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Employee Benefits Security Administration

FOIA Information and EBSA Reading Room

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information. Like all federal agencies, the Department of Labor is required to disclose records requested in writing by any person. However, agencies may withhold information pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute. FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies.

In an effort to assist the public, below are quick links to specific FOIA-related information. Please use these if you are unsure of how to make a FOIA request. We encourage the public to explore EBSA and DOLs Websites or use our search engine to see if the information you seek is already available to the public via the Web.

EBSA FOIA Information

How to make a FOIA request - FOIA provides for public access to records maintained by EBSA. A FOIA request is a written request for records held or believed to be held by EBSA. The written request need not specifically refer to the FOIA. The Act requires that agencies provide records unless they are exempt from disclosure as defined in the Act.

  • Requests related to an investigation should be sent to the appropriate EBSA office.
  • All other requests should be submitted to:

U.S. Department of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Public Disclosure Room
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513
Washington, DC 20210
Tel 202.693.8673

Administrative Staff Manuals And Instructions To Staff That Affect A Member Of The Public

The EBSA Enforcement Manual provides detailed information on procedures used by the EBSA Office of Enforcement in its investigative programs.

Statements Of Policy & Interpretations Adopted By EBSA Not Published In The Federal Register

EBSA answers inquiries from individuals and organizations in the form of Advisory Opinions, which apply the law to a specific set of facts, and Information Letters, which merely call attention to well established principles or interpretations.  Field Assistance Bulletins are guidance usually issued during the course of an investigation and address a specific subject and issue.

Laws, Regulations & Other Published Technical Guidance

Forms And Publications

Hot FOIAs

Other FOIA Resources