Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Requests for Information From the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the following topics:

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1. General Overview of VA Requests for Information From SSA

Introduction

This topic contains a general overview of VA requests for information from SSA, including

• information-sharing requirements
• general information about making a request, and
• safeguarding records VA receives from SSA.

Change Date

June 17, 2014

III.ii.1.B.1.a. Information-Sharing Requirements

When necessary, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must share with each other information a claimant submits to either agency.

Note: SSA does not charge for records it provides to VA.

Reference: For more information on the exchange of information between SSA and VA, see

• 38 U.S.C. 5106, and
• 38 U.S.C. 5701(b)(3).

III.ii.1.B.1.b. General Information About Making a Request

Except as provided in M21-1, Part XII, Subpart ii, 2.C.1, if VA requires information from SSA in order to decide a claim for benefits, request the information in accordance with the instructions in this section.

Important: Any request for Social Security claim records should include a request for all related SSA administrative decisions. Administrative decision findings are necessary if the VA claim is ever referred for appeal.

Reference: For information on the special allowance under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a) for survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, see M21-1, Part XII, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.

III.ii.1.B.1.c. Safeguarding Records VA Receives From SSA

Although VA maintains the records it receives from SSA in a claims folder, release of these records or the information contained therein is restricted under the provisions of 38 CFR 1.521.

Exception: Federal tax information (FTI) (or unearned income), received from SSA in the FTI match is the property of the Internal Revenue Service and requires additional safeguarding.

References: For more information on

• FTI, see M21-1, Part XIV, 4.A, and
• safeguarding FTI, see M21-1, Part XIV, 4.B.

2. VA Requests for Disability Records From SSA

Introduction

This topic contains information on VA requests for disability records from SSA, including

• SSA Government-to-Government Services Online (SSA-GSO)
• regional office (RO) responsibilities with regard to the use of SSA-GSO
• procedures for requesting SSA records through the SSA-GSO interface
• following-up on SSA-GSO requests
• accessing records through the SSA-GSO interface, and
• types of records SSA provides to VA.

Change Date

January 14, 2025

III.ii.1.B.2.a. SSA-GSO

SSA Government-to-Government Services Online (SSA-GSO) is a web-based interface that SSA owns and operates. Access to SSA-GSO allows VA employees to request and receive electronic copies of claimants’ SSA disability records through a secure, electronic messaging system.

SSA-GSO is available to authorized users during the timeframes shown in the table below:

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III.ii.1.B.2.b. RO Responsibilities With Regard to the Use of SSA-GSO

Regional offices (ROs) are required to

• request records through the SSA-GSO website, and
• follow the format for the requests as outlined in the SSA-GSO User Guide.

Veterans Service Center and pension management center management are responsible for designating employees to assume the following roles for the purpose of controlling and monitoring access to the interface:

• Authorization Designee
• Super User, and
• Alternate Super User.

Note: SSA allows only a limited number of employees at each RO to have access to SSA-GSO.

References: For more information on

• Super User responsibilities, e-mail Compensation Service at VAVBAWAS/CO/SSA-GSO, and
• alternative SSA records request method, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.7.

III.ii.1.B.2.c. Procedures for Requesting SSA Records Through the SSA-GSO Interface

The table below shows the procedure for

• submitting a request for disability records from SSA through SSA-GSO
• documenting the request, and
• placing the request in the claims folder.

Important: If SSA-GSO is inaccessible or inoperable for an extended period of time, follow the instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.7 for faxing a request to SSA.

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Reference: For more information on the appropriate tracked item and suspense periods for requests for SSA medical records, see M21-4, Appendix D.

III.ii.1.B.2.d. Following-up on SSA-GSO Requests

Use the table below when following-up on an SSA-GSO request after the expiration of the suspense period.

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III.ii.1.B.2.e. Accessing Records Through the SSA-GSO Interface

Use the table below to access records sent through the SSA-GSO interface.

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Reference: For more information about uploading documents in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), see the VBMS Job Aid – Adding Documents in VBMS eFolders.

III.ii.1.B.2.f. Types of Records SSA Provides to VA

SSA provides VA the records associated with the disability determinations SSA makes for its claimants.

In response to a request for information from VA, SSA provides

• either a photocopy of the evidence or a certification on SSA Form 704, Certification of Contents of Document(s) or Record(s), which is acceptable for VA purposes, if other requirements are met, and
• a statement signed by an SSA employee on the back of each photocopy, showing
• whether or not the original document appears to be genuine
• the purported age of the document, and
• whether there appear to be any alterations to the original document.

Exception: SSA does not provide records to VA that should already be in VA’s possession or to which VA has access, such as VA medical records.

3. Obtaining Information Through FOLQ

Introduction

This topic contains information about the FOLQ, including

• definition of FOLQ
• purpose of FOLQ
• how to access FOLQ, and
• when to use FOLQ.

Change Date

June 26, 2026

III.ii.1.B.3.a. Definition: FOLQ

The Federal On-Line Query (FOLQ) is a read-only, person-specific, real-time query developed by SSA for Federal agencies to obtain the SSA data described in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.3.b.

III.ii.1.B.3.b. Purpose of FOLQ

FOLQ provides the following to authorized Federal agencies:

• verification of Social Security numbers (SSNs)
• Title II, Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance data
• Title XVI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) data, and
• a limited payment history file.

Access to this information enables VA to assist Veterans and their survivors by obtaining instant verification of eligibility information.

Reference: For more information on when to contact SSA when limited payment information is available, see

• M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.6.c, and
• M21-1, Part XIV, 2.A.2.d.

III.ii.1.B.3.c. How to Access FOLQ

Access FOLQ through VBMS using the SSA INQUIRY functionality.

Note: VBMS permits direct upload of inquiry results to the corresponding eFolder when the user selects the SAVE TO EFOLDER button.

References: For more information on

• FOLQ, see the FOLQ User Guide, and
• Share, see the Share Online Help.

III.ii.1.B.3.d. When to Use FOLQ

Use FOLQ to obtain or verify a Veteran’s/claimant’s

• vital information, such as SSN, address, and/or date of birth and death
• Social Security benefit information
• unearned income history, and
• SSI information.

Important: All inquiry results must be uploaded to the eFolder.

4. VA Requests for Verification of SSA Monthly Payments

Introduction

This topic contains information on VA requests for verification of SSA monthly payments, including

• using the SSA INQUIRY functionality in VBMS, and
• combined SSA payment to a
• Veteran and spouse, and
• surviving spouse and child(ren).

Change Date

June 26, 2026

III.ii.1.B.4.a. Using the SSA INQUIRY Functionality in VBMS

Use the SSA INQUIRY functionality in VBMS to verify the monthly amount of benefits SSA paid to a

• Veteran
• Veteran’s spouse or surviving spouse
• Veteran’s surviving child(ren), or
• Veteran’s parent(s).

The SSA INQUIRY functionality requires the user to provide

• the Veteran’s/claimant’s
• name
• SSN
• date of birth, and
• VA file number, and
• the reason for inquiry for each individual for whom information is needed.

Important: Use the SAVE TO EFOLDER button to upload the results to the VBMS eFolder, as required by M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.3.d.

III.ii.1.B.4.b. Combined SSA Payment to a Veteran and Spouse

SSA may issue a combined payment to a beneficiary and their spouse, although the benefit is based on the employment of only one spouse, if

• both the wage earner and spouse reside at the same address
• neither spouse
• is incompetent, nor
• voices any objection to combining of the payment, and
• no other reason exists that would make combining of the payment undesirable, such as entitlement by the dependent spouse to old-age insurance or Social Security benefits on their own account.

Important: Consider only the amount of the combined payment that represents the Veteran’s portion as their income.

III.ii.1.B.4.c. Combined SSA Payment to a Surviving Spouse and Child(ren)

Under SSA procedures, a surviving spouse with a child or children may continue to receive Social Security benefits in their own name but, because of earnings, one or more of these checks must be for the benefit of the child or children in their custody.

5. SSA Field Offices

Introduction

This topic contains information on SSA field offices, including

• functions of SSA field offices, and
• contacting SSA field offices.

Change Date

June 17, 2014

III.ii.1.B.5.a. Functions of SSA Field Offices

SSA field offices generally offer the full range of Social Security services, including

• applying for new or replacement Social Security cards
• applying for Social Security and SSI benefits
• making changes to benefits information, and
• assisting eligible Medicare beneficiaries with the cost of their prescription drugs under the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.

The field offices also develop claims for Social Security/SSI benefits and prepare awards and denials.

III.ii.1.B.5.b. Contacting SSA Field Offices

SSA field offices are located in major cities throughout the United States. Use the SSA Office Locator to

• determine the address of the nearest SSA field office, and/or
• obtain contact information for a specific SSA field office.

Notes:

• Contact the nearest SSA field office to obtain information about the status of a claim for Social Security/SSI benefits.
• When reference is made within the M21-1 to the “parallel district office of SSA,” it refers to the SSA field office nearest to the RO adjudicating the claim.

6. SSA PSCs

Introduction

This topic contains information on SSA’s PSCs, including

• locations where SSA files are maintained
• functions of PSCs, and
• directing questions to the appropriate PSC.

Change Date

January 14, 2025

III.ii.1.B.6.a. Locations Where SSA Files Are Maintained

The table below identifies the locations where SSA files are maintained.

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III.ii.1.B.6.b. Functions of PSCs

PSCs process

• favorable Title II Disability Determination Services and Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) Disability Hearing Office (DHO) reconsidered determinations
• favorable Administrative Law Judge and Appeals Council disability decisions, and
• ODAR’s DHO Title II cessation determinations when they involve vocational rehabilitation.

III.ii.1.B.6.c. Directing Questions to the Appropriate PSC

Use the information in the table below to identify the appropriate PSC to contact when directed to do so by a PSC at a local SSA field office.

Important: Per M21-1, Part XIV, 2.A.2.d, do not contact SSA to request income information via fax, e-mail, telephone, etc., unless the claimant submits a written request that VA do so.

Notes:

• Although SSNs are composed of nine digits, grouped as ###-##-####, identify the appropriate PSC by referring to the first three digits of the SSN.
• Each PSC services cases within a specified range of account numbers, regardless of the place of residence or the place of death of the holder of the account number.

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References: For information on

• calculating historical rates, see
• M21-1, Part XIV, 2.A.2.d, and
• the SSA Retro Calculator on the Pension and Fiduciary Service Intranet page, and
• SSA cost-of-living adjustment calculations, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.B.3.g.

7. Alternate Means of Requesting Disability Records From SSA

Introduction

This topic discusses an alternate means of requesting disability records from SSA, including

• when ROs should fax requests for disability records to SSA
• instructions for faxing requests for disability records to SSA
• following up on faxed requests to SSA for disability records, and
• exhibit of SSA Form SSANRC-15, FAX Request for Medical Records/Information from the Social Security Administration National Record Center (SSANRC).

Change Date

November 22, 2021

III.ii.1.B.7.a. When ROs Should Fax Requests for Disability Records to SSA

The SSA-GSO website referenced in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.2 must be the primary method for requesting records from SSA.

ROs must attempt to request records through the SSA-GSO website before using the alternative fax method. Fax requests for disability records to SSA only if the SSA-GSO website is inaccessible or inoperable for an extended period of time.

III.ii.1.B.7.b. Instructions for Faxing Requests for Disability Records to SSA

Follow the instructions in the table below if it becomes necessary to fax a request for disability records to SSA.

Reminder: This method should only be used if the SSA-GSO website is unavailable as discussed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B.7.a.

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III.ii.1.B.7.c. Following Up on Faxed Requests to SSA for Disability Records

Follow the steps in the table below if SSA does not respond to a faxed request for disability records after the expiration of the suspense period.

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Note: For each follow-up attempt, ensure that the corresponding tracked items and suspense dates are updated.

References: For more information on

• sending the claimant a final notification letter, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.e, and
• the appropriate tracked item for requests for SSA medical records, see M21-4, Appendix D.

III.ii.1.B.7.d. Exhibit: SSA Form SSANRC-15

The image below represents a blank version of SSA Form SSANRC-15.