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For information about the registration requirements for representatives appointed after December 31, 2006 to receive direct payment of fees, click here.

The CE requirements for the Demonstration Project have changed. Please see the CE page of our website for the updated requirements.

IMPORTANT! KEEP YOUR CONTACT and INSURANCE INFORMATION UP TO DATE!
Frequently Asked Questions


Please click here for tips on how to make the application process easier.

Is the application fee refundable?
The fee is non-refundable under most circumstances.

How do I submit my completed application?
Applicants will be responsible for submitting to the CPS Human Resource Services the completed, signed application, all supporting materials, and a valid fee payment. To be accepted by CPS for processing, all materials must be postmarked, or receipt-dated (if sent by private express service) by the last day of the application period. Materials postmarked or receipt-dated after the last day of the application period will not be accepted, and the application will be rejected.

Can I retake the examination?
Information about retaking the examination can be found here.

When is the last examination during the demonstration project?
The last examination will be held no later than August 2009.

What is the correct amount of liability insurance?
SSA has determined that applicants must have professional liability insurance for coverage of errors and omissions committed by the non-attorney representative. Information about amounts, specifications, and restrictions can be found here.

Would a binder from the errors and omissions carrier be adequate as long as it contains the dates of insurance, the amount of coverage, name of the insured, policy number, and an agreement that the insurance is in full force?
Yes, a binder from the errors and omissions carrier is adequate provided it contains the dates of insurance, the amount of coverage, name of the insured, policy number, and an agreement that the insurance is in full force.

If a company has five (5) non-attorney representatives who wish to participate in the demonstration project and currently has $100,000/$500,000 coverage in effect for the company, which covers all employees, including non-attorney representatives. Will the coverage be adequate for demonstration project purposes?
If one or more non-attorney representatives have coverage against errors and omissions under business liability insurance that provides coverage in the total annual amount of $500,000 covered by the policy (for all incidents in that year), plus coverage of $100,000 per incident, such insurance will suffice for purposes of the demonstration project, notwithstanding the fact that the business insurance may also cover other, non-representative employees of the business for incidents involving its representational work or, if any, its non-representational work.

In addition, if a non-attorney representative has personal professional liability insurance for coverage of errors and omissions committed by the representative in the total amount of $500,000 (for all incidents in that year), plus coverage of $100,000 per incident, such insurance will suffice for purposes of the 303 demonstration project, notwithstanding the fact that the insurance may also cover the representative against liability claims for incidents not related to his/her work as a representative before SSA.

The minimum annual aggregate coverage required will be determined in accordance with the following schedule -
Number of Covered EmployeesMinimum Aggregate Amount
1 to 10$500,000
11 to 25$1 million
25 to 50$2 million
51 to 100$3 million
101 to 200$4 million
201 or more$5 million
Can the deadline for obtaining college transcripts be extended beyond the closing date of the application period?
Yes, for individuals who submit otherwise completed application packages, including the application fee and proof of liability insurance within the original six (6) week application period, proof of education will be considered timely if it is received by CPS no later than 5:00pm (PDT) six (6) weeks to the day after the close of the application period. Below is an example of how to calculate the extended period within which proof of education may be submitted:

The application period opened February 1, 2007 and closed at 5:00 PM (PDT) March 15, 2007. The completed application package was submitted on by 5:00 pm (PDT) March 8, 2007, without proof of education. The last day within which the applicant may submit proof of education is 5:00 pm (PDT) April 26, 2007, 6 weeks to the day from the close of the application period on March 15, 2007.

When will the results of the examination be released and how will the results be transmitted to the applicants?
Examination results will be mailed to the applicants approximately thirty (30) days after the examination. For more information regarding exact dates associated with the demonstration project please refer to the deadlines section of our website.

Will there be study material available prior to the examination?
The following materials will be provided to each test taker at the time of the exam:


In addition, there will be 2 copies of the Compilation of Social Security Laws at each test site that may be used by the test takers. Currently we have available on our website a five (5) item practice exam and a copy of the relevant SSA rulings for applicant review prior to the examination. For more information please refer to the practice exam section of our website.

How long is the exam?
The SSA Non-Attorney Representative Demonstration Project Examination is made up of 50 multiple choice questions encompassing Hearings and Appeals procedures, Medical/Vocational and other Disability Issues, Non-disability issues, and Ethics and Professionalism. Test takers will have 2 ˝ hours to complete the exam; however, please allow a total of 3 hours to accommodate checking in and receiving instructions.

Do I have to register to receive direct payment even if I have been participating in the Demonstration Project?
Yes. All representatives eligible for direct payment under the Demonstration Project (including representatives already participating) must register. It is a two-step process. The first step requires that you submit form SSA-1699 Request for Appointed Representative’s Direct Payment Information. The second step requires submission of form SSA-1695 Identifying Information for Possible Direct Payment of Authorized Fees. This information is collected on ARdB (Appointed Representative Database). The SSA-1699 is a one-time submission. Of course, if your name, address or business affiliation information changes, you must file a new SSA-1699, or edit the information previously provided to SSA on-line. The SSA-1695 must be submitted in each instance of representation. This form establishes a link between each claim and the representative’s information collected on the ARdB. For more information please visit Social Security Administration’s site: http://www.ssa.gov/representation/direct_payment_of_approval_fees_forms_1099.htm

What if I work for a firm/business and want to receive direct payment of my fees, but I also do independent work on the side and want to receive direct payment as a private practitioner?
The firm/business for which you work, should register by filing a form SSA-1694. You must register by filing form SSA-1699 indicating your affiliation with the firm and your private practice. Each time you submit an SSA-1696 as the appointed representative you must also submit an SSA-1695 which will link you to your client at your firm, or your private practice. Be sure to keep your 1696 contact information up to date with the Demonstration Project contractor (CPS).

Is there a limit of business affiliations a representative can have on ARdB?
No. A representative may have unlimited number of affiliations. Business affiliations are retained in ARdB indefinitely.

Do I have to disclose all my affiliations?
No. Disclosing all affiliations is not mandatory. You must disclose only those that are necessary to receive direct payment in each instance of representation.

What if I stop working for a firm/business?
If you will work for another firm/business you must file a new SSA-1699 to add your new affiliation and change your personal information (i.e. address). You can do so online by editing your current affiliation or by submitting a new paper SSA-1699. The online update will take effect immediately. If you will no longer work for any firm/business, but will work independently, submit a new SSA-1699 to update your personal information and a new SSA-1695 for every client that you may take with you. Old business affiliations do not drop off but they do not affect your current information. Make sure to update your liability insurance information with the Demonstration Project contractor (CPS). It is a requirement of the Demonstration Project to be covered under, or carry a professional liability insurance policy for each affiliation where you will receive direct payment of fees.

How can I add more affiliations to my profile?
By filing an SSA-1699 online (or in paper) to add a new affiliation. http://www.ssa.gov/representation/direct_payment_of_approval_fees_forms_1099.htm
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