### Question
How is the "permitted entity" defined?


### Answer
The term **permitted entity** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 405b* as follows -

> a financial institution or a service provider, subsidiary, affiliate, agent, subcontractor, or assignee of a financial institution

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 405b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

