Form SSA-827 at a glance
What it is: Form SSA-827 is an authorization to disclose information to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Read the entire form, both pages, before signing.
Who signs: PLEASE SIGN USING BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY: the Individual authorizing disclosure signs in the Signature box.
A filled-in Form SSA-827 example: a disability claimant signs for herself

How to fill out Form SSA-827, box by box
Whose Records to be Disclosed
Purpose

The purpose is determining your eligibility for benefits, including looking at the combined effect of any impairments that by themselves would not meet SSA's definition of disability; and whether you can manage such benefits. Check the box for determining whether you are capable of managing benefits ONLY (check only if this applies). To whom: the Social Security Administration and the State agency authorized to process your case (usually called "disability determination services"), including contract copy services, and doctors or other professionals consulted during the process. For international claims, also the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Post.
If not signed by the subject of disclosure
More rules for Form SSA-827
Specific permission to release: 1. All records and other information regarding your treatment, hospitalization, and outpatient care for your impairment(s) including, and not limited to: psychological, psychiatric or other mental impairment(s) (excludes "psychotherapy notes" as defined in 45 CFR 164.501); drug abuse, alcoholism, or other substance abuse; sickle cell anemia; records which may indicate the presence of a communicable or noncommunicable disease, and tests for or records of HIV/AIDS; gene-related impairments (including genetic test results). 2. Information about how your impairment(s) affects your ability to complete tasks and activities of daily living, and affects your ability to work. 3. Copies of educational tests or evaluations, including Individualized Educational Programs, triennial assessments, psychological and speech evaluations, and any other records that can help evaluate function; also teachers' observations and evaluations. 4. Information created within 12 months after the date this authorization is signed, as well as past information.
The sources are all medical sources (hospitals, clinics, labs, physicians, psychologists, etc.) including mental health, correctional, addiction treatment, and VA health care facilities, all educational sources (schools, teachers, records administrators, counselors, etc.), social workers/rehabilitation counselors, consulting examiners used by SSA, employers, insurance companies, workers' compensation programs, and others who may know about your condition (family, neighbors, friends, public officials).
You have the right to revoke this authorization at any time, except to the extent a source of information has already relied on it to take an action. To revoke, send a written statement to any Social Security Office.
Furnishing the information is voluntary. However, failing to provide all or part of the information may prevent SSA from making an accurate and timely decision on your claim, and could result in a denial or loss of benefits.
It will take about 10 minutes to read the instructions, gather the facts, and answer the questions.
A covered entity (that is, a source of medical information about you) may not condition treatment, payment, enrollment, or eligibility for benefits on whether you sign this authorization form.
Common questions about Form SSA-827
What is form 827?
Form SSA-827 is an authorization to disclose information to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Read the entire form, both pages, before signing. SSA needs your written authorization to help get the information required to process your claim, and to determine your capability of managing benefits.
Where do I file it?
Send or bring the completed form to your local Social Security office. You may call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
What am I certifying when I sign?
By signing you say: I have read both pages of this form and agree to the disclosures from the types of sources listed.
Sources
[1] Form SSA-827 (06-2024), Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) (the Official source link on this page).




