The DOJ Federal Tort Claims Act staff defends the Federal government against tort
suits including such areas as medical malpractice, personal injuries attributed to
the actions of government employees, and governmental regulatory activities.
We may disclose certain non-tax return information to DOJ to defend another Federal
agency against a tort claim against the United States (U.S.), when the U.S. Attorney
presents a valid written consent statement authorizing the disclosure, or a Federal
court order directs us to disclose information that satisfies SSA’s regulatory requirements
for a court order (20 C.F.R. § 401.180). We should seek a protective order if we are
disclosing the information pursuant to a Federal court order.
We only disclose tax return information if we have written authorization from the
subject of the record or from the Internal Revenue Service.
Field offices should refer all requests from U.S. Attorneys to the regional office
(RO) through the regional Privacy Act Coordinator (PAC). The RO or regional PAC, in
turn, should refer such requests to the Office of the General Counsel, who can consult
with the Office of Privacy and Disclosure if needed.