Fill out Form SSA-827 online

Who uses Form SSA-827

• People filing a disability claim with Social Security
• People whose disability is being reviewed again in a continuing disability review
• People whose ability to manage their own benefits is in question
• Parents, guardians or personal representatives signing for a child, or for an adult who cannot act for themselves, such as one with a court-appointed guardian
• People appealing a decision, since SSA generally gets a signed form at each level (initial, reconsideration and hearing)

Before you start

• Full name, Social Security number and date of birth of the person whose records will be released
• The signer's phone number with area code, and street address, city, state and ZIP
• If you sign for someone else: your basis for signing (parent of a minor, guardian or other personal representative) and a short explanation if you are an other personal representative
• A witness who knows the signer or is satisfied of their identity, with their phone number or address, if a witness is needed
• A blue or black ink pen to sign the printed form
• Time to read both pages, as the form asks before you sign

How to fill out Form SSA-827

1. 1

   Whose Records to be Disclosed (top right)

   Enter the name (first, middle, last, suffix), Social Security number and birthday (MM/DD/YYYY) of the person whose records will be released. This is the person the claim is about, even when someone else signs.

2. 2

   Of What, From Whom and To Whom

   These sections are printed and have no fields to type in. They list the records covered (medical and education records and information about your ability to do tasks and work, including records created up to 12 months after you sign), the kinds of sources that may release them, and who receives them: SSA and the state agency that processes your case. Leave the box marked "This box to be completed by SSA/DDS" empty. SSA's manual says that where state law requires it, the claimant initials the space to the left of each category in Of What on a paper form signed in ink.

3. 3

   Purpose

   The form says to check the box "Determining whether I am capable of managing benefits ONLY" only if that applies. SSA's policy manual uses it for claims that are not about disability, where the question is whether the person can manage benefits. Otherwise leave it blank.

4. 4

   Expires When

   Read the statements in this section. The authorization is good for 12 months from the date signed. By signing, you confirm that you read both pages, allow copies of the form to be used, and understand that you may write to SSA and your sources to revoke it at any time.

5. 5

   Individual authorizing disclosure

   After printing, sign in blue or black ink and write the date signed. Enter the phone number with area code, street address, city, state and ZIP of the person signing. A parent, guardian or representative who signs on someone else's behalf also signs in this box.

6. 6

   IF not signed by subject of disclosure

   If you sign for someone else, check Parent of minor, Guardian or Other personal representative, and explain your authority if you check Other. The signature line below the checkboxes is for a parent, guardian or personal representative when state law requires two signatures. SSA's manual uses it for a child aged 12 or older who is still a minor under state law: the child signs in the main signature box and the parent or guardian signs here.

7. 7

   Witness

   A person who knows the signer, or is satisfied of the signer's identity, signs and gives a phone number or address. A second witness block is there if needed, for example when the form is signed with an "X".

After you fill it out

The form says to send or bring the completed form to your local Social Security office. SSA's policy manual says a legible form signed in ink is accepted in person, by mail, or by fax or scan, and SSA's forms page also lists a "Submit Online" option for this form that requires signing in to a Social Security account. SSA or the state disability agency then sends copies to your sources. Find your local office through the office locator on the official SSA website.

Signing: The form says to sign in blue or black ink only, and the PDF's signature fields say a wet signature is required: print the filled form and sign it by hand. SSA also accepts its own online click-and-sign (for adults filing an online disability report for themselves) and attestation with an SSA or state agency employee, but a signature typed into this PDF is not one of the methods SSA lists.

Questions about Form SSA-827

Official information

• Social Security forms list (Form SSA-827, instructions and online option)
• Instructions for completing the SSA-827 (SSA-827-INST)
• SSA policy manual: Completing Form SSA-827 (DI 11005.055)
• SSA policy manual: Signature requirements for Form SSA-827 (DI 11005.056)

Page text last reviewed November 7, 2026.

Related forms

• Form SSA-16Application for Disability Insurance Benefits
• Form SSA-3288Consent for Release of Information
• Form SSA-561Request for Reconsideration
• Form SSA-795Statement of Claimant or Other Person