Generally, the field office (FO) obtains one signed Form SSA-827 from the claimant
at each adjudicative level (initial, reconsideration, and hearing) to process disability
claims or continuing disability reviews.
If the adjudicating component (for example, the disability determination services
(DDS)) needs an additional original, signed and dated Form SSA-827 in addition to
the one obtained by the FO, the adjudicating component obtains the form.
For information on responsibilities when the claimant fails to provide a signed Form
SSA-827, see DI 23007.005.