A person claiming a right or benefit
under the Social Security Act must notify SSA in writing if he or
she appoints an individual to represent him or her in dealing with
SSA. The information collected by SSA on form SSA-1696-U4 is used
to verify the applicants appointment of a representative. It
allows SSA to inform the representative of items which affect the
applicants claim, and it also allows the claimant to give
permission to their appointed representative to designate a person
to copy claims files. Respondents are applicants who notify SSA
that they have appointed a person to represent them in their
dealings with SSA when claiming a right to benefits and
representatives of claimants for Social Security benefits.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.