Form SSA 827 walkthrough (Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA) 

According to the SSA's Program Operations Manual System (POMS), there may be non-disability claim situations where the SSA needs to determine whether an adult beneficiary has the ability to manage their own benefits. So if the box is checked, then the SSA should not investigate , but will use this medical information to determine

​@@teachmepersonalfinance2169 So if this form is for a child should the parent check the box or not? Sorry I'm confused by your statement.

@@Nelly_Nughz The parent should check the box, "parent of minor." My apologies for any confusion.

Technically, a witness signature is not required by federal law, according to the form instructions: www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/ssa827_informationpage.htm#7 I hope this helps.

Looking at the form instructions, this form's purpose is to determine a beneficiary's eligibility for benefits, as well as their ability to receive and manage their own benefits. Without completing this form to allow the SSA access to medical records, a beneficiary may receive less in benefits than they would be otherwise entitled to, or they may be subject to an administrative decision that they do not necessarily agree with.