If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, one of the most important pieces of paperwork you will complete is the Function Report, also known as SSA-3373. It is not just another bureaucratic hurdle. The Function Report gives the Social Security Administration a day-to-day picture of how your condition affects your life, in your own words. When this form is filled out poorly, vaguely, or inconsistently, it can directly contribute to a denial, even when medical records clearly show serious health issues. At Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law in Oregon, we regularly see strong cases weakened by Function Reports that indicate an ability to do things that are not compatible with being disabled.
Understanding the Function Report (SSA-3373)
The Function Report is designed to assess how your medical condition affects your ability to function in everyday life. Instead of focusing on diagnoses or test results, the form asks about practical activities. These include personal care, household chores, shopping, driving, social interactions, physical abilities, mental focus, and how well you handle stress and changes in routine.
Social Security uses this form to compare what you say about your limitations with the medical evidence in your file. Claims examiners look for consistency between your Function Report, your treatment records, and any statements you have made elsewhere in your application. If your doctor notes difficulty standing or concentrating, but your Function Report suggests you handle most activities without issue, that mismatch can raise red flags and lead to a denial.
Tips for Providing the Right Level of Detail
One of the most common problems we see is a lack of specificity. Saying “I have trouble walking” does not give Social Security enough information to understand the severity of your limitation. A stronger response explains distance, duration, and consequences. For example, stating that you can walk about 100 feet before needing to stop due to pain, shortness of breath, or weakness paints a much clearer picture.
It is also important to be honest about good days and bad days. Many conditions are unpredictable. If some days are manageable and others are not, your Function Report should reflect that reality. Social Security needs to understand how often symptoms occur and how long flare-ups last. Avoid presenting yourself as either completely incapable or perfectly functional if neither is true.
While exaggeration can hurt your credibility, downplaying your limitations can be just as damaging. Many people are used to pushing through pain or discomfort, especially if they have worked for years despite health issues. However, the Function Report is not the place to minimize your struggles. If a task takes significantly longer than it used to, causes pain, or requires assistance, that information matters.
Explaining how long tasks take, what help you need, and how frequently symptoms interfere with activities can make a significant difference. For example, instead of saying you prepare meals, explain whether you can only make simple foods, need breaks, or rely on others for help. These details help Social Security understand how your condition limits your functional capacity.
Examples of Strong vs. Weak Answers
A weak answer often sounds brief and generic. For instance, when asked about cleaning, someone might write that they clean the house. A stronger answer explains that they can only wipe down counters once a week, need to rest after a few minutes, and cannot vacuum or mop due to back pain.
When asked about personal care, a weak response might say there are no problems. A stronger response could explain difficulty bending to put on socks, needing help with buttons, or requiring extra time due to stiffness or fatigue. These examples show how detail turns a simple answer into useful evidence.
Questions about concentration and memory are another area where detail matters. Simply stating that you have trouble concentrating does not tell Social Security much. Explaining that you lose focus after ten minutes, forget appointments without reminders, or struggle to follow written instructions provides concrete insight into how your condition affects mental functioning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving sections blank is one of the most common and damaging mistakes. If a question does not seem relevant, it is still better to explain why rather than skip it entirely. Blank sections can be interpreted as missing information or a lack of limitation.
Another frequent issue is copying the same answer into multiple sections. While symptoms may overlap, Social Security expects each question to be addressed individually. Repeating identical responses can make it appear that the form was rushed or not carefully considered.
Contradicting your medical records or prior statements can also undermine your claim. If you previously reported certain limitations to a doctor or on another form, your Function Report should align with that information. Inconsistencies can lead examiners to question your credibility, even when the underlying condition is legitimate.
When to Ask for Legal Help
Many people feel overwhelmed by the Function Report, especially when dealing with pain, fatigue, or mental health symptoms. If you are unsure how to describe your limitations or worry about saying the wrong thing, legal guidance can be extremely helpful. An experienced disability attorney can help you understand what Social Security is looking for and how to explain your daily struggles accurately and clearly.
If your previous claim was denied due to insufficient evidence, the Function Report may have played a role. In those situations, reviewing and strengthening your responses can be a critical step in improving your chances on appeal. Our office frequently assists clients in revisiting their Function Reports to ensure they reflect the full impact of their conditions.
FAQ
How detailed should my function report be?
Your Function Report should be detailed enough to clearly explain how your condition affects daily activities. Specific examples, time frames, distances, and frequency of symptoms are all helpful. The goal is to give Social Security a realistic picture of your daily life.
Can I get help filling out my function report?
Yes. You are allowed to get help from a disability attorney, family member, or friend. Many people benefit from legal guidance to ensure their answers are clear, accurate, and consistent with medical evidence.
Will my answers affect whether I get approved for SSDI or SSI?
Absolutely. The Function Report is a key piece of evidence in disability determinations. Your answers can strongly influence how Social Security evaluates your ability to work and perform daily activities.
What happens if my function report conflicts with my medical records?
Conflicts can raise concerns for Social Security and may lead to a denial. If discrepancies exist, it is important to address them and explain any changes or misunderstandings as soon as possible, ideally with legal assistance.
If you are preparing a Function Report or struggling with a disability claim, we can help. Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law assists clients throughout Eugene and surrounding Oregon communities with Social Security Disability applications and appeals. For guidance tailored to your situation, call (541) 434-6466 to discuss your case and protect your right to benefits.
