An authorized representative is a person you officially designate to help manage your government benefits case on your behalf. They can apply for benefits, provide information, receive notices, and in some programs, access your benefits card. If you are elderly, have a disability, face a language barrier, or simply need help navigating complex paperwork, naming an authorized representative can make the difference between getting benefits and giving up in frustration. This guide explains who can be your authorized representative, what they are allowed to do in each program, and the steps to add one.
What Is an Authorized Representative?
An authorized representative (sometimes called an "authorized rep," "designated representative," or "third-party designee") is a person you give legal permission to interact with a government benefits agency on your behalf. Unlike a guardian or legal conservator, you do not have to give up any rights to name an authorized representative. You remain in full control of your case; your representative simply has your permission to act on your behalf.
Authorized representatives are recognized in all major federal benefits programs including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, Medicare, TANF, and the ACA Marketplace. Each program has its own rules about who can serve and what they can do.
Who Can Be an Authorized Representative?
Most programs allow you to designate:
- A family member (spouse, adult child, sibling, parent)
- A trusted friend
- A social worker or case manager from a nonprofit or government agency
- An attorney or legal aid representative
- A nursing home or care facility administrator (for residents who cannot manage their own cases)
- A community health worker or benefits counselor
The person you choose must be at least 18 years old in most programs. They cannot be a current employee of the benefits agency for that program. Some programs require that the representative be someone who is not being paid for the service, or require separate disclosure if they are paid.
Who you should trust: Choose someone you trust completely. An authorized representative can see your personal information, speak on your behalf, and in some programs conduct transactions with your benefits. Only designate someone whose judgment and honesty you are confident in.
Authorized Representatives in SNAP
What an Authorized Rep Can Do in SNAP
In SNAP, an authorized representative can:
- Complete and sign your application
- Participate in your eligibility interview
- Receive notices and correspondence
- Report changes in your household
- Request a fair hearing on your behalf
Additionally, SNAP allows you to designate a separate Authorized Purchaser who can use your EBT card to buy food on your behalf. This is separate from the authorized rep role. An authorized purchaser gets their own name on your EBT card.
How to Add an Authorized Rep to Your SNAP Case
- Complete the authorized representative section on your SNAP application, or request a separate Authorized Representative Designation form from your local SNAP office.
- Both you and your representative typically sign the form.
- Submit the form to your state SNAP agency by mail, in person, or online depending on your state.
- The authorization takes effect once the agency processes it. Confirm with your caseworker.
Limits in SNAP
Your authorized rep cannot receive your benefits themselves (they are buying food for you, not for themselves). If you believe your authorized rep is misusing your benefits, contact your SNAP agency immediately.
Authorized Representatives in Medicaid
What an Authorized Rep Can Do in Medicaid
In Medicaid, an authorized representative can:
- Apply for Medicaid on your behalf
- Submit documentation and information
- Communicate with the Medicaid agency
- Request a fair hearing or appeal a denial
- Receive copies of notices and correspondence
In most states, an authorized rep cannot make medical decisions for you. That requires a separate healthcare proxy or power of attorney document.
How to Add an Authorized Rep to Your Medicaid Case
- Request an Authorized Representative form from your state Medicaid agency (search for "[your state] Medicaid authorized representative form").
- Complete the form with your representative's information, specifying what actions they are authorized to take.
- Both you and your representative sign the form.
- Submit to your state Medicaid office. Some states allow online submission; others require mail or in-person delivery.
In states with healthcare.gov Marketplace enrollment, you can designate an authorized representative during the enrollment process online or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
Authorized Representatives in SSI and SSDI
Social Security calls authorized representatives "appointed representatives." The process is slightly different:
What a Representative Can Do for SSI/SSDI
- Help you file your initial application
- Gather and submit medical evidence
- Appear at hearings with you or on your behalf
- Receive copies of notices
- Make decisions about your claim (if you grant full authorization)
Representative Payees
If you receive SSI or SSDI and cannot manage your own money due to disability, SSA may appoint a representative payee (different from an authorized rep) to receive and manage your benefits payments. This is a more extensive arrangement that SSA initiates when there is evidence you cannot manage funds independently.
How to Appoint a Representative for SSI/SSDI
- Complete Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative), available at ssa.gov or any SSA office.
- Have both you and your representative sign the form.
- Submit to your local SSA office or mail to SSA.
- If you appoint an attorney or other paid representative, SSA limits their fee to a maximum of 25% of your back pay, up to a cap.
Authorized Representatives in TANF
TANF (cash assistance) follows similar rules to SNAP. Your authorized rep can apply, communicate with the agency, and receive notices. Contact your state TANF agency for the specific form and process, as it varies by state.
Authorized Representatives for Medicare
Medicare beneficiaries can designate someone to help with Medicare enrollment, Part D plan selection, and communications with Medicare. Use form CMS-10106 (Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information) or work with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor, who can assist you for free.
Special Situations
Nursing Home Residents
If you are in a nursing home and cannot manage your own benefits, the facility's administrator can often be designated as your authorized representative. However, be aware that this creates a potential conflict of interest since the facility may have a financial stake in your Medicaid eligibility. Consider also naming a family member or independent advocate.
Language Barriers
If you speak limited English, you can name someone who speaks your language as your authorized rep or request a free interpreter from the benefits agency. Using an authorized rep who speaks your language can also speed up the application process.
Emergencies
If someone becomes incapacitated suddenly, benefits agencies can sometimes accept an emergency authorization from a family member with documentation of the situation. Contact the agency directly to explain the circumstances.
How to Revoke an Authorized Representative
You can revoke your authorization at any time. Submit a written statement with your name, case number, and clear statement that you are revoking authorization for the named person. Send it to the agency in the same way you submitted the original authorization. The revocation takes effect when the agency processes it.
Protecting Yourself
- Keep a copy of every authorized representative form you sign.
- Review correspondence from the agency regularly to make sure your case is being handled correctly.
- If something feels wrong, contact the agency directly using the number on your benefits letter.
- Report suspected fraud or misuse by an authorized rep to the agency's fraud hotline or your caseworker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one authorized representative?
In most programs, yes. You can designate multiple people, though each may need to submit their own authorization form. Check with your specific program.
Does my authorized representative need to live with me?
No. Authorized representatives do not need to share your address or household. They just need your authorization.
Can an authorized representative access my EBT card?
In SNAP, you can separately designate an Authorized Purchaser who gets access to your EBT card. Your authorized representative for the case does not automatically have EBT access unless you also designate them as a purchaser.
Is there a fee to name an authorized representative?
Government benefit agencies do not charge fees for adding an authorized representative. Attorneys representing you in an appeal may charge a fee, which is regulated by the program (SSA caps it at 25% of back pay).
What if I need help filling out the authorized representative form itself?
Contact your local community action agency, legal aid organization, or the benefits agency's help line. Many nonprofits and social service agencies assist clients with authorized representative paperwork at no cost.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to check your eligibility across SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other programs in your state.
