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
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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).
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We are pleased to announce that, effective November 30, 2024, we will increase the maximum amount representatives can charge, from $7,200 to $9,200, under the fee agreement process. Going forward, we also plan to review the fee cap annually.
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
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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)
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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
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View your registration and business information
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view registration information.
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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.
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Appointment of representation SSA-1696
Form SSA-1696 will appoint you as a representative on a claim or update your appointment information.
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Fee agreement SSA-1693
A fee agreement is used to formalize the fee arrangement between representatives and claimants.
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File a claim
File a new claim for disability, retirement or Supplemental Security Income.
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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.
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Access electronic client folder
Uses Electronic Records Express Appointed Representative Services (ERE ARS) to view, download or upload files to the electronic client folder.
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View or download status reports
Use Electronic Records Express Appointed Representative Services (ERE ARS) to view and download status reports for pending cases.
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View a list of clients
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view a list of your clients.
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Provide availability for hearings
Use the Enhanced Representative Availability Process (ERAP) to provide your availability for hearings.
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Request to withdraw an appeal
Submit form HA-85 to withdraw a hearing request or HA-86 to withdraw an Appeals Council.
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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.
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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.
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Fee Status for T16 SSI claims
Contact the jurisdictional field office for status of your T16 SSI fee.
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View past fee payments
Access the Appointed Representative (AR) Portal to view a list of your clients.
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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.
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Fee agreement SSA-1693
File a fee agreement between you and your client. Submit the agreement before a determination or decision.
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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 practicce before Social Security must comply with the Rules of Conduct
and Standards of Responsibility for Representatives.
Dear Colleague letters
We share information, ask for help, and invite stakeholders to meetings and forums in our Dear Colleague letters.
Program rules
Review the laws, regulations, Commissioner rulings, and employee operating instructions like POMS and HALLEX that form our program rules.
Hearings-level information
resources to represent claimants and beneficiaries at the hearings and Appeals Council levels.
Best practices for claimants' representatives
We are pleased to provide the revised Best Practices for Claimants' Representatives. We hope that all claimants's represenattives
will use these best practices as an aid when advocating or appearing before the Social Security Administration.
Electronic 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.
Tips and best practices for appointed representatives
This 5-paged PDF contains a collection of tips and best practices for Appointed Representatives
Information 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.
Field or Hearing Office Locator
Contact a field office or hearings office to schedule an appointment, check status, or to speak with an SSA technician.