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2026 SSA Non-Attorney Rep Exam:
Practice Q&A WITH RATIONALES + Study
Guide
Prepare for the Social Security Administration Direct Payment Examination with our targeted
2026 practice test and study guide, featuring practice Q&A with detailed rationales. This
resource is specifically designed for aspiring non-attorney representatives, covering all key
areas you'll be tested on, including disability determination, SSI/SSDI rules, sequential
evaluation, RFC assessments, and vocational factors. Our practice questions mirror the actual
exam format and are updated to reflect the latest SSA guidelines and regulations. Each answer
includes a clear rationale to help you understand the reasoning behind correct responses and
reinforce your learning.
Whether you're studying for the first time or doing a final review, this guide provides the
focused practice you need to identify your strengths and target your weak spots. Master the
concepts that matter and walk into your exam with confidence.
Download your free practice test now and take the first step toward becoming a certified SSA
representative!
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Page 1
Question 1
A non-attorney representative registers for direct fee payment. After approval, the SSA sends
a fee authorization check made out solely to the representative. However, the representative
had previously signed a fee agreement with the claimant that splits fees 50/50 with a
paralegal. What may the representative legally do?
A) Deposit the check and pay the paralegal directly in cash
B) Return the check to SSA and request it be reissued to both the representative and the
,paralegal
C) Deposit the check and issue a personal check to the paralegal, but only after providing the
claimant an accounting
D) Deposit the check and pay the paralegal, as the fee agreement is private
Answer:C
Rationale: SSA pays the representative directly under an approved fee agreement. The
representative remains responsible for complying with the fee agreement and any state laws
regarding fee splitting with non-lawyers. The representative must account to the claimant for
the disposition of the fee. Direct payment by SSA to a non-attorney does not waive the
representative’s duty to honor the fee agreement.
Question 2
At a hearing before an ALJ, the claimant becomes emotional and is unable to answer
questions clearly. The representative asks for a short recess. The ALJ denies the request and
proceeds. The representative believes this is reversible error. What is the best immediate
step?
Walk out of the hearing in protest
B) State an objection for the record and request a ruling
C) Remain silent to avoid antagonizing the ALJ
D) File an emergency mandamus action in federal court
Answer: B
Rationale: HALLEX I-2-6-50 requires that objections be made on the record to preserve
appellate issues. Walking out may be seen as abandonment. Filing in federal court is premature
without exhausting administrative remedies.
Question 3
A representative discovers that the claimant omitted a prior workers’ compensation award
from the disability report. The representative previously signed the report under penalty of
perjury. What is the representative’s duty?
A) Do nothing; the omission was claimant’s fault
B) Withdraw from representation immediately
C) Advise claimant of need to correct record and file amended report as soon as possible
D) Quietly delete the representative’s signature from the file
Answer: C
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1740 requires representatives to act with candor and promptly
, correct inaccurate information. The representative has an ongoing duty to the agency, not just
to the claimant.
Page 2
Question 4
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid fee agreement under the SSA’s “fee
agreement process”?
A) Signed by both claimant and representative
B) Specifies a fee that does not exceed 25% of past-due benefits
C) Approved in writing by SSA before any services are performed
D) Filed before the favorable decision is issued
Answer: C
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1745 allows the fee agreement to be signed and submitted anytime
before the favorable decision is issued. It does not require pre-approval. The ALJ or AC reviews
it after favorable decision.
Question 5
A representative receives a Notice of Planned Sanctions for violating SSA rules of conduct.
How many days does the representative have to request a hearing before a final sanction
order is issued?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 45 days
D) 60 days
Answer: B
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1765 provides 30 days from receipt of notice to request a hearing.
Failure to request results in automatic final order.
Question 6
Which listing of impairments specifically applies only to children under age 18?
A) Listing 1.00 (Musculoskeletal)
B) Listing 12.00 (Mental Disorders)
2026 SSA Non-Attorney Rep Exam:
Practice Q&A WITH RATIONALES + Study
Guide
Prepare for the Social Security Administration Direct Payment Examination with our targeted
2026 practice test and study guide, featuring practice Q&A with detailed rationales. This
resource is specifically designed for aspiring non-attorney representatives, covering all key
areas you'll be tested on, including disability determination, SSI/SSDI rules, sequential
evaluation, RFC assessments, and vocational factors. Our practice questions mirror the actual
exam format and are updated to reflect the latest SSA guidelines and regulations. Each answer
includes a clear rationale to help you understand the reasoning behind correct responses and
reinforce your learning.
Whether you're studying for the first time or doing a final review, this guide provides the
focused practice you need to identify your strengths and target your weak spots. Master the
concepts that matter and walk into your exam with confidence.
Download your free practice test now and take the first step toward becoming a certified SSA
representative!
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Page 1
Question 1
A non-attorney representative registers for direct fee payment. After approval, the SSA sends
a fee authorization check made out solely to the representative. However, the representative
had previously signed a fee agreement with the claimant that splits fees 50/50 with a
paralegal. What may the representative legally do?
A) Deposit the check and pay the paralegal directly in cash
B) Return the check to SSA and request it be reissued to both the representative and the
,paralegal
C) Deposit the check and issue a personal check to the paralegal, but only after providing the
claimant an accounting
D) Deposit the check and pay the paralegal, as the fee agreement is private
Answer:C
Rationale: SSA pays the representative directly under an approved fee agreement. The
representative remains responsible for complying with the fee agreement and any state laws
regarding fee splitting with non-lawyers. The representative must account to the claimant for
the disposition of the fee. Direct payment by SSA to a non-attorney does not waive the
representative’s duty to honor the fee agreement.
Question 2
At a hearing before an ALJ, the claimant becomes emotional and is unable to answer
questions clearly. The representative asks for a short recess. The ALJ denies the request and
proceeds. The representative believes this is reversible error. What is the best immediate
step?
Walk out of the hearing in protest
B) State an objection for the record and request a ruling
C) Remain silent to avoid antagonizing the ALJ
D) File an emergency mandamus action in federal court
Answer: B
Rationale: HALLEX I-2-6-50 requires that objections be made on the record to preserve
appellate issues. Walking out may be seen as abandonment. Filing in federal court is premature
without exhausting administrative remedies.
Question 3
A representative discovers that the claimant omitted a prior workers’ compensation award
from the disability report. The representative previously signed the report under penalty of
perjury. What is the representative’s duty?
A) Do nothing; the omission was claimant’s fault
B) Withdraw from representation immediately
C) Advise claimant of need to correct record and file amended report as soon as possible
D) Quietly delete the representative’s signature from the file
Answer: C
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1740 requires representatives to act with candor and promptly
, correct inaccurate information. The representative has an ongoing duty to the agency, not just
to the claimant.
Page 2
Question 4
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid fee agreement under the SSA’s “fee
agreement process”?
A) Signed by both claimant and representative
B) Specifies a fee that does not exceed 25% of past-due benefits
C) Approved in writing by SSA before any services are performed
D) Filed before the favorable decision is issued
Answer: C
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1745 allows the fee agreement to be signed and submitted anytime
before the favorable decision is issued. It does not require pre-approval. The ALJ or AC reviews
it after favorable decision.
Question 5
A representative receives a Notice of Planned Sanctions for violating SSA rules of conduct.
How many days does the representative have to request a hearing before a final sanction
order is issued?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 45 days
D) 60 days
Answer: B
Rationale: 20 C.F.R. § 404.1765 provides 30 days from receipt of notice to request a hearing.
Failure to request results in automatic final order.
Question 6
Which listing of impairments specifically applies only to children under age 18?
A) Listing 1.00 (Musculoskeletal)
B) Listing 12.00 (Mental Disorders)
