The SSA-1696-U4 permits individuals to appoint a representative, who may receive records
in the performance of their appointed representative duties. We have established a
routine use that allows disclosure of claimant information to the authorized representative’s
associates or contractors (e.g. copying services, call centers). The technician must
identify the requester, as well as their relationship to the representative, per the
instructions in GN 03316.125.C and GN 03380.010.B.1 and 2.
The appointed representative must request records or other information from the appropriate
Social Security office (field office or Hearing Office) that services the mailing
address ZIP code of their client (See GN 03305.020).