Fill out SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) online
Form SSA-1696 is used to appoint a representative (attorney or non-attorney) to act on your behalf in matters before the Social Security Administration. The representative can communicate with SSA, access your records, attend hearings, and submit evidence on your behalf.
How to fill out SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative)
Enter claimant information
Provide your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. List the claim number or type of claim for which you are appointing a representative.
Enter representative information
Provide the representative's full name, address, phone number, and indicate whether they are an attorney or non-attorney representative. Include the representative registration number if applicable.
Specify the scope and authorization
Indicate the type of Social Security claim or matter the representative is authorized to handle. Review the authorization language carefully to understand what powers you are granting.
Sign and submit
Both the claimant and the representative must sign and date the form. Submit to the appropriate SSA office. The representative cannot officially act on your behalf until the form is processed by SSA.
About SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative)
Who needs this form
Individuals with a pending Social Security claim, appeal, or other matter before SSA who want an attorney, disability advocate, or other person to represent them. Both the claimant and the representative must sign the form.
Where to submit
Submit to the Social Security office handling your claim, or to the Office of Hearings Operations if your case is at the hearing level. Can also be filed online through some SSA portals. Must be filed before the representative can officially act on your behalf.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not having both the claimant and the representative sign the form
- Filing with the wrong SSA office (should go to the office handling the current stage of your case)
- Not specifying the scope of representation (which claims or issues the representative handles)
- Representative not disclosing their fee arrangement (SSA must approve representative fees)
Frequently asked questions
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Does my representative get paid from my benefits?
If you win your case with an attorney representative, SSA typically withholds a portion of your past-due benefits to pay the attorney fee (usually 25% of back pay, up to a statutory maximum). The fee must be approved by SSA. Non-attorney representatives may also charge fees, which must also be approved by SSA. You should discuss fees upfront with your representative before signing the SSA-1696.
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