Form SSA-1696: Appointing a Representative on Your Claim

Form SSA-1696, titled Claimant's Appointment of a Representative, is the official Social Security Administration (SSA) form used to designate an attorney or qualified non-attorney to act on your behalf. The appointment process is governed by 20 CFR 404.1705 and 20 CFR 404.1707. Once SSA recognizes the appointment, the representative may assist with your disability claim, obtain information from the claim file, and communicate with the agency within the authorized scope of representation.

Navigating a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can involve medical standards, procedural deadlines, and evidentiary requirements. Although claimants may represent themselves, some choose to appoint a representative to help develop the record and handle filings. Understanding how Form SSA-1696 works, what authority it conveys, how representative fees are regulated, and how to revoke an appointment helps you maintain control over your representation.

What Form SSA-1696 Authorizes

Submitting an accepted appointment does not transfer ownership or control of your claim. It establishes a representative relationship that SSA recognizes while handling the claim.

Under 20 CFR 404.1710, an appointed representative generally may act on your behalf in matters connected with the claim, including:

• Obtaining information from the claim file, subject to applicable disclosure and privacy rules
• Submitting evidence, medical records, and written arguments
• Filing appeals and requests for hearings when authorized and timely
• Receiving copies of notices or other communications that SSA sends in connection with the claim
• Communicating with SSA, Disability Determination Services, and hearing-office personnel about the case
• Accompanying and representing you during interviews, conferences, and administrative hearings

An appointed representative can help complete paperwork and make procedural requests, but the claimant may still need to participate personally. For example, SSA may require you to attend a scheduled consultative examination, sign a particular authorization, answer questions, or verify facts about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities.

Breakdown of Form SSA-1696 Sections

Form SSA-1696 requests information SSA needs to identify the claimant and representative, define the appointment, and obtain the required certifications. Because SSA may revise the form, use the current version available free from ssa.gov and follow the instructions printed on it.

Section 1: Claimant Information

The claimant-information portion requests identifying and contact details, which may include the claimant's name, Social Security number, mailing address, telephone number, and other information needed to match the appointment to the correct record. When another person signs for a claimant, SSA may require information establishing that person's authority to do so.

Section 2: Representative Information

The representative-information portion identifies the appointed individual and provides contact details SSA can use for case communications. It may request the representative's name, address, telephone number, organization or firm information, and SSA representative identification number when applicable.

Section 3: Scope of Appointment

The appointment portion identifies the matter or benefit claim covered by the representation. The claimant should review this information carefully so that the written appointment accurately reflects the programs or issues for which representation is intended, including whether it concerns an SSDI claim, an SSI claim, or related matters.

Section 4: Representative Declarations

The form asks the representative for information and certifications relevant to eligibility to practice before SSA. This may include professional status, organizational affiliations, disqualification questions, and information SSA uses to administer representative conduct and payment rules. Under 20 CFR 404.1705, both attorneys and qualifying non-attorneys may serve as representatives.

Section 5: Signatures

The form includes signature and acceptance portions documenting the claimant's appointment and the representative's acceptance. Under 20 CFR 404.1707, an appointment generally must be made in writing and signed by the claimant, while the representative must provide written acceptance. Missing signatures or required information may delay SSA's recognition of the appointment.

How SSA Fee Rules and Approvals Work

A representative generally may not charge or collect a fee for services performed before SSA unless the agency authorizes that fee. Under 20 CFR 404.1720, representatives must use SSA's fee-authorization procedures. Separate federal law also establishes penalties for charging or collecting more than the amount SSA authorizes.

Representatives generally seek authorization through one of two processes:

1. The Fee Agreement Process

Many disability representatives use a written fee agreement. For SSA to approve it under the fee-agreement process, the agreement must satisfy the agency's requirements and must be submitted within SSA's applicable deadline. SSA applies the statutory percentage and dollar limits in effect when it authorizes the fee, so claimants should verify the current limit directly with SSA rather than relying on an older figure.

Under a typical approved fee agreement:

• The authorized fee may be limited to a portion of past-due benefits, subject to SSA's applicable cap and other requirements.
• When direct-payment requirements are met, SSA may withhold part of the past-due benefits and pay the authorized fee to the representative.
• The fee agreement should explain the circumstances under which a fee may be requested, including what happens if SSA does not approve the agreement.

A claimant should not assume that every fee agreement creates identical obligations. The written agreement, SSA's authorization, the representative's eligibility for direct payment, and the outcome of the claim can all affect how a fee is handled.

2. The Fee Petition Process

When the fee-agreement process does not apply or an agreement is not approved, a representative may request authorization through a fee petition under 20 CFR 404.1725. The petition describes the services performed, the time spent, and the fee requested. SSA then determines a reasonable authorized fee based on the circumstances and the services provided.

Out-of-pocket expenses, such as charges for obtaining medical records, are distinct from a representative's fee for services. Responsibility for those expenses may be addressed in the private representation agreement, so claimants should review that agreement carefully and ask how expenses will be billed regardless of the claim's outcome.

How to Submit Form SSA-1696

SSA provides more than one way to submit appointment information. Available channels and electronic procedures can change, so confirm the current instructions on ssa.gov or with the office handling the claim.

1. Electronic submission: SSA provides an electronic appointment process for eligible representatives and claimants. The parties complete the requested information and electronic signatures according to the instructions in SSA's online system.
2. Paper form submission: A current paper Form SSA-1696 may be completed and submitted to a local Social Security office or another SSA office handling the claim. Keep a copy of the signed form and proof of submission.
3. Submission to the office handling the case: If a claim is pending with a Disability Determination Services office or an SSA hearing office, ask that office which submission method and fax or upload instructions should be used. Do not rely on an address or fax number unless the office or an official SSA notice confirms it.

Submitting the form does not necessarily mean that every SSA system will reflect the appointment immediately. Follow up with the office handling the case if the representative does not begin receiving expected communications.

How to Revoke or Change a Representative

You may end a representative's authority if the relationship changes or you decide to proceed differently. Under 20 CFR 404.1710, a claimant may revoke a representative's appointment by notifying SSA in a signed written statement.

To revoke an appointment:

• Write a clear statement identifying the representative whose appointment you are revoking.
• Include enough identifying information for SSA to associate the statement with the correct claim, and sign the statement.
• Send the revocation to the SSA office handling the matter and provide a copy to the former representative.
• Keep copies of the notice and evidence showing when and how it was delivered.

If you appoint a new representative, complete the current Form SSA-1696 or otherwise satisfy SSA's written-appointment requirements for that person. Confirm with SSA that its records correctly identify which representative remains active.

Ending an appointment does not automatically resolve fee issues for services already performed. A former representative may ask SSA to authorize a fee for qualifying work completed before the appointment ended. The former representative may not collect a fee for services before SSA beyond the amount SSA authorizes, although separately agreed expenses may be treated differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does appointing a representative cost anything upfront? Not necessarily. Representatives must follow SSA's fee-authorization rules, but a representative may request payment under an authorized fee arrangement and may separately charge or seek reimbursement for agreed case expenses. Read the representation agreement before signing and ask which costs, if any, are due regardless of the outcome.

Can I fire or replace my representative after submitting Form SSA-1696? Yes. Under 20 CFR 404.1710, you may revoke an appointment by notifying SSA in a signed written statement. Send the notice to the office handling your claim, notify the former representative, and complete a new appointment if you hire someone else.

Can a non-attorney represent me before the Social Security Administration? Yes. Under 20 CFR 404.1705, certain qualified non-attorneys may serve as representatives. Eligibility to represent a claimant and eligibility to receive direct payment of an authorized fee are separate issues and may involve different SSA requirements.

This article provides general information about SSA filing procedures, not legal advice. Program rules, forms, fee limits, and processing methods can change, and every situation is different. Consult a qualified representative or contact SSA directly for guidance about your specific claim.