eCBSV Permitted Entity Re-Certification

Keep your eCBSV access active: renewing your Permitted Entity Certification (PEC)

To keep eCBSV running smoothly, your Permitted Entity Certification (PEC) with the SSA needs to stay up to date.

PECs expire every 2 years - and once they do, eCBSV requests will start failing right away.

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If you’re seeing R996: The permitted entity certification is invalid, your PEC has likely expired.

What is a PEC?

It’s an official attestation to the SSA that confirms your organization is allowed to use eCBSV.

• Valid for: 2 years from the date of issue
• If it expires: You won’t be able to send requests
• To stay active: Renew before it lapses to avoid disruptions

How to check your PEC status

PEC expiration dates are not automatically tracked by the SSA. You must monitor them internally.

Here’s how

• Review your original SSA certification email
• Open your PEC PDF and look for the "Date of Signature" field
• Can’t find it? Contact: eCBSVHelpDesk@ssa.gov

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Pro tip: Add a recurring reminder to your compliance calendar (Recommended: 60 days before expiration)

Renew before it expires

The SSA requires a new Permitted Entity Certification (PEC) to be signed and submitted every two years. You’ll do this through the Customer Connection Portal, as outlined in the User Agreement.

To keep things on track:

• Double-check that all fields are complete and accurate
• Set internal reminders (like 60 days out) so your PEC doesn’t lapse

Renewal checklist

• Locate your existing PEC
• Set 60-day renewal reminder
• Visit SSA Institution Registration page
• Complete re-certification form
• Submit new PEC and required documents
• Confirm EIN is still valid
• Verify renewal with SSA Help Desk

Updated 3 months ago