HUD
gathers information on employees, individuals applying for HUD programs,
business partners, contractors and clients. The Privacy
Act of 1974 established controls over what personal information
is collected by the federal government and how it is used.
The
Act grants rights to United States citizens and legal permanent
residents. Under the Privacy Act you:
The
Act mandates that the Government:
- Informs
you why information is being collected and how it is going to
be used;
- Assures
that information is accurate, relevant, complete and up-to-date
before disclosing it to others;
- Allows
you to find out about disclosures of your records to other agencies
or persons; and
- Provides
you with the opportunity to correct inaccuracies in your records.
The
Privacy Act applies only to records about individuals maintained
by agencies in the executive branch of the government. It applies
to these records only if they are kept in a "system of records."
A "system of records" is a group of records from which
the information was retrieved by an individual's name, social security
number, date of birth or some other personal identifier.
How do you request information under the Privacy Act?
You
may request access to the records maintained about you by HUD in
person or in writing. You must show proof of identity before HUD
can give you your records.
Generally,
a document with your photograph (building pass, driver's license,
etc.) is accepted proof of identity. Written requests for access
can establish proof of identity by a notarized statement or equivalent.
- If
you are making a written request address your letter to:
Privacy
Act Officer |
Department
Of Housing and Urban Development
|
451
7th St. SW, Room 4178 |
Washington,
DC 20410 |
- Be
sure to write "Privacy Act Request" clearly on both
the letter and the envelope.
- Give
as much information as possible about what records are being requested
and include the name of the "systems of records" notice,
if known.
- Requests
for personnel records can be made directly to the Office of Human
Resources.
The
policies, procedures, and guidelines for the implementation
of HUD's Privacy Act Program are contained in Handbook 1325.01,
REV-01, Privacy
Act Handbook. Also, please see HUD's Privacy
Principles.
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