How to Complete Social Security Form SSA-827

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on March 29, 2023

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The Social Security Form SSA-827, also known as the Disability Release Application, is a legal document that allows an eligible disability beneficiary to authorize his or her doctor or doctors to release information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) about his/her medical condition.

The participating doctor would then fill out form SSA-326, also known as Report of Medical Examination, which details the social security applicant's medical condition and their ability (or lack thereof) to work.

This information is then used for the SSA to determine whether or not they can approve your disability benefits.

Understanding the Use of Form SSA-827

Most doctors are familiar with completing form SSA-326, but if your doctor will not fill out this form because he/she has not received prior authorization from the Social Security Administration, you may request that they use form SSA-827 instead.

This will allow them to release all necessary medical information to the Social Security Administration so that they can make an informed decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.

If your doctor does receive authorization to complete form SSA-326, you do not need to submit a separate application; rather, you only need to make sure that your doctor completes and signs form SSA-326 and sends it to the Social Security Administration.

What Is the Importance of Form SSA-827?

Applying for disability benefits can be a long and complicated process, so it is important to have all of your medical information readily available.

The Social Security Administration will not decide your benefits eligibility without having all the relevant information, which is why form SSA-827 is so important.

This form allows your doctor to release all pertinent medical information to the Social Security Administration so that they can make an informed decision about your benefits.

How Do I Fill Out Form SSA-827?

Form SSA-827 is very simple to fill out – all you need are the following pieces of information:

  • name of disability beneficiary;
  • name of authorizing doctor;
  • release date; and
  • signature of disability beneficiary.

Other relevant information such as contact information of hospitals or clinics where medical records will be obtained may also be asked.

Additionally, data such as patient ID numbers, treatment dates, and names of medications may be included.

Since form SSA-827 is very short, it should not take long for your doctor to fill it out. It is important to note that the signature of the applicant should be witnessed by another qualified person.

This means that information about the witness will also need to be collected such as signature and contact information for verification purposes.

How Do I Submit Form SSA-827?

Form SSA-827 can be submitted in a few ways:

  • fax;
  • mail; or
  • online upload.

If you choose to fax or mail your form, you will need to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the Social Security Administration to send you back the completed form SSA-326.

If you choose to upload your form, you will need to have all relevant medical records available as this will be required during the submission process.

It is important to note that when faxing or mailing your form, it should be sent directly to the Disability Determination Services (DDS).

You can find the address and fax number for your local DDS on the upper right-hand corner of your form SSA-827.

You may also fax or mail in your form to any Social Security Administration office you choose; however, it must be sent directly to a specific location for processing and not just to their general address.

Final Thoughts

Form SSA-827 is an important document that allows you to authorize your doctor(s) to release information about your medical condition to the Social Security Administration.

This information is used by the SSA to determine whether or not you are eligible for disability benefits.

Filling out and submitting this form allows you to have greater control over the information that the Disability Determination Services (DDS) receives about your medical history and condition.

This can expedite your application process as getting authorization from the SSA for all required medical records can take a few weeks.

Social Security Form SSA-827 FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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