SSA Form 1696 Explained | Appoint Advocate

SSA Form 1696 is commonly used to appoint a representative to act on your behalf in dealings with the Social Security Administration.

Why appointment matters

Until a representative is properly appointed, SSA may be limited in what it can discuss with someone other than you. Completing the correct appointment paperwork helps authorize communication and advocacy on your case.

How we handle Form SSA-1696

When you work with Shaw Social Security Advocacy Services, we prepare the SSA-1696 appointment form for you. Once completed and signed, we submit it to the Social Security Administration by secure fax, or we hand deliver it to the SSA Administration Office when that is the better option for your situation.

You should not have to figure out the form alone or wonder whether SSA received it.

Related form

SSA also uses other representation-related forms (such as Form 1699 in some contexts). The right paperwork depends on the situation.

Practical tip

Do not send Social Security numbers or highly sensitive documents through a general website inquiry form. Discuss appointment and document handling directly with your representative.