How To Fill Out The Social Security Function Report (Form SSA-3373)

How you fill out the Social Security Function Report (Form SSA-3373) is crucial to the success of your Social Security Disability claim. This detailed form collects essential information about how your medical condition affects your ability to work. Many applicants find this form overwhelming or confusing, but understanding how to complete it accurately can significantly impact your success in the disability claim process.

In this blog post, we will guide you through filling out the Social Security Function Report, offering valuable tips and insights to help you complete this critical form. By the end of this post, you will feel more confident and informed about completing Form SSA-3373 accurately and effectively.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

To apply for disability benefits, you need to submit an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are two main types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For SSDI, you can apply if you’ve worked and paid taxes for years but now cannot work. SSI is available for individuals with low income and limited work history.

To get started, fill out the main disability benefits application (Form SSA-16). This form asks about your health, work background, and reasons for applying. You’ll also need to complete a work history report (Form SSA-3369-BK), a third-party function report (Form SSA-3380-BK), and a work activity report (Form SSA-821-BK).

Note: Additional questionnaires and paperwork may be required based on your circumstances.

For more assistance with your application, refer to our guide on applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

Understanding the Social Security Function Report (Form SSA-3373)

The Function Report (Form SSA-3373) provides essential information about how an individual’s medical conditions affect their daily activities and ability to work. The information provided helps disability examiners assess the severity of the impairment and its impact on the individual’s ability to work. They want to know in your own words what your functional impairment is.

This is a critical document; subjectively, it is one of the most important documents in your claim because it allows you to explain yourself. They want to know how your illnesses limit your ability to work, which is a very open-ended question, allowing you to describe your condition and how it keeps you from doing full-time work activity in your own words. This is where you can go outside the box and provide the most information that may ultimately help your case.

The Third-Party Function Report

In some cases, a third party, such as a family member or caregiver, may be asked to complete a Function Report on behalf of the claimant. The third-party function report (Form SSA-3380-BK) offers a valuable perspective on the claimant’s daily activities and how their condition affects their ability to function independently.

It’s crucial to pick someone who truly understands your condition and its impact on your daily life. Selecting someone unfamiliar with your condition might not benefit your application. It could hurt your case if the SSA contacts them and they provide inaccurate information or give conflicting answers.

Most applicants find it more effective to strengthen their medical records and collaborate with a disability attorney to increase their chances of success. However, if the SSA or DDS requires you to complete the third-party function report, it’s best to do so promptly to prevent delays in processing your application. The questions on the third-party report closely resemble those on the standard Function Report, so the same advice applies.

Preparing to Fill Out the Function Report

Preparation is crucial before tackling the Social Security Function Report. This section will guide you through the essential steps to set yourself up for success.

Gathering Necessary Information

Start by collecting all the pertinent details required for Form SSA-3373. This includes personal information such as your full name, Social Security number, contact information, and relevant medical history. Make sure to have any medical records, doctor’s notes, or treatment plans available to reference while completing the form. Being organized from the outset will streamline the process and ensure accuracy.

Deciding Which Conditions to List

When completing your Function Report, it’s important to focus on all health conditions that genuinely affect your ability to work—even those that may seem minor or secondary. If you experience symptoms like anxiety, memory problems, or difficulties with focus, include them alongside your primary diagnosis. These lesser-discussed issues can impact your ability to perform job duties, so giving a full picture helps the examiner understand your limitations.

On the other hand, there’s no need to list conditions that have no direct bearing on your capacity to work. For example, if you have high cholesterol or mild eczema that doesn’t interfere with job tasks, it’s generally unnecessary to mention them on this form. Stick to what limits your functioning at work or in your daily routine, ensuring your answers stay both relevant and meaningful.

Understanding the Questions Asked

Familiarize yourself with the questions on Form SSA-3373 to grasp the requested information. Take the time to read each question carefully and consider the specific details needed in your responses. If any queries are unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your attorney. Understanding the purpose behind each question will enable you to provide accurate and thorough answers.

Focus on Medically Supported Conditions

When completing the Function Report, it’s important to focus on medical conditions that have both a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional and ongoing treatment. The SSA gives significant weight to documented conditions—meaning those your doctor has identified and is actively managing. Listing conditions you’re not being treated for, or that haven’t been officially diagnosed, can actually weaken your claim. Without medical evidence or proof of treatment, the SSA may question the severity or even the existence of those issues.

As you describe your symptoms, be sure to note how they persist even with consistent treatment. This demonstrates to reviewers that your limitations are real, have been evaluated by a professional, and are not resolving despite medical intervention. Anchoring your responses in diagnosed, treated conditions ensures your application is built on a solid foundation of credibility.

Where to Begin: Tackling Question 20 First

One smart strategy for completing Form SSA-3373 is to start with Question 20 in Section D. This particular question is often the most comprehensive, asking you to describe in detail how your condition impacts your daily activities. By beginning here, you can lay the groundwork for the rest of your answers, giving yourself a clear, consistent narrative to reference as you move through the form.

Think of your response to Question 20 as the “big picture” summary—touching on your routines, limitations, and unique challenges. Once you’ve carefully crafted this answer, you can use it as a guide to inform your responses to the other, more specific questions elsewhere on the form. This approach helps ensure your answers remain consistent, thorough, and true to your personal experience.

Organizing Your Responses

To complete Form SSA-3373 efficiently, it’s beneficial to organize your responses in a structured manner. Consider creating an outline or draft to plan your answers before completing the form. Group related information together and ensure your responses align with the corresponding questions. Organizing your thoughts beforehand allows you to convey your information cohesively and comprehensively.

By following these preparation steps, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the process of filling out Form SSA-3373 confidently and accurately. Ready yourself with the necessary information, understand the questions, and organize your responses effectively to streamline completing the form.

Handling Questions That Don’t Apply

When you encounter a question on the Function Report that doesn’t relate to your situation, don’t feel pressured to provide an answer that doesn’t fit. Instead, simply write “N/A” (not applicable) or “none.” This signals to the SSA that you intentionally left the field blank because it truly isn’t relevant to your case.

If you genuinely don’t know the answer to a question—even after checking your paperwork or asking for help—it’s helpful to write “don’t know.” Leaving responses blank can make your application look incomplete and may cause unnecessary delays, or worse, prompt the SSA to treat your report as unfinished.

Documenting your limits clearly—even when your response is “none” or “don’t know”—helps move your application forward with fewer hiccups.

Five Tips for Filling Out the Function Report

Completing the Social Security Function Report can feel overwhelming, but the right approach can make a meaningful difference. These five tips will help you present your limitations clearly, consistently, and credibly.

1. Be Honest and Detailed

Accuracy matters. Describe how your medical condition actually affects your daily activities, using truthful and specific details. Avoid exaggeration or broad statements that don’t reflect your real experience. Reviewers are trained to spot inconsistencies, and overstating symptoms can undermine your credibility.

For example, instead of saying, “I have constant 10/10 pain,” explain how often your pain flares, how severe it is on good versus bad days, and how it interferes with specific tasks. Clear, realistic descriptions are far more persuasive than extreme language.

2. Use Clear, Specific Examples

Vague answers rarely help. Whenever possible, explain how and why an activity is difficult. Concrete examples allow the reviewer to understand your functional limitations in practical terms, rather than guessing what you mean.

Specific details about tasks you struggle with, how long you can perform them, or what happens afterward can significantly strengthen your report.

3. Keep Your Answers Consistent

Consistency is critical — both within the Function Report and across all disability forms. Make sure your descriptions of daily activities align with what you’ve stated elsewhere in your claim. If you explain that you cannot work due to your condition, your activity descriptions should not unintentionally suggest otherwise.

Using similar wording for similar questions across forms can help prevent contradictions that may delay or derail your claim.

4. Review Your Responses Before Submitting

Before turning in the Function Report, carefully review your answers. Look for missing information, unclear explanations, or statements that could be misinterpreted. A careful review helps ensure your limitations are accurately and clearly presented, without internal conflicts or gaps.

5. Keep Copies and Seek Help When Needed

Always keep a copy of your completed Function Report and any supporting documents. These records can be invaluable if questions arise later or if you need to reference prior statements.

If the form feels confusing or overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Assistance from a trusted person or an experienced disability professional can help ensure your responses are clear, complete, and consistent with the rest of your claim.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Function Report

Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide you through each section smoothly. Most questions will only give you a few lines to record your answer, but I encourage you to go beyond the given lines and write a comprehensive essay about how your condition keeps you from working. Go on to the extra “Remarks” section provided at the end of the form, and, if necessary, add additional pages that go into detail about your medical condition and how it affects you.

Section A: General Information

Begin by filling in your personal details accurately. This includes your full name, Social Security number, contact information, and other identification details as requested on the form. Be sure to check for any specific instructions or requirements before proceeding.

Describing Your Living Situation

As part of Section A, you’ll need to accurately describe your current living arrangement. Be sure to indicate the type of residence you have—for instance, whether you live in a house, apartment, assisted living facility, nursing home, or group home. Additionally, specify if you live alone or share your home with others. If you live with other people, clarify your relationship to them (such as family members, roommates, or friends).

Being upfront about your living situation is important. The Social Security Administration wants to understand whether you have support with daily activities or are managing on your own. Any inconsistencies between your stated living arrangement and your actual day-to-day reality can create confusion, so it’s crucial your answers reflect your true situation.

This information helps reviewers assess how your environment may influence your ability to handle daily tasks independently, and provides context to your overall application.

Section B: Information About Your Illnesses, Injuries, or Conditions

This section has one question: “How do your illnesses, injuries, or conditions limit your ability to work?”

Provide detailed information about your disability. Describe your illnesses, injuries, or conditions, including how they impact your daily life and ability to work. Be honest and specific, including any treatments, medications, doctors you’ve seen, and the effects of your condition.

How Your Condition Impacts Sleep

If your illness, injury, or condition interferes with your ability to sleep, be sure to clearly spell out the difficulties you experience. Focus on how your symptoms—such as pain, breathing difficulties, anxiety, or the need for frequent bathroom trips—interrupt your sleep patterns or make it difficult to get restful, restorative sleep.

For instance, if pain keeps you up at night or you wake up multiple times due to discomfort, fatigue, or side effects from medication, describe these experiences. If you sleep only in short bursts, find it hard to fall asleep, or feel exhausted no matter how long you spend in bed, make that clear.

Remember, the goal is to paint a vivid and accurate picture of how your condition affects every part of your life—including your ability to sleep well. Providing such specific examples will help the reviewer better understand your daily challenges.

Section C: Information About Daily Activities

This section will ask about your daily routine and how your condition affects your ability to get dressed, cook, clean, or run errands. Provide examples of how your condition limits your activities. Be as descriptive as possible to represent your daily challenges accurately.

The first question in this section is, “Describe what you do from the time you wake up until going to bed.” This, again, is your opportunity to explain in explicit detail how your condition impacts your daily life and, therefore, how it impacts your ability to do work-like activities.

The next question is about preparing your meals. They ask if you can prepare your meals or if you need assistance. That’s because if you require assistance, if you cannot prepare meals, and if other people are doing these things for you, then it gives insight into the impact that your medical conditions are having on your life.

It goes into other things like house and yard work, getting around, shopping, using money, hobbies and interests, and social activities. The form will ask if you are interacting with others or attending church. This is because your social activities give insight into your ability to do work activities.

Pay Special Attention to Money-Related Questions

One area that can be confusing is when the form asks about your ability to handle money. The Social Security Administration (SSA) isn’t asking whether you have enough income to pay your bills or maintain a savings account. Instead, they’re interested in whether you have the memory, focus, and cognitive ability to manage money-related tasks.

Consider these points as you answer:

• Do you rely on autopay to pay bills on time because you forget due dates?
• Does a family member or friend need access to your bank account to help manage your finances?
• If you shop alone, are you able to count out exact change, or do you struggle with cash transactions?

If you require help with these tasks, be specific about what help you need and why. Details like these help the SSA understand the practical ways your condition limits not just your work, but your independence in daily life.

For example, if you’re very heavily invested in your church, you donate time and attend every Wednesday night, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening service. You help throughout the week with soup kitchens and things like that. However, when you add up all those activities, it almost seems like full-time work.

So, when asking about social activity, the SSA is trying to understand how your condition impacts you and whether it keeps you from doing full-time work activity.

How to Answer Questions About Caretaking and Daily Living Tasks

When filling out questions about daily activities and caretaking responsibilities, it’s crucial to focus on the specific details that reveal what you actually do—and more importantly, where you struggle—rather than giving broad or generic responses. This helps the Social Security Administration see the real impact your conditions have on your daily life.

Here’s how you can approach these questions:

• Be specific, not general. Instead of saying, “I do the cooking,” clarify with, “I rely on frozen meals because chopping vegetables is difficult for me. My partner helps by prepping meals ahead of time.”
• Highlight assistive devices or alternative methods used. For example, “I use a shower chair and need help getting into and out of the tub,” rather than simply, “I bathe regularly.”
• Explain limitations on outings or errands. You might say, “I only go to the small store nearby because I cannot manage a longer trip, and I require assistance to carry groceries,” instead of, “I grocery shop when needed.”
• Describe the help you receive. Rather than, “I take care of my mother,” specify, “I stay with my mother during the day, but my spouse must assist with all her medications and prepare meals because I am unable to stand for long periods.”
• Give context about your caretaking role. For instance, “I supervise my young child but depend on family members to bathe and dress her because I have trouble with lifting and bending.”

Always remember, this section is not the time to prove how well you cope—your goal is to shed light on the ways your medical condition limits your independence or ability to function. Concrete, honest examples paint a clear picture for the reviewer.

Section D: Information About Abilities

This section focuses on your abilities and limitations concerning work-related activities. Describe your physical and mental abilities, any restrictions on your work capabilities, and how your condition affects your capacity to perform tasks typically required for employment. Give specific examples to help assessors understand your situation better.

You’ll notice the form includes a long question about how your disabilities affect various physical and cognitive abilities. This covers everything from walking, lifting, and standing to memory, hearing, vision, following instructions, concentration, and attention span. It even asks about any unusual behaviors or fears you may experience, such as compulsive behaviors or anxiety that might interfere with daily functioning.

The form also has check boxes you can check to indicate your ability to lift, squat, bend, stand, reach, etc. It also allows you to talk about what types of limitations you have in those areas. This section also asks whether you require an assistive device like crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.

Pro tip: As you fill out this section, make sure your answers here line up with what you’ve said elsewhere on the form. If your memory problems keep you from following instructions, for example, mention it here and echo it wherever relevant. Consistency helps your claim—don’t be afraid to reuse the exact text from your answers to this question throughout the rest of the form if it fits.

Next, it asks about the medications you take and any side effects. The key here is they want to know about side effects that would impact one’s ability to do work activity. No one cares if you have cottonmouth after you take a medication. That might affect your ability to talk or communicate, but who cares if you’ve got a dry mouth?

What they want to know is if that medication knocks you sideways to the point that you can’t think straight and you’re talking in a slurred voice. A dry mouth is one thing, but you can’t work if you’re slurring your words and unable to communicate or if it makes you sleepy to the point where you pass out for two hours during the middle of the day. That’s the kind of thing the SSA wants to know.

Should You Describe Your Abilities on Your Best, Average, or Worst Days?

When filling out this section, it’s important to paint an accurate picture of your daily reality as it actually is—not just on your best days, but on the days that reflect your typical or most challenging experiences. The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to understand the true extent of your limitations, so avoid the temptation to downplay your struggles by focusing on those rare good days.

For example, if you’re answering a question about sleep disruption and your condition causes significant trouble a couple of nights each week (but not every night), it’s better to specify how things are on your worst or more common difficult days, rather than glossing over it because you sleep well some of the time. Saying you never have trouble because it’s “only sometimes” isn’t accurate—and might leave important details out of your claim.

The key here is honesty, with an emphasis on your average day or, if your symptoms vary, on your bad days. This approach gives evaluators a realistic sense of what you’re up against and helps demonstrate just how your condition limits you—not just occasionally, but as part of your ongoing experience.

Section E: Remarks

Use this section to add any information you couldn’t fit in the previous sections. You can use this space to explain further details about your condition, how it has progressed, any recent changes, or any other relevant information you believe is essential for the evaluation process.

Navigating Form SSA-3373 can be overwhelming, but providing accurate and detailed information is crucial for a successful Social Security Disability claim. Take your time to fill out each section thoughtfully, ensuring that your responses reflect your situation to the best of your ability.

What Happens Next?

The next step is to submit the form to the Social Security Administration and follow up on the processing of your claim. Here’s what you need to know about these crucial stages:

How to Submit Your Function Report

When submitting your Form SSA-3373, ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and comprehensively. Double-check for any missing information or errors that could delay the review process. Submit the form by mail or fax or by visiting your local Social Security office in person, but be sure to retain a copy for your records.

Following Up on Your Claim

Once the Social Security Administration receives your Form SSA-3373, they will review the information provided to assess your eligibility for benefits. This evaluation process may take some time, so patience is essential. The SSA will contact you for additional information if further clarification or documentation is needed.

How to Check the Status of Your Claim

After submitting your Form SSA-3373, it’s essential to stay proactive and follow up with the Social Security Administration to track the status of your report. You can contact the SSA via phone or visit their office to inquire about the processing timeline and whether additional information is required. Maintaining open communication can help ensure that your report is being reviewed promptly and accurately.

Remember, staying engaged in the submission and follow-up process of your Form SSA-3373 can help facilitate a smoother review process and potentially expedite the determination of your benefits eligibility. Stay proactive and informed throughout the entire process to ensure a successful outcome.

What Is a Consultative Exam (CE) and When Do You Need One?

Sometimes, after you’ve submitted your forms and medical records, the Social Security Administration still needs more information before making a decision about your claim. This is where the Consultative Exam (CE) comes in.

A Consultative Exam is a medical evaluation arranged and paid for by the SSA, typically with a third-party doctor who is not your regular provider. The purpose is to gather additional details the SSA feels are missing, whether it’s about your diagnosis, ongoing treatment, or the impact of your symptoms. Usually, you’ll receive a notice from the disability examiner explaining why the exam is necessary, along with instructions on how to confirm your appointment.

Don’t panic if you’re asked to attend a CE—this doesn’t mean your application is in trouble. It just means the SSA wants to be thorough and ensure they have all the facts needed to fairly assess your claim. Be sure to attend as scheduled and be honest about your symptoms and limitations during the appointment.

Get Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim

Navigating the complexities of a disability claim can be overwhelming on your own. There are no right or wrong answers, but there are bad ways to answer a question. Getting professional help can make a significant difference in your claim.

While it’s entirely possible to complete your disability application by yourself, having an experienced Social Security disability attorney in your corner can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the claims process. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of Social Security disability claims and can help you navigate the system with expertise.

A lawyer can answer your questions, assist in accurately filling out forms like the Function Report, and help gather the necessary documentation to strengthen your application. In fact, claimants who work with a lawyer are statistically much more likely to win their case and receive the benefits they need.

If your claim is denied, professional legal representation becomes even more important. The appeals process—including presenting your case in front of a judge—can be challenging to manage alone. An attorney will know how to build the strongest possible appeal and significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Whether you’re just starting your application or facing an appeal, professional support can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your claim is as strong as possible.

Pensacola Social Security disability attorney Nick Ortiz helps individuals nationwide receive the disability benefits they deserve. He has been representing disabled workers since 2005. If you are having trouble applying or need to appeal a denied claim for Social Security disability benefits, contact us online or call (888) 321-8131.