Knowing how to answer questions on disability forms can mean the difference between receiving Social Security benefits and having your disability claim denied. The questions may seem ordinary or unimportant, but Social Security often draws conclusions about your disability based on your answers.
For example, if you write that one of your hobbies is knitting or woodworking, the SSA may assume you have full use of your hands including fine motor skills and you are able to sit in one place for a long period of time. Try to think about your answers in terms of what they communicate about your disability and the way the disability affects your body.
To learn more about how to answer questions on disability forms, speak to a Bakersfield CA disability lawyer at Oren & Oren today.
Understanding the Adult Function Report, 3373-BK
Social Security uses form 3373-BK form to find out about the details of your disability. The form has five sections — A, B, C, D, and E — and each section contains more than one question. Before you begin to fill out the application, gather relevant information such as medical and treatment records, pay stubs from your last job, contact information for physicians and facilities where you were diagnosed or received treatment, etc.
When you fill out the form, don’t leave any answers blank. If you aren’t sure of the answer or if it doesn’t apply to you, write “does not apply,” “don’t know,” or “none.” Also, you have to fill out the form; it cannot be filled out by your physician.
A disability lawyer at Oren & Oren can help you review the form and fill it out. We understand how the Social Security disability process works and can help you make the best decisions when completing the 3373-BK form.
Section A: Basic Information
Section A is straightforward. It’s general information about you including name, address, and phone number. Be sure everything is accurate.
Section B: Detailing Your Disability
In Section B, you will provide details about your disability and how it keeps you from working. Approach this section from the perspective of building a case. You are demonstrating to Social Security Disability that you are unable to do any work.
It’s very important to detail all the disabilities you have. Focus your comments on how your disability keeps you from being able to work. For example, if you cannot sit for long periods of time, or if you are unable to control your fine motor skills, or if you need to rest regularly during the day, include all the information clearly.
Section C: Describe Your Daily Activities
The questions in Section C are about your daily activities. Social Security wants to know what you can and cannot do. As mentioned above, think about your answers in terms of your ability to work. If you state that you can take care of grandchildren or pets, Social Security may assume you’re able to walk with ease, use your hands, arms, and legs, and take care of personal needs.
Think about the activities you perform during your day. Remember, you are building a case to demonstrate how your disability prevents you from performing your regular activities. Be truthful, but think carefully about how you phrase your answers.
Section D: What Can You Do?
The next section, Section D, asks for information about what you can do. Once again, your answers should be truthful. Be aware that in this section, Social Security is looking for what you can do to work. Can you sit down all day? Can you lift things? The last part of Section D asks about what medications you are taking.
Section E: Record Any Other Comments
Section E provides space for you to add any details that don’t fit into another category. Be sure the information is clear and accurate and provide as much detail as possible. If you are using this space to continue an answer you didn’t have space for on the form, please indicate what section and question your comments pertain to.
Learn More About How to Answer Questions on Disability Forms
If you get a form 3373-BK or have questions about how to answer questions on disability forms, contact Oren & Oren. We can help you avoid costly mistakes and help you increase your chances of obtaining a successful outcome.
