The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced updated procedures for requesting and receiving certified copies of Electronic Disability Folders (CEFs), effective June 1, 2026. These revisions streamline the process for claimants, beneficiaries, and their representatives seeking access to official disability case documentation.
The changes were prompted by an agency reorganization that resulted in a reduced number of regional offices available to process medical record requests. To adapt, the SSA has introduced new email addresses for forwarding requests. Those seeking certified copies of a CEF without a subpoena or court order should now send their requests to the National Records Center at ^Folder Certification Request. Conversely, requests that include a subpoena or court order must be directed to ^LP PFDLaw Regional Disclosure.
Claimants can receive copies of their official disability case folders, which encompass all relevant documents, in various formats. Options include a compact disc (CD), an encrypted Portable Document Format (PDF) sent via secure email, or directly to a claimant's my Social Security (mySSA) account. The official folder includes applications, notices, disability-related forms, medical evidence, and statements, among other pertinent materials. However, certain documents, such as those in the "Current Development/Temporary" section or marked "DO NOT PROCESS," are not considered part of the official folder and will not be released. Sensitive information is also subject to strict access and disclosure rules, potentially requiring redaction.
Regarding fees, a claimant is entitled to one free copy of their file for program purposes. Additional copies or requests for non-program purposes may incur charges, as outlined in SSA's fee policy. If a file combines both paper and electronic materials, fees will only be applied if the total duplication cost reaches $25 or more. These updated guidelines aim to ensure efficient and secure access to disability records while maintaining compliance with disclosure regulations.