Representing Claimants
Representatives have been appointed by a claimant to act on their behalf to access their Social Security record, filing status, and assist with the claim and appeal process.
This is different from a Representative Payee. Learn more about being a Representative Payee if you are trying to assist someone with the benefits they are currently receiving.
Latest News
We revised our regulations consistent with the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP v. Collins, 6 F.4th 150 (1st Cir.2021).
We are holding the 2025 EDPNA examination from June 4 through June 7, 2025, utilizing online proctors. The examination will be held remotely only, in the examinee's home or other remote location.
Register to be a representative
You must register to be an appointed representative with SSA before you can be selected to assist a claimant. Learn more about Registration, Affiliation, Direct Payment, and Annual Tax Statement
Sign up or update registration information
Complete form SSA-1699 to
- Sign up and register yourself as an appointed representative with SSA
- Update your information (e.g. change of address)
Register your firm or update your firm's Point of Contact
All entities that request direct payment need to register or update their registration with necessary payment and Point of Contact (POC) information. Fax form to 1-833-597-1429
View your registration and business information
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view registration information. Available to registered representatives.
Become an eligible for direct pay non-attorney (EDPNA)
EDPNA qualification allows you to become eligible for direct pay as a non-attorney.
Getting started with a claim or appeal
Learn how to get appointed as a representative and file an initial claim or appeal.
Appointment of representation SSA-1696
Form SSA-1696 will appoint you as a representative on a claim or update your appointment information.
Fee agreement SSA-1693
A fee agreement is used to formalize the fee arrangement between representatives and claimants.
File a claim
File a new claim for disability, retirement or Supplemental Security Income.
File an appeal
Requests for a disability or non-medical appeals must be received within 60 days of when your client receives our decision.
Manage a claim or appeal
Get updates, schedule appointments, and complete other tasks to manage an existing claim.
Access electronic client folder
Uses Electronic Records Express Appointed Representative Services (ERE ARS) to view, download or upload files to the electronic client folder.
View or download status reports
Use Electronic Records Express Appointed Representative Services (ERE ARS) to view and download status reports for pending cases.
View a list of clients
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view a list of your clients.
Provide availability for hearings
Use the Enhanced Representative Availability Process (ERAP) to provide your availability for hearings.
Request to withdraw an appeal
Submit form HA-85 to withdraw a hearing request or HA-86 to withdraw an Appeals Council.
Submit waiver of right to personal appearance
If you do not wish to appear at a hearing and you want to request that the judge make a decision based solely on the evidence in a case, waive your right to personal appearance in writing.
Manage fee payments
Review how to charge or collect fees from clients, and how to access or change 1099 tax forms. Learn more about the fee authorization process.
Fee Status for T2 Disability or Retirement claims
Contact the payment center using the Representative Call Center (RCC) for issues or questions regarding fees and tax forms.
Fee Status for T16 SSI claims
Contact the jurisdictional field office for status of your T16 SSI fee.
View past fee payments
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view a list of your clients.
Withdrawal as representative and provide intention for your fee.
Use SSA-1696-SUP2 to withdraw an appointment and to indicate whether you are waiving a fee or will file a fee petition.
Fee agreement SSA-1693
File a fee agreement between you and your client. Submit the agreement before a determination or decision.
Fee petition SSA-1560
A fee petition is a written request from a representative asking to charge a fee for helping someone with their Social Security benefits case.
More resources
Standards of conduct
All attorney and non-attorney representatives of claimants who practice before Social Security must comply with the Rules of Conduct and Standards of Responsibility for Representatives.
Read the rules of conductDear Colleague letters
We share information, ask for help, and invite stakeholders to meetings and forums in our Dear Colleague letters.
View the dear Colleague letter archiveProgram rules
Review the laws, regulations, Commissioner rulings, and employee operating instructions like POMS and HALLEX that form our program rules.
Read the Social Security program rulesHearings-level information
Resources to represent claimants and beneficiaries at the hearings and Appeals Council levels.
Learn more about hearings and appealsTips and best practices for appointed representatives
This 5-paged PDF contains a collection of tips and best practices for Appointed Representatives
Open PDFBest practices at the hearing and Appeals Council Level
We are pleased to provide the revised Best Practices for Claimants' Representatives. We hope that all claimants's representatives will use these best practices as an aid when advocating or appearing before the Social Security Administration.
View Best PracticesElectronic Records Express
If you are unable to use ERE ARS (the electronics records portal for appointed representatives) then Electronis Records Express will allow you to upload to the file. ERE does not allow users to view documents in the file, only upload.
Access Electronic Records Express Learn more about Electronic Records ExpressInformation for people helping others
At Social Security, we strive to provide easy and convenient information about our benefits and our application process. We are also here when you help others with assistance and support. Whether you help a family member or friend or help someone through a group or organization, we created this page to help you.
Learn about helping othersField or Hearing Office Locator
Contact a field office or hearings office to schedule an appointment, check status, or to speak with an SSA technician.
Find a Field Office Find a Hearings Office