If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll likely receive Form SSA-3373-BK, also known as the Adult Function Report. While it may seem like just another daunting piece of paperwork, this form could significantly help strengthen your disability claim. Watch as Social Security disability attorneys Sara Carroll and Kevin Kerr explain what the Adult Function Report is, offer advice for applicants completing the form, and discuss when it is used in the disability claims process.
The Adult Function Report gives the Social Security Administration (SSA) a better understanding of how your medical condition affects your daily life. Medical records explain your diagnosis, but this form explains how your symptoms impact your ability to function from day to day.
Taking the time to complete it carefully and thoroughly can help ensure the SSA has a complete picture of your limitations. The SSA specifically instructs applicants to answer every question, avoid leaving blanks, and explain their limitations in detail where appropriate.
What Is the Adult Function Report?
The Adult Function Report asks about your daily activities, physical abilities, cognitive functioning, and social interactions. The SSA uses your answers alongside your medical records and other evidence to get the full picture of your disability when evaluating your disability claim.
The questions cover topics such as:
- Your daily routine
- Personal care, including bathing and dressing
- Preparing meals
- Household chores
- Shopping and managing money
- Hobbies and interests
- Social activities
- Physical abilities like walking, standing, lifting, sitting, and reaching
- Mental abilities such as concentrating, following instructions, remembering information, and handling stress
Each section helps the SSA understand not just what condition you have, but how that condition limits your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.
Be Honest and Specific
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is minimizing their symptoms. Many people have become accustomed to living with chronic pain or illness and unintentionally describe their abilities more positively than their daily reality. On the other hand, it’s equally important not to exaggerate your limitations. The goal is to provide an accurate picture of your typical day.
Instead of writing: “I have trouble walking,” provide more detail, such as:
“I can usually walk about one block before I have to stop because of severe back pain. After walking, I need to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before continuing.”
Specific examples help the SSA understand the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
Describe Your “Bad Days”
Many disabling conditions tend to fluctuate from day to day. If your symptoms vary, explain how often you experience bad days or flare-ups and what they look like.
For example:
- How many days each week are your symptoms especially severe?
- What activities are you unable to perform during those times?
- Do you spend much of the day resting or lying down?
- Do flare-ups require help from family members?
If your condition changes throughout the month, make that clear rather than describing only your best days.
Explain If You Need Help
If another person helps you complete everyday tasks, be sure to include that information.
For instance, mention if someone helps you:
- Cook meals
- Shop for groceries
- Drive to appointments
- Clean your home
- Remember medications
- Manage finances
- Bathe or dress
The SSA specifically asks applicants to indicate when activities are performed with assistance.
Don’t Leave Answers Blank
Even if a question doesn’t seem to apply to you, answer it to the best of your abilities. If the answer is “none,” “not applicable,” or “I don’t know,” write that instead of leaving the space blank. The SSA’s instructions specifically advise applicants not to leave questions unanswered.
Be Consistent With Your Medical Records
Your answers should match the limitations documented by your healthcare providers whenever possible. For example, if your medical records show significant difficulty standing or walking, but your Function Report says you regularly spend hours shopping or gardening, the SSA may question the consistency of your claim.
If there are activities you can occasionally perform despite your condition, explain how you accomplish them and whether you need breaks, assistance, or extra time.
Remember That Everyday Activities Don’t Always Equal Work Ability
Many applicants worry that because they can wash the dishes, prepare a simple meal, watch television, or occasionally attend family events, they won’t qualify for disability benefits.
The reality is that being able to perform limited daily activities does not necessarily mean you can maintain full-time employment. The important thing is explaining how long activities take, whether you need assistance, how often you must rest, and how your symptoms affect your ability to perform tasks consistently throughout the day.
Before You Submit Your Report
Before mailing or submitting your Adult Function Report, review your answers carefully.
Ask yourself:
- Have I answered every question?
- Did I describe my typical limitations rather than my best day?
- Did I explain how often my symptoms occur?
- Did I mention any assistance I receive?
- Are my answers consistent with my medical treatment and records?
Taking a few extra minutes to review the form can help prevent misunderstandings that could delay your claim.
We Can Help With Your Disability Claim
Completing the Adult Function Report can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with serious medical conditions. An experienced Social Security disability attorney can help you understand what information the SSA is looking for and ensure your application presents a complete picture of your limitations. At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we have helped individuals navigate the Social Security disability process for decades.
Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at (503) 255-9092 for a free case evaluation.