Using Microsoft Edge to Complete Your SSA 3288

In this tutorial we show you how to request an appointment with us if you are an existing client.

• What is a BPQY?

  A Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) is an official document issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides detailed information about a beneficiary’s Social Security benefits and work history. It is commonly used in benefits planning for people with disabilities who receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

  🔍 What the BPQY Includes:

  • Type of benefit (e.g., SSDI, SSI)

  • Monthly benefit amount

  • Medicare and/or Medicaid eligibility

  • Work history on file with SSA

  • Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) information

  • Participation in programs like Ticket to Work

  📌 Why It Matters:

  • It helps beneficiaries, planners, and professionals understand how working might affect benefits.

  • It is often the starting point for a Benefits Analysis or Work Incentives Counseling session.

  • It ensures accurate planning and reporting by confirming what the SSA has on record.

• What is a SSA 3288?

  SSA-3288 is a Social Security Administration (SSA) form that allows individuals to consent to the release of their personal information to a third party. We use it to obtain work history, benefits program status, cash payment value and utilizations of any work incentives related to your record.

• Directions for Obtaining the Form and Form Requirements

  UPDATE: Your SSA3288 must be completed before we can complete the Benefits Counselling process can begin. We have updated the process since the recording of this video. You can download a copy of the form using the button below. A downloadable copy is also located in your SimplePractice Client Portal.

  Step 1: Download the SSA-3288 Form

  Download the SSA-3288 form from your Client Portal.

  Step 2: Follow the Video Instructions

  Watch and follow the step-by-step directions provided in the video tutorial.

  Step 3: Signature Requirements

  • The beneficiary (the person receiving benefits) must hand-sign the form.

  • Typed or electronically stamped signatures are not accepted by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

  • Witness signatures are only required if the beneficiary is unable to legally sign the release of information themselves.

  Step 4: Include the Beneficiary’s Social Security Number

  The form must include the beneficiary’s Social Security Number (SSN).

  Step 5: Special Instructions for Minors or Adult Disabled Children

  If the beneficiary is a minor or an adult disabled child, the legal guardian (i.e., the adult whose record was used to file the Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security claim) must also be listed on the form.

• Transcript

  1. Locate and Open the File (0:00–1:00)

  0:00 – Download the SSA-3288 form from the email and locate it in your downloads folder.
  0:17 – Use the file name (e.g., "ssa3288 consent to release information to hdcc") to search for it on your computer.
  0:36 – Double-click to open the PDF.

  2. Copy File Path and Open in Microsoft Edge (1:00–1:47)

  1:00 – Click in the file path at the top of the PDF window, copy it using Ctrl + C.
  1:27 – Open Microsoft Edge, paste the copied path into the browser URL bar.
  1:47 – This opens the file in Edge, which allows you to annotate it.

  3. Important Note About Signatures (1:47–2:37)

  1:47 – SSA-3288 must include a handwritten (scribed) signature.
  2:09 – If you can't sign digitally, print the form, complete it by hand, and upload it back to your device to include with the intake form submission.

  4. Filling Out the Form Using Edge Tools (2:37–4:33)

  2:37 – Use the Text Box Tool (symbol: "T" in a square) to type information.
  2:59 – Enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN).
  3:45 – If receiving benefits under a parent/spouse’s record, include both SSNs.
  4:20 – This ensures we can access your BPQI.
  4:33 – The recipient info and request purpose are already filled out—just review.

  5. Editing or Removing Mistakes (4:54–5:41)

  4:54 – If you make a mistake (e.g., added SSN in error), select the text box and use the trash can icon to delete.
  5:19 – If you use the Draw Tool, mistakes can be erased with the eraser tool.
  5:41 – Hovering over tools in Edge will tell you what they do.

  6. Completing the Bottom Section (5:41–6:27)

  5:41 – Use the Text Tool for your address, phone number(s), and date signed.
  6:06 – Then use the Draw Tool to create your signature.
  6:27 – Select black as the ink color before signing.

  7. Signature Requirements and Final Reminders (6:27–8:01)

  6:51 – Sign with your mouse (or finger if using a touch screen).
  7:11 – Don’t use an “X” as a signature—it requires a witness signature.
  7:30 – If you can’t sign digitally, print and complete by hand.
  7:40 – Once signed, you cannot resize your signature.
  8:01 – Save the file with the same name, adding your initials before saving.

  8. Upload and Final Steps (8:19–8:41)

  8:19 – Upload your completed SSA-3288 in the form linked in the email.
  8:30 – If you’re stuck, reach out for help.
  8:41 – Thank you and have a great day!