Tips for Filling Out an Adult Function Report for Disability

A Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer can give you tips for filling out an Adult Function Report for Disability, such as how to accurately describe your daily activities, emphasize your limitations, and provide specific examples that illustrate the impact of your condition on your life. 

You should also ensure you properly sign and date the form and submit it by the required deadline. Read it carefully to ensure that you did not make any errors. 

The attorneys at Pilzer Klein can also help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your responses align with your medical documentation, ultimately strengthening your application for benefits. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience. 

Understanding the Purpose of the Adult Function Report for Disability Can Help You Fill It Out

A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you fill out the Adult Function Report or Form SSA-3373, which provides the Social Security Administration (SSA) with essential information about how your disability impacts your daily life and ability to work to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Completing it accurately and thoroughly can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. The SSA uses this report to gain insight into how your disability affects various aspects of your life, including:

• Daily activities: The report helps the SSA understand your ability to perform routine tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. It captures how your condition limits your independence in managing personal care.
• Household responsibilities: The report details your capacity to carry out household chores, such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. This information is crucial for assessing how your disability impacts your ability to maintain a home.
• Social interactions: The SSA looks for information about your social activities, including your ability to engage with family and friends. This helps them gauge how your disability affects your social life and emotional well-being.
• Assess work capacity: The report also helps the SSA determine your ability to meet the demands of a job.
• Consider residual functional capacity (RFC): The SSA uses this assessment to determine your ability to perform work-related tasks.

Accurately Describe Your Daily Activities When Filling Out an Adult Function Report

When filling out the Adult Function Report, accurately describing your daily activities is crucial for conveying the impact of your disability. Here are some tips to help you effectively articulate this information:

• Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide detailed descriptions of your activities. For example, rather than saying, “I cook,” explain the types of meals you prepare, how often you cook, and any difficulties you face while doing so.
• Include the timeframes of your limitation: Indicate how long you can perform each activity before needing a break. For instance, note if you can only stand for ten minutes before experiencing pain or fatigue.
• Highlight your limitations: Clearly outline any limitations you experience related to your disability. If you struggle with tasks like grocery shopping, mention specific challenges, such as difficulty lifting bags or navigating aisles.
• Use everyday examples: Incorporate real-life scenarios to illustrate your struggles. For example, explain how your condition affects your ability to maintain personal hygiene or complete household chores.
• Mention any assistance you require: If you require help from family or caregivers, be sure to include this information. Indicate which activities you need assistance with and how this support affects your daily routine.
• Maintain a consistent tone: Keep your descriptions consistent throughout the report. If you describe certain tasks as challenging in one section, ensure that this perspective aligns with your responses in other areas.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a comprehensive and honest portrayal of your daily activities, which is vital for the SSA to understand the full extent of your disability’s impact on your life.

Emphasize Your Limitations When Filling Out an Adult Function Report 

When completing the Adult Function Report, it’s essential to emphasize your limitations to give a clear picture of how your disability affects your daily life. 

Begin by being candid about the specific challenges you face. Instead of merely stating that you have a disability, detail how it restricts your ability to perform everyday tasks. 

For instance, if you experience chronic pain, explain how it limits your ability to walk, stand, or lift objects. Use descriptive language to convey the severity of your limitations, such as describing how fatigue impacts your ability to engage in social activities or manage household chores.

Make Sure You Sign and Date the Adult Function Form and Submit It on Time

Submitting the Adult Function Report accurately and on time is critical to the success of your Social Security Disability claim. 

First and foremost, ensure that you properly sign and date the form before submission. An unsigned or undated report can lead to processing delays or even rejection, which could negatively impact your claim.

After completing the report, take the time to read through it carefully. Double-check your answers to ensure there are no errors or omissions. Even minor mistakes can create confusion or raise questions about the validity of your claims. Look for inconsistencies in your responses, and confirm that all sections are filled out completely.

How Long You Have to Submit the Adult Function Report

Remember that the deadline for submitting the Adult Function Report is typically ten days from the date you receive it. Meeting this deadline is crucial, as the SSA requires timely submissions to keep the evaluation process moving smoothly. 

Failing to submit the report on time can result in delays in your application or a need to start the process over, which can prolong your wait for benefits. 

By ensuring that your report is signed, dated, accurate, and submitted on time, you enhance your chances of a favorable outcome in your disability claim.

Call Pilzer Klein for More Tips on Filling Out an Adult Function Report for Disability

If you are seeking tips for filling out an Adult Function Report for Disability, Pilzer Klein is here to help. Our SSD lawyers will help you submit an initial application for benefits or assist you with the various steps of the appeals process if you receive a denial letter. 

Take a look at our testimonials to get an idea of how hard we work to secure benefits for our clients. Call us now to access a free, no-obligation consultation.