Social Security Disability Representative Q&As
QUESTION 1
What is the EDPNA program?
A. A program for attorneys to receive direct payment from the SSA
B. The Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney program allowing qualified non-
attorneys to represent Social Security claimants and receive direct payment of fees
from the SSA
C. A program for federal employees only
D. A program for state government representatives
Answer: B. The Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney program allowing
qualified non-attorneys to represent Social Security claimants and receive direct
payment of fees from the SSA
Rationale: The EDPNA program allows qualified non-attorney representatives to
receive direct payment of fees from the SSA for representational services. Under Section
206(e) of the Social Security Act, non-attorneys must meet specific prerequisites to be
eligible for direct payment .
QUESTION 2
Which federal statute authorizes the EDPNA program?
A. The Americans with Disabilities Act
B. Section 206(e) of the Social Security Act
C. The Affordable Care Act
D. The Federal Trade Commission Act
Answer: B. Section 206(e) of the Social Security Act
Rationale: Section 206(e) of the Social Security Act, as amended, allows the SSA to
collect information and authorize direct payment to eligible non-attorney
representatives who meet specific qualifications .
,QUESTION 3
Which form must be submitted to apply for the EDPNA program?
A. Form SSA-827
B. Form SSA-1691
C. Form SSA-3368
D. Form SSA-561-U
Answer: B. Form SSA-1691
Rationale: Form SSA-1691 is the "Application to Participate in the Eligible For Direct
Payment Non-Attorney Representative Program." Applicants must complete and
submit this form during the annual application period .
QUESTION 4
What is the current application fee for the EDPNA program?
A. $250
B. $500
C. $1,000
D. $2,500
Answer: C. $1,000
Rationale: The application fee is currently $1,000.00 and is due no later than the last
day of the application period. This fee must accompany the application form and
applicant authorization for release of information .
QUESTION 5
What educational qualifications are required to be an EDPNA?
A. A law degree
B. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution OR a high school
diploma/GED with four years of relevant professional experience
C. A master's degree in social work
D. Only a high school diploma
Answer: B. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution OR a high
school diploma/GED with four years of relevant professional experience
,Rationale: Applicants must possess either a bachelor's degree from an accredited
institution OR a high school diploma or GED with four years of relevant professional
experience that demonstrates familiarity with medical reports and ability to assess
limitations .
QUESTION 6
What types of professional experience qualify as "relevant professional experience"
for EDPNA eligibility?
A. Only legal experience
B. Teaching, counseling, social work, personnel management, public administration,
nursing, healthcare, or work involving claims for Title II or XVI benefits
C. Any work experience regardless of field
D. Only medical experience
Answer: B. Teaching, counseling, social work, personnel management, public
administration, nursing, healthcare, or work involving claims for Title II or XVI
benefits
Rationale: Relevant professional experience includes teaching, counseling or guidance,
social work, personnel management, public administration, public employment
services, nursing, health care, or work involving claims for benefits under Title II or XVI
of the Act .
QUESTION 7
According to 20 CFR 404.1717, what type of insurance must EDPNA representatives
maintain?
A. General liability insurance
B. Professional liability insurance with malpractice coverage
C. Health insurance
D. Business liability insurance only
Answer: B. Professional liability insurance with malpractice coverage
Rationale: EDPNA representatives must provide proof of and maintain continuous
liability insurance that includes coverage for malpractice claims against the
representative. This must be in an amount prescribed by SSA .
, QUESTION 8
What is the required minimum coverage for professional liability insurance for
EDPNAs?
A. $100,000 per incident and $500,000 annual aggregate
B. $50,000 per incident and $100,000 annual aggregate
C. $500,000 per incident and $1,000,000 annual aggregate
D. $250,000 per incident and $500,000 annual aggregate
Answer: A. $100,000 per incident and $500,000 annual aggregate
Rationale: EDPNAs must have professional liability insurance with a minimum
coverage of $100,000 per incident and a minimum annual aggregate coverage of
$500,000 .
QUESTION 9
Which of the following would disqualify an applicant from the EDPNA program?
A. A misdemeanor conviction
B. A felony conviction
C. A traffic violation
D. A civil judgment for a minor debt
Answer: B. A felony conviction
Rationale: An applicant who has had a felony conviction cannot participate in the
EDPNA program. Applicants must attest under penalty of perjury that they have not
had a felony conviction .
QUESTION 10
An EDPNA representative who fails to complete continuing education requirements
will be ineligible to receive direct fee payment for how long?
A. 3 months
B. 6 months
C. 12 months
D. 18 months