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| Benefits Highlights |
What Does It Mean To Appoint A Representative?The two most common methods for a beneficiary to give another person access to the beneficiary’s Social Security records are by signing a release of information or by appointing a representative. Release of Information A release permits the individual or organization to access information from the Social Security Administration. It is time limited and simply permits the SSA to give certain information to the person specified by the beneficiary. Appointment of a Representative Appointing a representative involves greater access and responsibilities. Many appointed representatives are attorneys who have permission to receive payment for their services. A remark noting the appointment of representative is maintained on the Social Security computer record. Also, appointed representatives should receive copies of notices at the same time notices are forwarded to the beneficiary. To appoint a representative, the beneficiary and the representative both sign an appointment of representative form SSA-1696. (Attorneys are not required to sign the form, but SSA prefers that they do.) The beneficiary does not surrender his or her rights. Instead, the beneficiary extends the right to act on the beneficiary’s behalf to the assigned individual. By assigning a representative, the beneficiary not only grants permission for the representative to act when the beneficiary is present, but also grants the representative permission to act without the beneficiary. The representative has full access to the SSA records, and may represent the person at the local field office, in hearings, or in other Social Security matters. The representative may also make other reports or changes on the beneficiary’s behalf. Liability for reporting does not fall on the appointed representative. The beneficiary may withdraw appointment of a representative at any time by giving a written request to the SSA. (Please keep in mind that signing a release or assigning a representative is very different from the process or liability involved with representative payee status.) For more information about designating a representative, see: |