The Social Security Adult Function Report (Form SSA-3373) asks for details about your daily activities and limitations to determine if you can sustain work. As a Social Security Disability lawyer, I can tell you that how you fill out this form can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

To complete the SSA Adult Function Report (Form SSA-3373), describe how your medical condition affects daily activities. Provide honest, specific examples of challenges, note medication side effects, and focus on your worst days. Keep responses consistent, use the "Remarks" section for details, and submit the form within 10 days to avoid delays.

Why Is the Function Report Crucial?

The Function Report is a vital component of the disability application process. It plays a key role in helping the Social Security Administration (SSA) decide if you qualify for disability benefits. This form allows the SSA to gather comprehensive insights into your daily life and the challenges you face.

What Happens with the Information?

  • Thorough Review: The SSA meticulously reviews your responses to ensure they have an accurate picture of your condition.
  • Verification: They may contact your healthcare providers to verify the details you've provided, underscoring the importance of accuracy and honesty.

Providing detailed and truthful information on the Function Report can be the difference between approval and denial of your disability benefits. It's not only about what you say but how you convey your daily struggles and limitations.

Complete the Function Report questionnaire right away and provide truthful and specific answers! You only have a limited time to comply (10 days from the date of the letter) with Social Security’s request, so don’t delay. But, don’t rush through your answers either.

Your Adult Function Report, also known as Activities of Daily Living, stays on the record through your entire case and cannot be modified.

The Adult Function Report is often used by Social Security to discredit your claim.

The ten-page form asks about your daily activities, personal care, meal prep, household and yard work, hobbies, and social activities.

If you answer any of the questions incorrectly, incompletely, or inconsistently, we can never update your answer.

What Is a Disability Function Report?

If you are filling out an Adult Function Report, Social Security is trying to get an understanding of the activities that you are still able to do (your Residual Functional Capacity).

When you are filling out your Adult Function Report, we recommend you watch our video about Residual Functionality first. In 5 short minutes, Loyd explains the purpose and importance of Residual Functional Capacity.

When filling out forms, always keep your Residual Functional Capacity in mind.

What Do I Say on Disability Form (SSA-3373-BK)?

Be honest but don’t exaggerate. Be specific about your limitations. If you do not clearly describe your limitations or give vague answers on your Adult Function Report, Social Security will take that to mean your disability really isn’t that bad and you should have no problem returning to work.

Your Social Security Disability claim will likely be denied.

It's a good idea to read these tips before you complete the form.

5 Biggest Mistakes on Adult Function Reports

1. Not reading the entire question.

Take your time when filling out your Adult Function Report and make sure your answers match up to the question being asked.

One recommendation our firm makes to clients is to answer the questions separately on another piece of paper first before transferring your response to the form. This will allow you to work on your answers without messing up the form.

2. Not being clear about how long it takes you to do things.

If you tell Social Security that household chores -- like doing dishes for example -- take you an hour, then Social Security is going to think that you can get things done with no problem.

Be clear when answering questions like this. Do you have to sit down when you do the dishes? Do you have to take breaks or lie down? Is that hour broken up into several days because you are unable to do them all at once?

3. Not being clear about what you do all day.

When telling Social Security about your daily activities, avoid general statements like "I get up, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, go outside to read, eat lunch, etc." These can give the impression that your days are typical and without difficulty.

Instead, be specific about your daily routine:

  • Did it take you a long time to get out of bed because your back hurt so much?
  • Did you shower, but only have the energy to do so every two weeks?
  • Did you need help putting on your shoes?
  • How long did it take to make breakfast, or did you have assistance?
  • Were you so exhausted after making breakfast that you needed a nap? Is that why you had to sit down and read?

Providing detailed descriptions helps convey the challenges you face each day.

4. Not listing the side effects of your medications.

Side effects of medications can cause unexpected limitations. If you tell Social Security you are able to sit for an hour or so, they may think you can perform office work.

You need to speak up about the side effects of your medications and how they affect your ability.

Does your medication make you feel drowsy? Do you need to take naps during the day?

Does your medication have you going to the bathroom more often than normal (frequent urination or diarrhea)? If so, you won’t be getting much work done in an office.

5. Not answering questions consistently.

Consistency is key. It is so important that you answer questions consistently throughout the form.

Being consistent with your answers will help prove your credibility.

Do not answer some questions as if it's a "good day," and some as if it is a "bad day."

If your answers do not match what you have told your doctors or Social Security representatives, it will harm your credibility.

Providing answers like “I sit outside for 3 hours a day” and then saying, “I can’t sit down for long periods of time” doesn't give Social Security a clear understanding of your disability and limitations.

Do not copy SSA-3373-bk sample answers that you find on the internet. Make sure that all answers properly describe you and your limitations.

Key Tips for Answering Effectively:

  1. Be Thorough and Specific

    • Clearly articulate why your condition prevents you from working. Include detailed explanations of how it affects your daily tasks.
    • Mention specific challenges such as difficulty focusing or completing tasks on time.

  2. Provide Concrete Examples

    • Illustrate your limitations with real-life scenarios. For instance, explain why you can't handle a physical job—like a package handler—because of an inability to use your leg efficiently.

  3. Discuss Cognitive Limitations

    • If your condition affects your mental capabilities, highlight issues with concentration, memory, or communication with colleagues.

  4. Highlight Emotional and Social Challenges

    • Discuss any difficulties with social interactions or emotional regulation that impact your work environment. This includes trouble getting along with co-workers or following instructions.

  5. Include Frequency and Duration

    • Note the frequency and duration of symptoms. For example, if fatigue prevents sustained work over a full day, specify how often this occurs.

By presenting a comprehensive and detailed response, you enhance your chances of accurately conveying the impact of your condition on your ability to work. This information is vital for those determining your eligibility for benefits.

How to Handle Limited Space on the Function Report

When filling out a function report, you might find the provided space insufficient to fully answer certain questions. Here’s how to effectively address this issue:

  1. Utilize the Additional Remarks Section: Most function reports include a "remarks" section at the end. Use this part to elaborate on any responses that couldn't be thoroughly addressed within the designated spaces.

  2. Expand Your Answers Thoughtfully: Don't hesitate to provide detailed information in the remarks section. Ensure that you fully explain your situation and experiences to give a comprehensive overview.

  3. Thoroughly Cover Each Question: It’s important to answer every question completely. Even if a question seems minor, providing detailed, honest answers will help present a clear picture of your circumstances.

By leveraging these strategies, you can ensure that your responses are complete and informative, even when initial space is limited.

What Happens After You Send Your Function Report to the SSDI Department?

Once you've submitted your Adult Function Report to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) department, here's what you can expect:

  1. Assessment Process: The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews the details provided in your report. This review is crucial for determining if your condition aligns with their criteria for disability benefits.

  2. Doctor's Input: The SSA may reach out to your healthcare provider. They might request your doctor fill out an additional form that sheds light on your medical condition and functional abilities. This additional layer of evaluation helps paint a more comprehensive picture of your situation.

  3. Evaluation and Decision: Using all available information, including your report and any medical insights from your doctor, the SSA makes a determination. They decide whether your disability meets the necessary standards for benefits approval.

Understanding the Differences Between the Third-Party Function Report and the Regular Function Report

When applying for disability benefits, you may encounter two critical forms: the regular Function Report and the third-party Function Report (Form SSA-3380-BK). While both serve the purpose of detailing how your medical condition affects your daily life and ability to work, they differ in who completes them and how they contribute to your application.

Who Completes the Reports?

  • Regular Function Report: This form is typically filled out by you, providing firsthand insight into how your medical condition impacts various aspects of your life.
  • Third-Party Function Report: Form SSA-3380-BK, on the other hand, is completed by someone else. It allows a third party, such as a friend, family member, or caregiver, to offer their perspective on how your condition affects you.

Purpose and Perspective

  • The regular Function Report captures your personal account, giving a self-reported narrative of your struggles and limitations. It is centered around your perspective, experiences, and the direct impacts on your daily routine.
  • The third-party report provides an external viewpoint, corroborating your account with observations from those who have seen the effects firsthand. This can add credibility and depth to your application by aligning your reported experiences with another person's observations.

Strategic Importance

Including a third-party perspective can fortify your application by offering corroborated evidence of your condition's effects. However, it is crucial to select someone familiar with your situation—choosing poorly may weaken your case if their answers conflict with your statements or are vague and uninformed due to a lack of knowledge.

Key Considerations

  1. Complementarity: Both reports should work in tandem to present a cohesive picture. The third-party report can serve as a reinforcement to the information you provide in your personal report.
  2. Consistency: Consistent information across both forms can bolster credibility. Discrepancies might raise questions, leading to potential delays.
  3. Advice: While third-party reports can be valuable, most applicants may find it more effective to enhance their medical records and seek assistance from a disability attorney rather than relying heavily on these reports alone.

In essence, the third-party Function Report is a supplemental tool that can enhance your disability application by providing an additional layer of observational evidence. It is an adjunct to your detailed personal account, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of your situation for evaluators.

Key Takeaways for Filling out the Adult Function Report

  • Be honest: Answer every question honestly and provide as much detail as possible.
  • Be specific: Describe specific examples of how your disability limits you, both physically and mentally.
  • Be consistent: Don't contradict other answers you've given on the form or in your application.
  • Consider your worst days: Describe your abilities on your worst or average days.
  • Explain modifications: If you've changed activities to make them easier, explain how.
  • Include side effects: Consider the side effects of any medications you take, as they can cause unexpected limitations.

And remember, everything you say on your Adult Function Report is final.

Hiring a disability attorney with experience in completing Function Reports ensures that your form is accurate and complete right from the start. Social Security forms can be complex and overwhelming, and it’s easy to make mistakes or leave out critical information. An attorney's expertise helps avoid these pitfalls, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

The SSA takes a long time to review disability claims, so getting it right the first time is crucial. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the chance of being denied benefits. Hiring a disability attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your claim is thoroughly and correctly presented, giving you the best chance for success.

Once your report is submitted to Social Security, no changes can be made.