How to become a SSA EDPNA Representative

Non-attorney path: step-by-step

Dr. Troy Richardson

Step 1) Understand what EDPNA is (and isn’t)

  • Non-attorneys can represent Social Security claimants, but SSA only pays fees directly to:

    • attorneys, or

    • eligible non-attorneys (EDPNA).

If you’re a non-attorney without EDPNA status, SSA can still authorize a fee—but SSA won’t pay you directly; your client pays you.

Step 2) Meet the EDPNA eligibility requirements

To be eligible for direct pay as a non-attorney, SSA requires you to:

  1. Apply and 2) pay the application fee

  2. Show education or equivalent experience:

    • Bachelor’s degree or

    • 4 years of relevant professional experience + HS diploma/GED

  3. Pass a criminal background investigation and make certain attestations

  4. Pass SSA’s written exam

  5. Maintain professional liability insurance in the amount SSA prescribes

  6. Complete required continuing education

Step 3) Apply during the annual application window

SSA’s EDPNA page states they accept applications each year from February 1–February 28 (with limited exceptions if dates shift).

You apply using Form SSA-1691.

SSA also lists what a “complete application package” includes (notably: SSA-1691, the authorization for release of information (page 11), and the application fee).

Current-looking note: SSA’s EDPNA page also posts timing details for the next exam cycle (e.g., 2026 being remote and in June/July, date pending).

Step 4) Take (and pass) the EDPNA exam

After your application is approved, you sit for SSA’s written exam (administration details vary by year and are posted on the EDPNA page/news updates).

Step 5) Finish the “post-pass” requirements

Your education/experience documentation and insurance proof matter for final eligibility. SSA’s SSA-1691 instructions explain education/experience expectations and that you must meet them before the application period begins (and provide proof after passing, per SSA’s process).

SSA also notes that (beginning in 2024) applicants generally must provide required documentation within a stated timeframe or they may need to reapply/retest.

Step 6) Register with SSA as a representative (so you can be appointed + get direct pay)

Before SSA can process your appointment on a case, you need to register using Form SSA-1699. The SSA-1699 form states you must register before SSA can process your appointment (SSA-1696) and for direct payment setup.

SSA’s Appointed Representative Services page also explains direct pay enrollment using SSA-1699 and provides submission instructions.

Step 7) Get appointed on each claimant’s case (SSA-1696)

Each claimant must appoint you using Form SSA-1696 (or SSA’s electronic version).


And SSA’s 2024 rule update states that for appointments submitted on/after December 9, 2024, SSA requires both the claimant and representative to sign SSA-1696.

Optional (but important): If you work under a firm/entity

Starting December 9, 2024, SSA can directly pay entities (firms/organizations) when properly registered/assigned—using Form SSA-1694 for the entity.

For more information please visit: https://www.pontiscs.org/social-security-edpna-course