Your SSA-1696 Appointment of a Representative, Explained
Also called: e1696, Claimant's Appointment of a Representative, Appointment of Representative
Last reviewed 2026-07-18
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What this notice usually means
Form SSA-1696 lets you name someone to help with your Social Security case. You do not have to name anyone. If you do, that person can be a lawyer or not a lawyer. Either way, the person must be qualified. They must follow Social Security's rules of conduct. You must name someone in writing. You can sign a statement, or fill out Form SSA-1696. You can do this online or on paper. A representative can ask for a fee. But they cannot take a fee from you until Social Security says yes first. If you want help but do not know where to find it, ask your local Social Security office. It can give you a list of legal help groups, such as free legal aid or a bar group.
See every source line for this notice
“If you have a case before us and need assistance, you can appoint a representative to help you.”
“Your representative can be an attorney or a non-attorney, but must be qualified and comply with our published rules of conduct”
“Your representative may seek a fee, but many representatives do not charge a fee unless they win your case. A representative cannot charge or collect a fee from you unless we authorize it first.”
“If you do not have a representative and you are interested in getting one but do not know how to, your local Social Security office can give you a list of legal referral services and non-profit organizations, (such as legal aid services and local bar associations) that either provide services free of charge or help you find a representative.”
“If you decide to appoint someone to help you with your case, you must tell us in writing. You can sign and submit a written statement appointing the person, or use our standard form SSA-1696, Appointment of Representative.”
“Has the right to practice law before a court of a State, Territory, District, or island possession of the United States, or before the Supreme Court or a lower Federal court of the United States;”
“Is generally known to have a good character and reputation. Persons lacking good character and reputation, include, but are not limited to, persons who have a final conviction of a felony”
“The representative must file a written request with us before he or she may charge or receive a fee for his or her services.”
“a representative must not charge or receive any fee unless we have authorized it, and a representative must not charge or receive any fee that is more than the amount we authorize.”
What to do now
- 1
Decide if you want a representative
You do not have to name a representative. It is your choice. If you do, that person can be a lawyer or not a lawyer. They must follow Social Security's rules of conduct.
- 2
Fill out Form SSA-1696 in writing
Sign a written statement naming the person, or complete Form SSA-1696. Use the online e1696 version or the paper form, then mail, fax, or deliver it.
- 3
Know that fees need Social Security's approval first
A representative cannot charge or collect a fee from you until Social Security authorizes it. The form itself does not set the fee.
- 4
Find free help if you do not have a representative
Ask your local Social Security office for a list of legal help groups. This can include free legal aid and local bar groups.
Deadline
We did not verify a general deadline for this letter. Your letter shows the real date.
Sources
- Social Security Administration, Form SSA-1696 (ssa.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-18
- Social Security Administration, Code of Federal Regulations Section 404.1705, Who May Be Your Representative (ssa.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-18
- Social Security Administration, Code of Federal Regulations Section 404.1720, Fee for a Representative's Services (ssa.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-18
Last reviewed 2026-07-18