telephone, they must provide written consent from the individual who is the subject of the record before the requested information can be disclosed.

   • •

     SSA Form 3288 can be provided to the third party and should be completed by the individual who is the subject of the record.

   • •

     Inform the third party that the written consent should be mailed to the address noted above.

Refer inquiries as follows: