Don't Tell SS Claimants to Break the Rules

WASHINGTON (CN) – The Social Security Administration has further clarified its expectations for competent representation of claimants, and plans to exclude representatives who refuse to follow its rules or its decision about sanctions, among other things.      Under the new rules, counsel also may not: suggest, assist, or direct another person to violate rules or regulations; advise a claimant or beneficiary not to comply with rules or regulations; or violate any section of the Social Security Act for which a monetary penalty is prescribed.     These changes have been made because the agency’s current regulations “are insufficient to address some representative conduct that is inappropriate, but has technically fallen outside the scope of agency regulations,” according to the new rules.     Click the document icon for this regulation and others.