New Electronic Signature Process for Form SSA-827
Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security

Adults filing online for Social Security disability benefits on their own behalf now have the option to electronically sign and submit their medical release form, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (Form SSA-827). 

How does the new process work?

When applicants file for disability benefits online they are prompted to "click and sign" the SSA-827 as part of their application process. Once signed, the form is transmitted directly to Social Security's systems. This eliminates the need for applicants to print, sign, and mail or deliver a paper copy to a Social Security office. Our application process includes steps to verify the identity of the signer, and we continue to protect the information and records we receive. Applicants can print and save a copy of the electronically signed SSA-827 for their records.

For information about the electronic signature process for online disability appeals, see below.

What are the benefits of the new process?

By offering applicants who file online the option to electronically sign and submit the SSA-827, we improve our process and provide better service to our customers.  Social Security estimates that, on average, this reduces disability application processing time by nine days on some cases, which can result in applicants receiving much needed medical insurance coverage and cash benefits sooner.  Applicants also benefit from a streamlined process that allows for the online submission of all parts of their disability application. 

I am applying for disability benefits. How does this affect me?

If you are an adult applying for disability benefits online on your own behalf, you now have the opportunity to read the SSA-827 and electronically sign the form as part of your disability application.  By electronically signing the SSA-827, you will not have to print, sign, and mail or deliver a paper copy of the form to a Social Security office.  This means that we can begin processing your disability claim sooner.  

I provide Social Security with patient/student records.

How does this affect me?

You will continue to receive an SSA-827 with each of Social Security’s requests for records.  There is no change to the current HIPAA-compliant SSA-827 form you are already accepting. In the completed signature block, you may see an indication that the applicant electronically signed using our new process.  The form itself has not changed.  The only new thing is the method used to sign the form. 

The Department of Health and Human Services has stated that electronic signatures may be used on forms such as the SSA-827.  Electronic signatures are permissible under HIPAA and other applicable laws. 

Helping to speed this application process can result in patients getting quicker access to cash benefits and medical insurance coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, often decreasing the number of uninsured and underinsured patients you serve.

To start, we will only be accepting electronically signed authorizations from adults filing online for disability benefits on their own behalf, so you will also continue to see wet-signed SSA-827s.  We expect that the number of electronically signed authorizations will expand over time as the number of claimants who file online increases and as we improve our services to meet the changing needs of the public.

An important message from the Commissioner of Social Security to all health care providers about the electronic signature process for Form SSA-827.

I am filing a disability appeal online.  How does this affect me?

If you are an adult filing a disability appeal online on your own behalf, you now have the opportunity to read the SSA-827 and electronically sign the form as part of your disability appeal.  By electronically signing the SSA-827, you will not have to print, sign, and mail or deliver a paper copy of the form to a Social Security office.  This means that we can begin processing your disability appeal sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding New Electronic Signature Process

What legal authority does SSA have to use an electronic signature?

What steps does SSA take to verify identity of the signer?

How does SSA protect the information that it gets from health care providers?

Is a disclosure to Social Security safe?

Organizations that are helping us spread the word about this new signature process

American Bar Association, Health Law Section: 

March 2012 ABA Health eSource article: Legal Issues Presented by the New Electronic Signature Process for Social Security Information Disclosure Authorizations

Podcast on the New E-Signature Process for Social Security Information Disclosure Authorizations, discussing:

  • The prevalence and enforceability of electronic signatures in daily transactions.
  • The factors of Social Security’s new electronic signature process that render it trustworthy, including the transparency of the process and the special protections afforded information held by Social Security.
  • The minimal risk of improper disclosure to Social Security, even in worst-case fraud scenarios.
  • Encouragement of embracing and implementing electronic signatures, documents, and processes.

American Health Information Management Association:  April 2012 E-Alert

American Hospital Association (AHA):  AHA News Now

American Medical Association (AMA):  AMAWIRE

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):  News in Brief: Week of March 26-30

Department of Defense (DoD): Reliance on an Electronic Signature on Form SSA-827 when Disclosing Protected Health Information to the Social Security Administration

Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS):  HIMSS News

Professional Association of Healthcare Office Managers (PAHCOM):  March/April 2012 PAHCOM Journal article



For more information about these changes, contact your local Professional Relations Officer

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