Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • About HHS
  • MAHA in Action
  • Programs & Services
  • Grants & Contracts
  • Laws & Regulations
  • Radical Transparency
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)
  3. FOIA office FAQS
  4. What can I do if my appeal is denied?
  • Freedom of Information Act
    • Submit & Check Status of FOIA Requests
    • FOIA Contacts & Requester Service Centers
    • Privacy Act Contacts
    • HHS FOIA Reports
      • Annual Reports
      • Quarterly Reports
      • Chief FOIA Officer Report
      • Open Pending FOIA Request Reports
    • FOIA Library / Electronic Reading Room
    • FOIA Exemptions & Exclusions
    • FOIA & Privacy Act Statutes & Resources
      • The Privacy Act
      • HHS System of Records Notices (SORNs)
      • HHS Computer Matching Agreements (CMAs)
    • FOIA FAQS
    • FOIA Appeals
    • FOIA Fees

What can I do if my appeal is denied?

If HHS denies your appeal, or does not respond within 20 working days, you may file a lawsuit. You may file a FOIA lawsuit in the U.S. District Court where you live, where you have your principal place of business, where the documents are kept, or in the District of Columbia. In court, HHS will have to prove that any withheld information is covered by one of the exemptions or exclusions listed in the FOIA or is prohibited from release by some other law. If you win a substantial portion of your case, the court may require the government to pay your court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Content created by Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Division
Content last reviewed September 17, 2015
Back to top
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Follow @SecKennedy

HHS icon

Follow @HHSGov

HHS Email updates

Receive email updates from HHS.

Subscribe

HHS Logo

HHS Headquarters

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​

  • Contact HHS
  • Careers
  • HHS FAQs
  • Nondiscrimination Notice
  • Press Room
  • HHS Archive
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Budget/Performance
  • Inspector General
  • Web Site Disclaimers
  • EEO/No Fear Act
  • FOIA
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Policy