The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) have published a Proactive Disclosure of FOIA Exempt Information, which outlines specific rules regarding direct fee payment to attorneys and non-attorneys for title claimant representation.
Direct fee payment refers to the practice of paying an attorney directly for their services, rather than through a third-party intermediary. This can include payment for title claimant representation by SSA.
The SSA only permits direct fee payment for title claimant representation when certain individuals are eligible: (1) an attorney admitted to practice before the Federal Bar Association, and (2) a non-attorney who has been authorized by the attorney in writing.
The SSA released a Proactive Disclosure of FOIA Exempt Information in 2018, which provides detailed guidelines on when and how direct fee payment is permitted. The document outlines specific criteria for determining whether individuals are eligible for direct fee payment.
Source: https://www.ssa.gov/foia/resources/proactivedisclosure/2018/FY%202017%20Attorneys%20and%20Non-Attorneys%20Eligible%20for%20Direct%20Fee%20Payment%20for%20Title%202%20Claimant%20Representation.pdf
The 400 Bad Request is a critical document that outlines the SSA's policy on direct fee payment for title claimant representation. By understanding this policy, individuals who need assistance with their Social Security benefits can better navigate the system and seek help when needed.