How to become a designated representative for SS beneficiary without being rep payee?

You need to complete Form SSA-1696 \

Thank you! This is EXACTLY what I needed to know. I didn't even know the SSA-1696 existed. Will they accept my existing POA or do they require their specific form? And do you know if I need to renew this authorization periodically?

my mom had stroke last year and i became her rep for ss stuff. just go to office together bring all your papers they made us fill out forms there. bring the poa definetly and her id and yours. they pretty nice actually but take snacks cause we waited 2 hours lol

Thanks for the tip about the wait time! Did they let you handle everything after just one visit or did you have to go back multiple times? I'm trying to plan how many trips we might need to make.

The SSA makes this unnecessarily complicated. I went through this with my uncle last year and even WITH the right forms they still sometimes refuse to talk to me. The SSA-1696 is the right form but be prepared for frustration when some agents don't see it in their system. Print MULTIPLE copies of everything and keep one with you at all times because they WILL lose it.

Oh no, that sounds awful! Did you ever find a solution that worked consistently? I'm already dreading this process.

I work with elderly clients and go through this process regularly. You have two options:1. Representative (SSA-1696): This allows you to act on her behalf with SSA matters - checking benefit status, requesting documents, etc. You need your friend present to sign this form.2. Representative Payee: Only necessary if she can't manage her finances at all. This requires a doctor's statement and gives you control of her benefits.Based on your situation, option #1 sounds right. You can download the SSA-1696 from ssa.gov, but I recommend completing it at the office with an SSA employee to ensure it's done correctly. Once processed, you can handle all correspondence and even set up online access. The POA is helpful but SSA requires their specific form.

Great explanation! I'll also add that if the OP goes with option #1, they can specify exactly what matters they'll handle (like benefit verifications, 1099 requests, etc). And unlike rep payee status, this doesn't require annual accounting to the SSA, making it much less burdensome for someone who just needs to help with paperwork and communications.

I've been trying to get through to SSA for THREE WEEKS to help my mother with a similar situation. Can't get anyone on the phone and the local office is booked solid for appointments. I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) after seeing it recommended here, and they got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 15 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUStill had to go to the office eventually to do the paperwork, but at least I was able to ask questions and get the process started. Saved me hours of frustration waiting on hold.

I've never heard of this service! Did you have to give them any personal information? I'm always wary of third-party services but getting through to SSA has been impossible lately.

No personal SSA info needed - they just help connect your call through to an agent. You still talk directly with SSA once connected. Used it twice now when the regular number kept disconnecting me after 30+ minutes on hold.

i thought POA covered everything why does SS need different paperwork?? government always making things more complicated!!! 😡

Unfortunately, many government agencies don't recognize general POAs for their specific programs. Social Security, Medicare, and the VA all have their own authorization forms. It's frustrating but it's because these programs have specific privacy rules under federal law that differ from state POA standards. The SSA-1696 is specifically designed to comply with their privacy requirements while a general POA might not address all the federal requirements.

One important thing no one mentioned! If your friend gets Medicare, make sure to add the CMS-10106 form (Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information) along with the SSA-1696. Many don't realize Medicare is separate from Social Security even though SSA handles enrollment. I had to make a second trip to get this sorted when helping my sister.

Oh wow, I didn't even think about Medicare being separate! She does have Medicare so this is super helpful. Thank you for saving me an extra trip!

To follow up on my earlier response, I want to address what to do after you become an authorized representative:1. Get online access set up immediately while at the office2. Request to be added to any automatic notices3. Get written confirmation of your status4. Ask about the duration of your authorization (some expire after 1 year)Also, if your friend moves to a different address, update both her regular address AND your address as the representative. Many people miss this second step.

This is such practical advice! I hadn't even thought about the expiration issue. I'll definitely make sure to ask about that while we're there. Getting online access would solve so many problems - do they set that up right there in the office?

Yes, they can help you set up the online access right there, which is much easier than trying to do it later. Make sure to bring your email address and a phone that can receive texts for verification. The online access will let you download those 1099s and other forms directly without calling or visiting again.

WAIT - just becoming a representative won't automatically solve the tax form issue. Those 1099-SSA forms and access to her earnings record requires specific authorization. Make sure box 7

Thank you for this specific detail! This is exactly the kind of thing I would have missed and then been frustrated about later. I'll make sure that box is checked and those exact words are included!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my neighbor who's 79 and has mild dementia. Based on everything shared here, I'm planning to: 1. Download the SSA-1696 form and the CMS-10106 (Medicare) form 2. Make sure to specifically check box 7 and write "1099-SSA forms" for tax document access 3. Bring multiple copies of everything including POA documents 4. Set up online access while we're at the office 5. Ask about expiration dates and renewal requirements One question I have - for someone with mild cognitive decline, do I need any medical documentation to support the SSA-1696 application, or is that only required for representative payee status? I want to make sure I'm fully prepared before making the 2-hour drive to our nearest SSA office. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when navigating these complex government processes!

As someone who went through this exact process with my aunt last year, I want to add a few practical tips that saved me headaches: 1. **Call ahead to schedule** - Don't just show up! Many SSA offices require appointments for representative paperwork. Ask specifically for a "representative appointment" not just a general visit. 2. **Bring a folder with dividers** - You'll be juggling multiple forms and documents. Having everything organized made the process much smoother. 3. **Take photos of completed forms** - Before you hand anything over, take pictures with your phone. I had to reconstruct forms twice because of "processing delays." 4. **Get a receipt/confirmation number** - Make sure they give you some kind of tracking number or receipt showing you submitted the SSA-1696. This was crucial when following up weeks later. 5. **Ask for the agent's name and direct number** - Some agents are more helpful than others. If you get someone knowledgeable, get their contact info for follow-up questions. The whole process took about 6 weeks from submission to being able to actually use my representative status, so don't expect immediate results. But once it's active, it makes everything so much easier! Your friend is lucky to have someone willing to navigate this bureaucracy for her.