Fill out SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) online
Form SSA-827 authorizes the Social Security Administration to request and obtain medical, educational, and other records from healthcare providers, schools, and other sources. This form is essential for disability claims, as it gives SSA permission to collect the evidence needed to evaluate whether an applicant meets the definition of disability.
How to fill out SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration)
Enter your personal information
Provide your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. If you are authorizing disclosure on behalf of another person (such as a minor child), provide both your information and theirs.
Identify the record source
Enter the full name, address, phone number, and fax number of the healthcare provider, hospital, school, or other entity that holds your records. Be as specific and accurate as possible to avoid delays in record retrieval.
Specify the records to be disclosed
Indicate the types of records you are authorizing to be released, such as medical treatment records, psychological evaluations, educational records, or other documentation relevant to your disability claim.
Sign and submit
Sign and date the authorization. The form is valid for 12 months from the date of signature. Submit it to SSA along with your disability application or as directed by your claims examiner. Keep a copy for your records.
About SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration)
Who needs this form
Individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits who need to authorize SSA to obtain their medical records, school records, or other documentation from third parties. This form is typically provided by SSA during the disability application process.
Where to submit
Submit to the Social Security Administration as part of your disability claim. The form is usually provided by SSA during the application process and should be returned to the local Social Security office, by mail, or by fax as directed. A separate form should be completed for each source of records.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not listing all healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics that have treated the condition
- Providing incomplete or incorrect addresses for medical providers (delays record retrieval)
- Failing to sign and date the form (the authorization is invalid without a signature)
- Not completing a separate SSA-827 for each source of records when required by SSA
Frequently asked questions
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How long is the SSA-827 authorization valid?
The authorization is valid for 12 months from the date you sign it. If SSA has not obtained all necessary records within that period, you may need to sign a new SSA-827. To avoid delays, ensure all provider information is accurate and complete when you first submit the form. You can revoke the authorization at any time by notifying SSA in writing, though this may affect the processing of your disability claim.
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