Representing Social Security Claimants

News Update

A new version of the Form SSA-1696 is now available - Access the latest version here.

Online access to eFolders is available for Hearing and Appeals Council level cases. If you have not done so, consider enrolling for online access to your clients’ eFolders.

Direct Payment to Eligible Non - Attorney Representatives

View a PowerPoint presentation: Direct Fee Payment to Representatives and Form 1099-MISC.

A claimant may appoint a qualified individual to represent him or her in doing business with Social Security. The appointment must be in writing and must be filed with SSA. If the claimant appoints a representative, the representative generally cannot charge or collect a fee for those services without first getting written approval from the Social Security Administration, even if the claim is denied. To get this approval, the representative must use one of Social Security's fee authorization processes.

If you are helping someone prepare an Internet Social Security Benefit Application:

• You cannot electronically sign the application on behalf of the applicant. Only the person you are helping can electronically sign his or her Internet Social Security Benefit Application and attest to the accuracy of the information provided.
  
  
• If the applicant wishes to appoint you as his or her official representative, we will need a written statement appointing you to represent him or her in dealings with Social Security. You may use a Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) for this purpose.

If you are helping someone appeal a denied disability application, depending on the reason you may be able to help them request an appeal online. If the application is denied for:

• Medical reasons, the Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report can be completed and submitted online.
  
  
• Non-medical reasons, contact their local Social Security Office or call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Forms

Registration for Appointed Representative Services and Direct Payment (Form SSA-1699)

Appointment of Representative (Form SSA-1696)

Identifying Information for Possible Direct Payment of Authorized Fees (Form SSA-1695)

Request for Business Entity Taxpayer Information (Form SSA-1694) Online and Paper Versions

Petition to Obtain Approval of Fees (Form SSA-1560-U4)

Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (Form SSA-827)

Fact Sheets

Important Information for TRICARE (Military Health Benefits) Beneficiaries Entitled to Medicare Based on Social Security Disability (Publication No. 05-10020)

Direct Deposit of Fees Factsheet: Information We Send to Your Bank to help Identify the Source of Fee Payments