Summary of "TIPS - Mental Functioning on the Function Report - Dos and Don'ts START to FINISH for SSDI and SSI"
Summary of Key Tips for Filling Out the SSA-3373 Function Report for Mental Health Disability Claims (SSDI/SSI)
This video provides detailed guidance on how to accurately and effectively complete the Social Security Administration’s Function Report (SSA-3373) when applying for disability benefits based on mental health impairments such as severe depression and anxiety. The focus is on demonstrating how mental health symptoms limit work and daily functioning, especially for claimants under 50 or those relying solely on mental health claims.
Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips Highlighted
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Be Specific and Concrete About Limitations Describe how depression/anxiety symptoms affect your ability to work full-time on a sustained basis (at least 6 months). Use concrete examples like days spent bedridden, frequency and duration of symptoms, and impact on daily activities.
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Document Patterns of Symptom Fluctuation Note “good days” vs. “bad days” and how often severe symptoms (e.g., inability to get out of bed, tearfulness, panic attacks) occur. Explain the waxing and waning nature of symptoms and how they impact work and daily life.
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Describe Impact on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Detail how depression/anxiety affect personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), motivation to prepare meals, and ability to maintain household chores. Be honest about frequency and effort required to complete these tasks; infrequent or minimal participation supports severity. Include medication side effects that cause drowsiness, grogginess, nausea, or require naps.
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Address Concentration and Cognitive Difficulties Explain issues with attention, distractibility, memory, understanding, and following instructions. Give examples such as difficulty completing tasks, rereading instructions, daydreaming, or forgetting steps in a process. Highlight how these impairments interfere with sustaining work or managing finances.
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Discuss Social Functioning and Interpersonal Interactions Be clear about difficulties interacting with supervisors, coworkers, or the public, including irritability, impulsivity, or emotional outbursts. Mention if you avoid social situations due to anxiety or depression, or if you require reminders or accompaniment to appointments or outings. Describe changes in social activities and relationships since the onset of illness.
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Explain Mobility and Activity Limitations Related to Mental Health Even if no physical impairments exist, describe feelings of physical fatigue or heaviness (“moving underwater”) caused by depression. Discuss limitations in walking, standing, or other physical activities when related to mental health symptoms.
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Detail Medication Use and Side Effects List all medications and common side effects experienced (drowsiness, sedation, irritability, nausea). Use reputable sources (e.g., drugs.com) to identify common side effects and report them honestly. Explain how side effects further limit functioning and productivity.
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Be Honest and Avoid Exaggeration Accurately represent caregiving responsibilities; occasional help is not caretaking. Avoid overstating abilities or activities to appear more functional than you are. Do not claim abilities you haven’t performed recently (e.g., handling finances, driving).
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Cross-Reference and Consistency Are Crucial Ensure answers are consistent across different sections of the form (e.g., if you have trouble following instructions, indicate it in all relevant questions). Use the remarks section for clarifications but keep it concise with short phrases or abbreviations rather than long essays.
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Track and Journal Daily Activities Keep a log or journal of daily routines, social interactions, outings, and symptom episodes to provide accurate and detailed answers. Reflect on current hobbies and interests, focusing only on what you currently do, not past activities.
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Consider Safety and Practicality Discuss limitations in driving or traveling alone due to anxiety or concentration issues. Explain if you need accompaniment for appointments or errands due to panic attacks or emotional distress.
Summary of Suggested Methodology for Completing the Function Report
- Start with personal and basic information (name, living situation).
- In question 5, focus on how mental health symptoms limit work ability with detailed examples.
- For question 6, describe your typical day including sleep patterns, medication side effects, and energy levels.
- For caregiving questions (7 and 9), honestly describe responsibilities and support received.
- For questions about prior abilities (10) and changes in daily living, focus on mental health impact on motivation and energy.
- Address personal care, meal preparation, housework, and outside activities honestly and with frequency details.
- For social activities and interactions (18, 19), describe current engagement and changes since illness onset.
- For cognitive and functional abilities (20), detail difficulties with memory, concentration, task completion, and interpersonal relations.
- Include medication side effects (22) and their impact on daily functioning.
- Use the remarks section for brief clarifications or additional relevant information.
Presenters / Sources
The video is presented by the host of All Things Social Security, an experienced advisor on Social Security Disability claims, particularly knowledgeable about mental health disability claims and the SSA-3373 Function Report.
This summary captures the core advice and strategies for accurately completing the function report to reflect the disabling impact of mental health conditions for SSDI and SSI claims.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
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