Justification for Non-Substantive Changes to Form SSA-827
Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA)
20 CFR 404.1512 and 416.912, 45 CFR 160 and 164
OMB No. 0960-0623
Revisions to the Collection Instruments
On October 3, 2011, SSA obtained OMB approval for the SSA-827 renewal clearance package. The clearance package contained an addendum that outlined a proposal for a new electronic authorization process (eAuthorization) for the SSA-827. At that time, the screens SSA submitted for eAuthorization were in draft form with approval contingent on providing final screens using the Change Request process.
Background
SSA requests more than 15 million medical records each year on behalf of people applying for disability benefits. A signed SSA-827 accompanies each request. Offering the option of electronically signing and submitting the form helps the agency provide better service to one of the most vulnerable segments of our population.
Adult first party claimants who apply for disability benefits or file an appeal online will have the option to electronically sign and submit the SSA-827. During the application or appeal processes, SSA gives claimants the opportunity to read the SSA-827 first and then electronically sign the form. The form goes directly to SSA’s systems once the claimant clicks an internet “submit” button. This eliminates the need for claimants to print, sign, mail, or deliver a paper copy to a Social Security office. Claimants can print a copy of the electronically signed and dated form for their records.
Timeframe for implementation
We are offering the new electronic authorization process in April 2012 to adult first party claimants who apply for disability benefits online. We expect to expand this option to online appeals shortly after that. See the uploaded final screens for the i3368 (0960-0579) and i3441 (0960-0144) within the IC for the Adult First Party Electronic Signatures.
Future Releases
We continue to work on the in-office and telephone processes for eAuthorization. At this time, we have made no final decisions concerning when to proceed with implementation. We will submit final versions of those screens in a Change Request at the appropriate time.
0960-0623 (SSA-827) non-substantive change
File Type | application/msword |
Author | 365613 |
Last Modified By | Naomi |
File Modified | 2012-02-03 |
File Created | 2012-02-03 |