What is the primary condition under which no fee is allowed for requesting records?

The primary condition under which no fee is allowed for requesting records is when the request is made to support a claim under the Social Security Act. This provision is grounded in the recognition that individuals seeking to apply for or appeal decisions related to Social Security benefits may require access to their records without the barrier of fees, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder their ability to obtain necessary documentation for their claims.

Requests relating to Social Security often involve sensitive and crucial elements of a person's health, psychological assessments, or other pertinent records that impact their eligibility for benefits. Granting access to these records without a fee not only aligns with the equity and accessibility principles but also serves to facilitate the legal process for individuals who may already be experiencing financial hardships.

The other scenarios, such as general inquiries about records, personal legal matters, or educational assessments, typically do not carry the same exemption from fees as those directly related to Social Security claims. In those cases, fees may be applied to manage administrative costs associated with compiling and providing the requested records.