Representing Social Security Claimants

News Update

Beginning March 16, 2012, representatives who request, and are eligible for, direct fee payment are required to electronically file the reconsideration or hearing appeal along with the Disability Report – Appeal on medically denied Title II and Title XVI disability or blindness claims using the Internet Disability Appeal web portal.  NOTE: You cannot electronically file appeals for the following issues as they are currently exclusions to the online appeals system: disability cessations, partially favorable decisions, date of onset decisions, and non-medical appeals.

To find out how to file appeals electronically, view our webcast, “Filing a Disability Appeal Online,” and view the Webcast PowerPoint presentation.

Important Information

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

Learn more about how we use the forms above, as they relate to registration for appointed representative services and direct payment of fees.

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Fact Sheets & Guides

Filing a Disability Appeal Online

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

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