October 2024
Changes to the Administrative Rules for Claimant Representation and Provisions for Direct Payment to Entities
On August 21, 2024, we published a final rule, Changes to the Administrative Rules for Claimant Representation and Provisions for Direct Payment to Entities, in the Federal Register. This change will affect the representatives appointed by claimants before us, as well as entities with whom representatives affiliate through registration.
We will implement these changes in two phases. Claimants and representatives can learn more about both phases, including requirements for representatives and entities, by visiting our webpage: www.ssa.gov/representation/2024NewRule.htm.
While we encourage claimants and representatives to visit our webpage for more information, we want to draw your attention to some key changes:
- Phase 1: Starting September 30, 2024, anyone who has not previously registered with us and who wants to be appointed as a representative must register with us using the form SSA-1699 (Representative Registration) before we will recognize a new appointment request.
- Phase 2: Starting December 9, 2024, representatives must use the form SSA-1696 (Claimant’s Appointment of a Representative) for new or updated appointments. In addition, consistent with Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP v. Collins, 6 F.4th 150 (1st Cir. 2021), we will directly pay authorized fees to a registered entity when a representative assigns direct payment of their fee to that entity.
Generally, for direct payment to an entity, the following conditions must be met.
- The entity must register with us using our revised form SSA-1694 (Entity Registration and Taxpayer Information).
- The representative must register with us and affiliate with the entity using form SSA-1699 (Representative Registration).
- The representative must assign direct payment of the fee to the entity using the revised form SSA-1696 (Claimant’s Appointment of a Representative).
- The representative and the entity must both be eligible for direct payment.
For more information on the final rule, please visit www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-08-21/pdf/2024-18497.pdf. Encourage your clients to visit our Representing Social Security Claimants webpage at www.ssa.gov/representation for information about our representative services.
You can learn more about these enhancements on our official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig11Rav91_s. Please share this information with your clients.
How to Complete a Name Change with Us After Marriage
If your clients get married, they may be able to complete, or at least start the name changing process by applying for a new Social Security card online.
If they got married in one of the 21 participating states, they may be able to complete the process online! When your clients visit our Change name with Social Security webpage at www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name, they will answer a series of questions. Their answers will determine whether they can complete the application process online, or if they will need to visit their local Social Security office or card center to do so. Your clients can find their local office at www.ssa.gov/locator.
If your clients start their application online and we determine they need to come into the office, they may be eligible to use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. Scheduling online can save your client time when they visit us to complete the application. This option allows them to:
- Select their language preference.
- Select the most convenient office to receive service.
- Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders via email or text.
- Conveniently use their mobile device to check in for their appointment.
They can also reschedule, modify, or cancel their appointment online without having to call or visit the office.
They should wait at least 30 days after the date of the marriage to request a replacement card with a name change. This allows the state time to update its records.
They will need to have their marriage certificate and proof of identification available when using our online application.
Your clients can learn more at our Online Services webpage at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices.
Please share this important information with your clients.
We are Improving the SSI Application Process
We are making improvements to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process for your clients. To reduce the challenges potential SSI recipients face when applying for SSI, we are streamlining the application process and service options - online, in person, by paper, or by phone.
The initial phase - targeted for December 2024 - aims to establish a fully online, simplified application that uses plain language questions, prefilled answers (when possible), step-by-step transitions, and more. We believe these changes will decrease application and processing times for your clients.
Encourage your clients to read our blog at blog.ssa.gov/social-security-administration-announces-new-efforts-to-simplify-ssi-applications to learn more.
Social Security Recognizes White Cane Awareness Day
Each October during Blind Equality Achievement Month, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) celebrates White Cane Awareness Day.
For people who are blind or have low vision, the white cane is a vital tool that allows them to be independent. It gives them the ability to move freely and safely at work, at school, and around their neighborhoods and communities.
In 1964 at the urging of NFB, Congress adopted a joint resolution designating October 15 White Cane Safety Day. The white cane helps keep people who are blind or have low vision safe. It’s also a tool to help them explore and navigate the world around them. For this reason, the emphasis of White Cane Safety Day shifted over time from safety to independence and equality. White Cane Safety Day became White Cane Awareness Day.
On White Cane Awareness Day, members of the NFB host white cane walks, film screenings, social events, and other activities.
Your clients can learn more about Blind Equality Month and White Cane Awareness Day by visiting nfb.org/programs-services/blind-equality-achievement-month/white-cane-awareness-day. For more information about how we help people who are blind or have low vision, please encourage your clients to read our publication If You’re Blind or Have Low Vision — How We Can Help at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10052.pdf.
Please share this important information with your clients.
Follow Us
You and your clients can learn about our programs, policies, and services on our social media pages. Our channels include:
We encourage you and your clients to follow us on social media to find information and ask general questions. Be sure to remind your clients they should never post personal information on social media.
Please share this information with your clients.