When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you’ll be asked to submit Form SSA-827, which gives the Social Security Administration (SSA) permission to access your medical records, employment history, and other personal information necessary to evaluate your claim. Completing this form accurately is essential to avoid delays in processing your application. Here’s how to fill out Form SSA-827, what it covers, and tips for ensuring your information is complete.
What Is Form SSA-827?
Form SSA-827 is the “Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA).” By signing this form, you’re allowing SSA to collect records from your doctors, hospitals, clinics, employers, and other third parties to verify your medical condition and eligibility for benefits.
This form is critical because it allows SSA to gather the medical evidence needed to support your disability claim. Without it, SSA cannot access your records, and your claim may be delayed or denied.
How to Fill Out Form SSA-827
- Your Personal Information: Begin by providing your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. This ensures that SSA can match the authorization with your disability application.
- Authorizing Specific Records: The form includes checkboxes that allow SSA to request different types of records, such as medical, employment, and educational records. Make sure to authorize all relevant categories. For example, if your claim involves mental health treatment, check the box that allows SSA to access your psychiatric records.
- Specify Providers: List the names and addresses of all healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics where you’ve received treatment. This allows SSA to contact them directly for your records. Be as comprehensive as possible when listing your providers—don’t forget specialists or therapists.
- Provide Consent for Sensitive Information: SSA may need to access sensitive information, such as mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, or HIV/AIDS information. If these records are relevant to your claim, make sure to give consent by checking the appropriate boxes on the form.
- Sign and Date the Form: After reviewing the form to ensure all information is correct, sign and date it. Your signature authorizes SSA to contact your providers and collect your medical and employment records.
Why Form SSA-827 Is Important
Without your signed authorization on Form SSA-827, SSA cannot gather the medical evidence needed to support your disability claim. This form is a critical part of the application process because it allows SSA to:
- Verify your medical condition: SSA will request records from your doctors to confirm your diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations.
- Gather employment information: SSA may contact your former employers to verify your work history and how your condition has affected your ability to perform job duties.
- Access additional records: In some cases, SSA may need to gather records from other sources, such as schools (for childhood disability claims) or vocational rehabilitation programs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include healthcare providers: Failing to list all your healthcare providers can result in incomplete medical evidence and delays in processing your claim. Be thorough when listing everyone who has treated you.
- Not authorizing sensitive records: If your claim involves mental health, substance abuse, or other sensitive conditions, make sure to authorize SSA to access these records. Without them, SSA may not have enough information to make a decision on your claim.
- Leaving the form unsigned: An unsigned SSA-827 form is invalid. Double-check that you’ve signed and dated the form before submitting it to SSA.
How an Attorney Can Help
Completing Form SSA-827 may seem straightforward, but ensuring that all necessary records are authorized and collected can be challenging, especially if you’ve received treatment from multiple providers. An experienced attorney can help ensure that your authorization form is complete and that all relevant medical and employment records are gathered promptly.
At Disability Law Group, we assist claimants in completing Form SSA-827 and coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure that all necessary evidence is submitted to SSA. If you need help with the authorization process or have concerns about missing records, contact Disability Law Group today for expert support.
