Requesting Dshs Records Guide

Summary

To request records from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Washington, use a formal letter template. Include your contact information, specify the records you need, and request electronic copies if possible. If you cannot afford the fees, ask for a fee waiver due to financial hardship. Common records requested include case files on public assistance benefits, medical records, correspondence with DSHS, and investigation reports. Be precise in your request to facilitate the process.

Full Conversation

what if I have no income for the fees
If you have no income to pay the fees associated with your records request, you can include a sentence in your request letter asking for a fee waiver due to financial hardship. Here's how you can modify the template:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Records Officer
Department of Social and Health Services
[DSHS Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Public Records Request
Dear Records Officer,
Pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW *.*), I am requesting access to and copies of the following records:
*. [Describe the specific records you are requesting. Be as precise as possible to assist in locating the records.]
Please provide these records in electronic format if available. If there are any fees associated with fulfilling this request, I respectfully request a waiver of these fees due to financial hardship.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Do you have any other questions?
what exactly should I ask for?
It's great that you want to make a records request. To help you better, could you specify what type of records you're looking for from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)? This will ensure you get the precise information you need.
Im not sure
To help you refine your request, here are some common records people ask from DSHS:
- Case files regarding public assistance benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF).
- Medical or health service records.
- Correspondence between you and DSHS.
- Investigation reports.
Does any of these align with what you need?
sure
Here's a refined version of your records request:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Records Officer
Department of Social and Health Services
[DSHS Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Public Records Request
Dear Records Officer,
Pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW *.*), I am requesting access to and copies of the following records:
*. Case files regarding public assistance benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF).
*. Medical or health service records.
*. Correspondence between myself and DSHS.
*. Investigation reports.
Please provide these records in electronic format if available. If there are any fees associated with fulfilling this request, I respectfully request a waiver of these fees due to financial hardship.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Is there anything else you need help with?