Im currently requesting a clearance document from a government funded program. This clearance form is signed by me and my former landlord and is turned into the program case worker. When I requested a copy(for legal purposes) the case worker said that she was unsure that they can give me a copy. Is there anyway I can request of a copy under the freedom of information act or does this fall under the freedom of information act if they deny me a copy? What can I do?

Hello u:

Send your case worker a letter demanding the copy. Tell her that unless she has a compelling reason to deny your request, she is required to adhere to it.

If this is a state agency, there is a different FOIA for the state, but you certainly DO have a claim based upon it. The FOIA has an appeal process if they deny your claim.

excon

Just be aware that FOIA requests are not necessarily fast. I've seen some take multiple years from date of request to getting the actual information. Of course, that probably depends on how big the documents are, how big the agency that you are getting it from is, etc.