Please feel free to check out our article, where we've written step by step instructions to help you walk through this Social Security form! www.teachmepersonalfinance.com/form-ssa-1696/
Thanks for posting this. What's the difference between the SSA 1696 and the SSA 1693? If you only submit the 1696 and check the first box for a fee, what outlines the "arrangement?" thanks in advance.
I believe that SSA 1696 appoints a representative (with or without a fee), but doesn't request SSA permission to establish a fee arrangement. Form SSA 1693 is the official request to establish the fee arrangement, and is required if there is a fee involved.
I have a question. What if the Claimant cannot sign in Section 8? My mom is incapacitated and lives in a Convalescent Hospital. She is bed ridden and her fingers don't work to good anymore. She can mark an "X". But if she does that, would I need two witness signatures? And if so, would I just have them sign at the bottom of page 8? Thank you.
According to the Social Security Administration's Program Operations Manual System (POMS): "If a claimant cannot sign or can only mark an “X” on the written notice of appointment, we will accept the written notice if (1) the claimant marks the written notice below the requested information and (2) two witnesses who do not stand to gain anything from the representative's appointment sign the written notice of appointment and provide their full mailing addresses." You can also try an electronic application process. More details here: www.ssa.gov/representation Here is the entire POMS web page, for reference: secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203910040
The instructions do not specify any sort of proof of ID. It's signed by both the Social Security beneficiary and the person's representative, and it can be submitted by mail or fax. It's implied that the Social Security beneficiary or recipient's signature is sufficient to verify the representative's identity.
Thank you for taking time to answer - I do have other questions as I work through this - will check out your document and contact my SSA rep. So appreciate the quick response!
I don't know that the SSA would process a Form 1696 for a person on his or her own behalf. Also, I'm not sure what access you would receive as a representative (even for someone else) that the Social Security beneficiary would not otherwise have. Do you have a specific example in mind?
If the claimant is your child, you generally can appoint a representative on his or her behalf. However, without knowing your intent and the specifics of your situation I would recommend double-checking with the to verify that your signature could go there. If the child is not your child, you definitely should discuss with the SSA.
Not necessarily. Using Form SSA-1696 to appoint a representative simply allows that person to represent you in matters before the SSA. To be a , the person would have to complete and submit SSA-11: www.teachmepersonalfinance.com/ssa-11-bk/
