How a single Disability questionnaire can make ― or break ― your claim.

In an ideal world, you would send in your application for Social Security Disability benefits and, a short time later, you would start receiving a monthly disability check. Just like clockwork, right?

If only it were that easy. The reality is that the Social Security Disability process is long, involved and cram full of paperwork. At some point after you send in your application for Social Security Disability benefits, you will likely receive in the mail even more forms to fill out.

Whatever you do, don’t toss them aside. Somewhere in the stack is a very important Disability questionnaire ― commonly referred to as “Activities of Daily Living” or “Function Report.”

This particular Social Security Disability questionnaire is designed to gauge the severity of your condition and it can actually make or break your claim.

What is the “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL) Disability Questionnaire?

After you submit your Social Security Disability claim, it lands on the desk of a Disability examiner who must gather medical records and a host of other information to determine whether or not your medical condition truly precludes you from working. Problem is, the examiner has not ― and will not ― meet you in person. They must rely, in part, on this disability questionnaire to understand the nature of your condition, how it impacts your ability to work and how it affects your daily living.

The “Activities of Daily Living” or “Function Report” is a 22-question form that focuses on seemingly routine activities. Some questions are somewhat personal, asking you about your ability to shave and use the bathroom. Others focus on whether you are able to do yardwork or drive. All of the questions are designed to determine your ability to cope day-to-day. Here are some of the specific questions on the form:

• Describe what you do from the time you wake up until going to bed.
• Do you take care of pets or other animals?
• Do you prepare your own meals?
• If yes, what kind of food do you prepare?
• How often do you go outside?
• How often do you shop and how long does it take?
• Do you spend time with others?
• Do you need someone to accompany you?

It’s important to answer the questions accurately, honesty and with as much detail as possible. The answers on this form will be used to determine how well you function and whether your statements are consistent with your medical records and past accounts about your symptoms and condition.

Many people don’t realize how important this questionnaire is and they fill it out haphazardly. This is a mistake. What you put ― or don’t put ― in your function report can impact Social Security’s decision.

Friends or family may also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your daily living activities.

It is not uncommon for a Disability examiner to attempt to get additional proof or verify your information by contacting a third party. They may send an eight-page form, called a “third party function report,” to friends or family who you have said are familiar with your Disability. The questions are basically the same that were posed to you, except now your loved ones are being asked to answer them.

The Disability examiner’s main objective is to determine whether or not your answers are consistent and credible. If your answers and a family member’s responses are drastically different, then your claim could be in jeopardy.

It’s important that you give Social Security the names of friends and family who know you well and can give an honest appraisal about your condition. It’s also imperative to tell those same friends and relatives that you gave their names to Social Security and that they may be questioned about your Disability.

What the examiner does with the Disability questionnaire.

After the forms are completed, the Disability examiner will evaluate them, as well as your medical records, work history and other relevant information. Taken in totality, the Disability examiner will decide whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

If you do, you will be awarded a monthly Disability check and, possibly, accrued back pay. If you aren’t approved at this stage in the Social Security Disability process, it may be in your best interest to appeal and take it to the next level.

Most people actually win benefits further into the Disability process, after they have a Disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Again, it’s important to remember that your Disability questionnaire will stay with you through the process so take your time and fill it out accurately and thoroughly. It’s also not uncommon to be asked to fill out the questionnaire again somewhere down the road.

How an attorney can help with your Disability questionnaire.

If you are having trouble filling out your Disability questionnaire or have questions, an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can give you guidance. While only you can answer specific questions about what you do on a typical day, an attorney can help make sure that you respond in a way that supports your Disability claim.

The Disability experts at SSDHelpNow.com would be glad to assist you if you need help with your Disability questionnaire. We have helped thousands of sick and injured people obtain much-needed Social Security Disability benefits and it would be our privilege to help you, too. Call us today at 877-568-8413 for a free case evaluation or fill out the contact form on this page.