Filling out the Social Security Function Report (Form SSA-3373) is an essential part of your disability claim. This form helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) understand how your daily activities are impacted by your medical condition. The more detailed and accurate your answers are, the stronger your case will be. Let’s break down the key sections and provide insights on how to complete the form effectively.
Understanding the Purpose of SSA-3373
The Function Report gives SSA insight into your physical, mental, and emotional limitations. Unlike medical records, which focus on diagnosis and treatment, this form is about how your condition impacts your daily life. This means you need to think carefully about how your symptoms affect even routine activities, such as dressing, cooking, or taking care of personal hygiene.
Many claimants make the mistake of assuming that only work-related limitations matter. However, SSA wants to know how your condition affects every aspect of your life. If you have trouble bathing or need assistance getting dressed, it’s important to note this on the form, even though it may not seem directly related to your ability to work.
Completing Key Sections
The Function Report is divided into multiple sections, each designed to cover a different aspect of your life. Here are the main areas and what to focus on in each:
- Daily Activities: Describe a typical day, including what you can and cannot do due to your condition. Be specific about tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
If you have chronic pain, for instance, explain how it affects your ability to get out of bed, prepare meals, or even brush your teeth. Don’t assume SSA will understand the severity of your symptoms—detail the impact clearly.
- Household Tasks: SSA wants to know if your condition limits your ability to perform household chores. If you struggle to complete tasks like vacuuming, laundry, or mowing the lawn, be honest about how long it takes or whether you require help from others.
For example, someone with severe arthritis might take twice as long to clean the house and may need to take frequent breaks due to pain and stiffness.
- Mobility and Transportation: This section focuses on your ability to move around, whether inside or outside the home. Be sure to mention if you have trouble walking, climbing stairs, or driving. If someone else drives you to appointments, explain why.
- Social Interactions: SSA wants to know how your condition affects your ability to socialize and maintain relationships. If you avoid social gatherings due to anxiety or depression, explain how your mental health limits your ability to engage with others.
For instance, if you used to enjoy spending time with friends but now find yourself isolated due to your condition, provide specific examples of how your social life has changed.
- Physical and Mental Abilities: This section is where you explain how your condition impacts your ability to lift, sit, stand, walk, focus, and remember things. It’s crucial to be honest about your limitations and avoid exaggerating or minimizing them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague: Instead of saying, “I have trouble walking,” explain that you can only walk for 10 minutes before needing to rest, or that you use a cane for support due to knee pain.
- Failing to describe bad days: Many conditions, such as fibromyalgia or migraines, have fluctuating symptoms. Be sure to mention how bad days impact your ability to function.
- Not mentioning the help you receive: If friends or family members assist you with daily tasks, include this information. SSA needs to know if you’re unable to perform certain activities without assistance.
Tips for Filling Out SSA-3373
- Be honest but thorough: Don’t downplay your symptoms, but also avoid exaggerating. SSA looks for consistency between your Function Report and your medical records.
- Use real examples: Provide specific examples of how your condition affects your day-to-day life. If you can only shower once every few days due to fatigue, explain why.
- Detail changes over time: If your condition has worsened over time, make sure SSA understands that you were once able to perform certain tasks but now struggle to do so.
Filling out Form SSA-3373 can feel overwhelming, but providing detailed and accurate answers is essential to your disability claim. If you’re unsure how to complete the form or need help organizing your responses, Disability Law Group can guide you through the process. Their team will ensure your answers are clear, consistent, and aligned with your medical records, giving you the best chance of approval.
