To whom it may concern:
We are writing to tell you that we have [suspended/disqualified] [sanctioned individual’s
name and address], from representing claimants before us and from serving as an entity
point of contact (POC). [The suspension starts [effective date], and lasts for [number]
years. OR The disqualification starts [effective date].] Our records show that [sanctioned
individual’s name] is listed as the POC for [Entity Name].
Because our regulations require that, to be eligible for direct payment of fees, an
entity must maintain a POC who is registered as a representative in the manner we
prescribe (20 CFR [404.1735 and/or 416.1535]), [Entity Name] is currently ineligible
to receive direct payment of authorized fees.
What Happens Next
Until [Entity Name] complies with the following instructions to identify a qualified
POC, we are unable to honor assignments made to [Entity Name]. We will not process
any new assignments from a representative(s) who attempts to assign direct payment
of their fee to [Entity Name] while it is ineligible to receive direct payment. If
we authorize a fee to any representative who had previously assigned direct payment
of their fee to [Entity Name], we will consider such assignments invalid and pay the
individual representative(s). If, at the time of payment, the representative(s) is
also ineligible for direct payment, any fee we authorize will be a matter between
the representative(s) and the claimant.
If [Entity Name] wants to become eligible again for direct payment, please submit
an updated Form SSA-1694 (Entity Registration and Taxpayer Information) naming a qualified
POC for [Entity Name] following the instructions on the form. An electronic copy of
the Form SSA-1694 is available for download at https://www.ssa.gov/representation/.
Once [Entity Name] updates its registration to name a qualified POC, and we process
that information, we will begin accepting timely new assignments made to [Entity Name].
We will also honor existing assignments made in claims that remain pending and in
which a fee has not been paid. Any fees that we authorized and paid directly to an
individual representative(s) because of [Entity’s Name]’s ineligibility to receive
direct payment are a matter between the representative(s) and [Entity Name]. Any assignments
that we were unable to process because of [Entity’s Name]’s ineligibility to receive
direct payment must be resubmitted if the representative(s) wants to assign direct
payment of their fee to [Entity Name].
If You Have Questions
For general information about representation, please visit our Representing Claimants
website at https://www.ssa.gov/representation/.
If you have questions, please call us at 1-800-772-6270. If you are hearing impaired,
you may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Standard time, Monday through Friday. We can answer most of your questions over the
phone. When you call, please have this letter with you to help us answer your questions.
Social Security Administration
cc:
Center for Program Support, Region ##
Office of the General Counsel