Regular Federal employees or officials may not, with or without pay, represent a claimant before the Social Security Administration (SSA). A regular Federal employee may, however, act for his parents, spouse, or child or any person (or estate) for whom he is serving as fiduciary, subject to certain restrictions. For clarification of these restrictions, as well as the distinction between regular and special Federal employees, see GN 03980.005 Representation by Regular Federal Employees and GN 03980.010 Representation by Special Federal Employees.

Federal law does not prohibit state employees from serving as representatives of Social Security claimants. However, state law or regulations may prohibit such representation. For clarification of this policy, see GN 03980.030, State Agency Disability Determination Employees – Federal Conflict of Interest.

Report situations involving a DDS employee's representation of a claimant to that employee's office for any action it finds appropriate. Standard procedures for appointment and recognition apply.

If the DDS employee reports to SSA that he or she is withdrawing from the case, document the folder accordingly.

GN 03910.040 Appointment and Revocation of Appointment of Representative.