If you decide to have a representative, you must sign and submit to SSA a written statement appointing him or her to represent you in your dealings with SSA. Use Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) for this purpose. Representatives are usually attorneys, but need not be. Representatives must abide by standards of conduct which the Social Security Administration (SSA) has published. In addition, most representatives will not charge a fee, unless they win your case. In any event, a representative cannot charge a fee until SSA approves that fee. Mail or deliver the form to your local Social Security office. |