Social Security Form SSA-3288 - SmartAsset

From time to time, you need to provide information or records about yourself to another party – for instance, a doctor or insurance company. When this happens, you’ll need to ensure that all the information is accurate. You can request that the Social Security Administration (SSA) send your information or records directly to the third party by consenting for its release with Form SSA-3288.

What Is Form SSA-3288?

Social Security Form SSA-3288 is a form that you can sign to give your consent to the SSA to release information about you to a third party. The information you want to release includes, but isn’t limited to:

Your Social Security Number (you could also accomplish this with Form SSA-89)
Your current Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefit amount
Medical records from your claims folder
Your Medicare eligibility

Who Should Fill Out Form SSA-3288?

There are many reasons why you may need the SSA to release information about you to a third party. For instance, you could need the SSA to verify your Social Security Number. You could also need your current Social Security benefit amount sent to an insurance company or other organization. If you are looking to have the SSA release any information about your Medicare eligibility, benefits or medical records , you will almost certainly need to use this form.

Note that if you’re acting on behalf of a minor and looking to release that minor’s medical records, you should instead contact your local Social Security office instead. And if you’re trying to release information regarding your employment history or earnings, you should fill out Form SSA-7050-F4.

How to Fill Out Form SSA-3288?

You must fill out all required fields, which are labeled with an asterisk on the form. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) and the person or organization you want to receive your records or information. You’ll also need to list their address as well as the reason you want the records/information to be sent.

The last thing you’ll need to do is specify what information you are consenting to release. There are seven different boxes with suggested information that you can check. Note that there is also an “other” option, but you need to be specific. Just writing “all records” or “the whole file” will not be sufficient.

Once you’ve completed all the required fields, sign and date the form. If you’re unable to sign, you can simply mark an X in the space for signature. You can have two witnesses sign and date the form instead if you don’t sign.

If the SSA is providing information that doesn’t have to do with the administration of a program under the Social Security Act, you may have to pay a fee.

Bottom Line

By requesting that the SSA send your information directly to the third party, you can ensure that the third party is receiving the most accurate information possible. This can help to speed processes along and give third party individuals and organizations peace of mind. Regardless of why you’re looking to send your records or information, you’ll need to complete Form SSA-3288.

Tips for Preparing for Your Retirement

Whether your first Social Security payment is right around the corner or decades in the future, SmartAsset’s Social Security calculator can help you maximize your benefits. You can calculate the annual benefit amount for every year it’s possible for you to elect for benefits. Just enter your year of birth and your income, and the calculator will do the rest.
One tricky part of tracking retirement savings: Almost no one keeps everything in one place. There are 401(k) plans, IRAs, investment portfolios and even cash savings. SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can combine it all for you and calculate your monthly savings target to achieve your retirement goals.
There are many income sources and expenses to track in retirement, from Social Security benefits to health care costs. A financial advisor can help keep things straight, and make sure you have the assets to support your retirement lifestyle. SmartAsset’s free advisor matching tool can pair you with up to three qualified advisors in your area.