Disability Function Report
Social Security pays monthly disability benefits to people who have medical conditions that make it impossible to maintain gainful employment. This includes conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, stroke, or sickle cell disease, which can severely limit one’s ability to work
If you have a qualifying disability and enough earnings history to meet Social Security’s requirements, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, which pays benefits based on how much you have paid in Social Security taxes. Those with a disabling condition who do not have a qualifying work history may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, if they have limited income and resources.
What Is the Disability Function Report?
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, benefits, you must complete a variety of forms. One of these is SSA-3373, the Disability Function Report.
The Social Security Administration uses this form to assess an applicant’s physical and mental functioning when evaluating whether their condition qualifies as a disability. The answers you provide will be used as part of the agency’s assessment of your claimed disability and ability to work.
Why Is the Disability Function Report Important?
When evaluating your eligibility for benefits, the SSA will examine how your medical or mental condition impacts your day-to-day life. The Disability Function Report is a form that asks you to describe your daily activities, such as getting dressed, bathing, using the bathroom, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and caring for your children or pets.
The Disability Function Report is important because SSA claims reviewers—and potentially Administrative Law Judges—will consider your answers in the context of the medical records and other documentation provided. Providing detailed answers consistent with the evidence can increase your chances of a positive case outcome.
How To Fill Out the Disability Function Report
The SSA’s Disability Function Report is a 10-page form. You must fill it out accurately and completely to qualify for SSDI. Here is a breakdown of each section and the information required.
Personal Information Section
The first section of the report is for basic personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and contact details. One question concerns your living situation. Here, you will indicate whether you live alone, with family or friends, or in some type of facility.
Make sure you complete this entire section accurately and completely. Specifically, the information you provide must be consistent across all the forms you complete for your disability application. If it’s not, it could raise questions or red flags for the reviewer and lead to delays in your decision.
Medical Information
The next section asks you to briefly describe your medical condition. Make sure you list the symptoms you are experiencing, any diagnosis you’ve received, the treatment you’ve undergone, and any medications you’ve been prescribed. If you are unsure about the information you must provide about your condition, refer to the SSA’s listing of impairments and review the criteria for your condition.
Daily Activities
The main section of this report requires you to describe your daily activities. This section asks many questions designed to give the SSA a clear picture of how your disability impacts your daily functioning.
These questions address your typical daily schedule, any caretaking responsibilities, sleep patterns, shopping, transportation, housework, hobbies, and social activities. As you answer each question, explain in detail how any limitations or challenges related to your disability affect your ability to perform these tasks.
Describe your average day and your worst days. Explain when you need assistance and detail any activities that you’ve had to give up due to your disability. If you’ve modified your activities or home due to your condition, outline those thoroughly.
Here are a few Disability Function Report example answers from this section:
- “I used to clean my home and cook dinner for my family, but I am no longer able to do this due to pain. Another family member has to take over these tasks.”
- “On a good day, I can take my small dog to the park across the street. On a bad day, my pain is so intense that a neighbor does this for me.”
- “I require assistance getting in and out of the shower due to balance issues.”
Impact on Work
The report’s final section asks three questions designed to determine how your disability impacts your ability to work. They address whether your condition affects specific work-related tasks and functions, whether you need assistive devices like a walker or cane, and whether you take medications.
One way to respond would be to list your most recent occupations in bullet points, include any physical or cognitive requirements of the positions, and then state how your disability affects your ability to return to this type of work.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing the Disability Function Report
To improve your chances of receiving benefits, it’s important to understand what not to say on a Disability Function Report. Here are some common mistakes when completing the report and how to avoid them:
- Underestimating Your Limitations: It’s critical to be thorough and honest about any limitations connected to your disability. For example, indicate how long you can perform specific activities before needing a break or describe how bad days impact your ability to function.
- Missing Information or Incomplete Responses: Avoid skipping any sections or giving incomplete information, as this can cause delays. Instead, provide detailed descriptions of your activities, such as only being able to walk five steps before experiencing pain.
- Not Providing Sufficient Medical Evidence: You’ll need medical evidence supporting your stated limitations. Otherwise, the SSA may ask for it or deny your claim.
- Failing to Update: It’s not uncommon for disabling conditions to worsen or change. If this is your experience, update your Disability Function Report to keep it accurate.
What Happens After You Submit the Disability Function Report?
The function report you submit to the SSA can be vital in evaluating your claim. The SSA will review your report alongside other evidence, such as medical records, to assess your eligibility for benefits. While awaiting a decision, you can use our SSDI calculator to estimate your potential SSDI payments.
Common Questions About the Disability Function Report
Do I Have To Submit the Disability Function Report With My Initial Application?
Not necessarily. A Disability Function Report, or SSA-3373 form, is usually sent to a claimant after an initial application. However, it can also be requested as part of an SSDI appeal.
Can I Update or Correct My Disability Function Report After Submission?
If your condition worsens or changes over time, resulting in a change in your ability to work or conduct your daily activities, it’s important to update or correct your report. You can do so by filing a new report with the SSA.
How Long Does It Take To Process the Disability Function Report?
When the SSA sends the Disability Function Report, you usually have a timeline of 10 days to respond. Once you have returned the report to the SSA, the time to receive a decision can vary.
Can Someone Else Fill Out the Disability Function Report for Me?
You can try to fill out the Disability Function Report yourself, but it’s often helpful to get professional assistance. An experienced disability attorney knows the ins and outs of the report and the SSDI claims process, which can be invaluable in strengthening your claim with clear and concise answers.
Ensure Your SSDI Application Is Complete and Accurate
If you are disabled and unable to work, you may qualify for SSDI. While you can apply for benefits on your own, it’s easy to make a mistake, which can cause frustrating delays in your application process and result in longer wait times for the SSDI payments you need.
Disability Advice can confirm your eligibility for benefits, help you with an initial application, and provide assistance with an appeal. We can also connect you with knowledgeable SSDI attorneys and answer your questions about benefits and the process.
Contact us today to get started.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
- What Is the Disability Function Report?
- Why Is the Disability Function Report Important?
- How To Fill Out the Disability Function Report
- Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing the Disability Function Report
- What Happens After You Submit the Disability Function Report?
- Common Questions About the Disability Function Report
- Ensure Your SSDI Application Is Complete and Accurate
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
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