A power of attorney for Social Security lets someone else handle your SSDI case on your behalf
A Social Security power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person permission to act for you with the Social Security Administration. That person can request records, attend hearings, sign forms, and receive notices about your case — but only for Social Security matters, not your bank account or medical decisions.
You do not need one to file for SSDI. But if you are explore, appealing a denial, or managing an ongoing case and cannot attend appointments or handle paperwork yourself, naming someone to represent you can keep your case moving forward. Social Security calls this person your representative, and they can be a family member, friend, attorney, or non-attorney advocate.
The document itself is straightforward: it is a one-page form that you sign in front of a witness or notary. Social Security does not charge a fee to accept it, though an attorney or advocate may charge you for their services.
Key Takeaways
- A power of attorney for Social Security is a single-page form you sign to let someone else handle your SSDI case with the agency.
- Your representative can request records, attend hearings, sign documents, and receive case updates, but cannot access your money or make medical decisions.
- You can name a family member, friend, attorney, or non-attorney advocate, and Social Security does not charge to accept the form.
- You must sign the form in front of a witness or notary, and you can revoke it at any time by notifying Social Security in writing.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, a non-attorney advocate or legal aid organization may represent you for free or low cost.
When to file a power of attorney with Social Security
File a power of attorney if you need someone to handle your case but cannot do it yourself. Common reasons include a serious illness or disability that makes it hard to attend appointments, language barriers, or difficulty understanding complex paperwork. You might also file one if you are working with an attorney or advocate and want them to have official permission to act for you.
You do not need one if you are straightforward asking a family member to help you gather documents or fill out forms at home. You only need it if that person will be contacting Social Security directly, signing documents on your behalf, or representing you at a hearing.
If you are already in the middle of an appeal or a hearing, filing a power of attorney does not delay your case. You can file it at any stage.
How to name a representative: the form and the process
The form is called Form SSA-1696-U4 (Appointment of Representative). You can get it from the Social Security website, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. The form is also available from attorneys or advocates who represent people in Social Security cases.
Fill in your name, Social Security number, and the name and address of the person you want to represent you. That person must also sign the form. Then you both sign it in front of a witness or notary public — the form itself explains who can serve as a witness. A notary is not required, but a witness must be someone other than you or your representative.
Mail the signed form to the Social Security office handling your case, or bring it in person. If you are already working with an attorney or advocate, they often handle filing the form for you. Keep a copy for your records.
What your representative can and cannot do
Your representative can request your case file, attend hearings and appeals with you, sign forms and documents related to your case, receive notices and decisions from Social Security, and communicate with the agency on your behalf. They can also help you gather medical records and other evidence.
Your representative cannot access your bank account, make medical decisions, sign documents unrelated to your Social Security case, or receive your benefit payments. They also cannot make decisions for you — they carry out your wishes and represent your interests, but you remain in control of your case.
If your representative is an attorney or non-attorney advocate, Social Security may ask them to disclose their fee. Some representatives work for free; others charge a flat fee or a percentage of your back pay if you win. You have the right to know the fee before you hire them.
Choosing between an attorney, an advocate, and a family member
An attorney has a law degree and can represent you at any stage of your case, including federal court if you need to appeal beyond Social Security. Attorneys typically charge a fee, but Social Security limits what they can charge: no more than 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 (as of 2024; this amount may change). You pay only if you win and receive back pay.
A non-attorney advocate (also called a representative or advocate) has training in Social Security law but no law degree. They can represent you at the hearing stage and in some appeals. Their fees are usually lower than an attorney's, and many work for non-profit organizations that charge little or nothing. Social Security also limits their fees to 25 percent of back pay, up to $6,000.
A family member or friend can represent you for free if they know your case well and are willing to learn the process. They can attend hearings and help with paperwork, but they cannot represent you in federal court. If you choose a family member, make sure they have time to handle the work and understand what the role involves.
If you cannot afford an attorney or advocate, contact your state's legal aid office or a disability rights organization. Many offer free representation or can connect you with a low-cost advocate.
How to change or cancel your representative
You can change your representative at any time. File a new Form SSA-1696-U4 naming the new person, and Social Security will replace the old representative with the new one. You do not need to formally fire the first representative — the new form takes care of it.
To cancel your representative without naming a new one, send a written request to the Social Security office handling your case. Include your name, Social Security number, and a statement that you want to end the representation. You can also do this in person at your local office. Keep a copy of your cancellation letter.
If you fire a representative who is an attorney or advocate, they may have a right to collect their fee from your back pay. Social Security will hold part of your back pay to cover the fee if the representative files a request. You can dispute the fee amount if you think it is too high.
What documents you need to file a power of attorney
You need only the signed Form SSA-1696-U4 and a witness or notary signature. You do not need to provide proof of your relationship to your representative or any other supporting documents. Social Security will not ask for your birth certificate, medical records, or anything else just to accept the power of attorney.
If your representative is an attorney or non-attorney advocate, they may ask you for a signed fee agreement before they file the form. This agreement states what they will charge and how they will calculate the fee. Keep this agreement with your copy of the power of attorney form.
If you are filing the form by mail, send it to the Social Security office listed on your case notice or on the Social Security website. If you are unsure which office to use, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one representative at the same time?
No. Social Security recognizes only one representative per case. If you file a new power of attorney form, it replaces the previous one. If you want to work with both an attorney and a non-attorney advocate, you must choose one to be your official representative.
What happens if my representative stops responding or does a bad job?
You can fire them at any time by sending a written cancellation to Social Security. You do not need a reason. If they are an attorney or advocate and you owe them a fee, Social Security may still pay them from your back pay unless you dispute the amount in writing.
Does naming a representative slow down my case?
No. Social Security processes cases the same way whether you represent yourself or have a representative. Having someone handle the paperwork and attend hearings for you may actually speed things up if you were struggling to keep up with important date.
Can my representative attend my medical exam for SSDI?
Your representative can accompany you to the exam and wait in the waiting room, but they cannot go into the examination room with you. The doctor needs to speak with you alone. Your representative can help you prepare for the exam and review the results afterward.
What if I want to represent myself after I file a power of attorney?
Send a written cancellation to Social Security stating that you want to end the representation and handle your case yourself. Include your name, Social Security number, and the date. Social Security will remove your representative from your file, and you can proceed on your own.