What is the Social Security Administration’s Activities of Daily Living Report?

When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA needs to understand your activities of daily living (ADLs). You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire called an "Adult Function Report". This 10-page form consists of five sections and is normally sent out after filing initial applications. The answers given help determine eligibility for disability insurance.

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Activities of Daily Living Report

The questions on the Adult Function Report are related to how you're able to perform various tasks independently. These include:

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Personal Care

Grooming and personal hygiene are important parts of daily life. You should describe any difficulties in performing these activities whether or not they require assistance from a caregiver to help with the process.

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Moving Around

You are required to report all of the challenges you’ve experienced when moving about, such as difficulty standing from a seated position. You can include descriptions of any symptoms that come with trying so be mobile like back pain or leg/knee discomfort and even dizziness!

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Recreational and social activities

Describe any hobbies you have and how well they can be carried out with your disability.

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Completing the Function Report

Here are some examples of questions asked on the form:

• Are there any activities you used to do before you were disabled, that you are unable to do now?

• Do you require any help with caring for anyone else in your home or a pet?

• Do you require any help with bathing, getting dressed or feeding yourself?

• Do you cook your own food and how long does this task take?

• Do you spend any time with other people, like family members or friends?

• Do you have any hobbies and how often do you do them?

• Do you visit any particular places regularly?

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The answers you provide on the Adult Function Report form are assessed and used to determine the severity of your disability. This is why it is so important to include as much detail as possible. It is important to keep the function report up to date so that the SSA is aware of any limitations you are experiencing due to your disability that prevent you from working or living your daily life.

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