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 applicantÂs appointment of a representative. It allows SSA to inform the representative of items which affect the applicantÂs 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.