Direct Payment to Eligible Non-Attorney Representatives

Requirements for Direct Payment to Non-Attorney Representatives

The Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010, Public Law No. 111-142 permanently extends fee withholding to all eligible non-attorney representatives. Section 206 (e) of the Social Security Act (Act) Social Security Act §206 [42 U.S.C.406] (e) sets forth prerequisites that non-attorney representatives must satisfy in order to receive direct payment of fees. Non-attorney representatives must possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications, pass a written examination administered by the Social Security Administration, secure professional liability insurance or equivalent, undergo a criminal background check, and complete continuing education courses.

Current Status

We selected CPS HR Consulting as the contractor to administer the examination and to ensure non-attorney representatives meet and maintain the requirements for direct fee payment.

Examination

The examination will be held on Wednesday August 8, 2012 at one site – Baltimore, MD.  If you would like to take the examination, you must complete and submit an application package to CPS HR Consulting.  The application period runs from May 30, 2012 through June 20, 2012. For detailed information about the examination and requirements for direct fee payment, please go to CPS HR Consulting’s Website.

For information on what current participants need to do to update their addresses and telephone numbers, please see below.

How do I update my address and telephone number?

You must update your address/phone or payment information through the SSA-1699 process. Submitting a completed Form SSA-1699. You should continue to notify your local field office of any phone or address changes. In addition, submit your address, phone, or name changes to CPS HR Consulting.

NOTE:
If you have already registered for direct payment and your registration information has not changed, you do not need to submit a new or updated Form SSA-1699.