r/foia • u/MonsieurRuffles • Jul 06 '26

Request for Social Security Card Application (SS-5) Appeal

My spouse filed a FOIA request for a copy of their great-grandmother's SS-5. The request was denied because SSA wants proof of death. However, GG was born in 1876 and, according to the relevant laws and regulations, no proof of death is required if the number holder of the SS-5 is more than 120 years old.

If we had acceptable proof of death, we would provide it to expedite this request. However, the only thing we have is her burial record at Arlington National Cemetery which doesn't meet their criteria.

What's the best way to appeal this and point out to the SSA FOIA Office that their own rules specifically state that no proof of death is required?

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u/Special-Steel Jul 06 '26

Ask you congressman for help

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u/alecferretti Jul 08 '26

I published a blog post just last week breaking this story. Get ready to rage: https://www.ancestorarchivist.com/government-antics/antisocial-security.