What Is a Function Report and Why It Matters for Your SSDI Claim
Understanding the Function Report: Your Daily Life on Paper
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your medical records alone aren’t enough. The SSA wants to know how your condition affects your daily life—not just what your diagnosis is. That’s where the Function Report (Form SSA-3373) comes in. This document gives you the chance to show how your disability impacts everything from cooking meals to getting dressed.
What Is a Function Report (SSA-3373)?
The Function Report – Adult (SSA-3373) is a multipage form that asks detailed questions about your ability to perform basic daily tasks. This includes:
Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
Meal preparation and eating
Household chores
Transportation and shopping
Concentration and memory
Social interaction
Sleep and fatigue
It's one of the most important non-medical pieces of evidence in your SSDI case because it reflects how your condition limits your functional capacity, not just your diagnosis.
Why SSA Uses the Function Report
SSA uses the Function Report to assess your residual functional capacity (RFC)—what you can still do despite your impairments. Claims examiners at Disability Determination Services (DDS) and Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) rely on this form to:
Compare your statements with your medical records
Look for consistency in your claims
Evaluate whether your impairments prevent work activity
It can be a make-or-break piece of evidence, especially if your medical records are inconclusive or your condition is not clearly outlined in the SSA Blue Book.
When You’ll Be Asked to Complete One
You may be asked to complete a Function Report:
Shortly after submitting your SSDI application
During the reconsideration appeal
If your initial documentation doesn’t clearly show how your disability affects you
You’ll typically receive the SSA-3373 form in the mail, but it can also be completed online or submitted through your local SSA office.
How to Fill Out the Function Report Effectively
Here’s what you need to know to complete the form accurately and persuasively:
✅ Be Specific and Detailed
Avoid vague answers like "I get tired easily." Instead, write: "I cannot stand for more than 10 minutes without needing to sit due to severe leg pain and fatigue."
✅ Use Real-Life Examples
If bending over to load the dishwasher causes sharp back pain, say so. If you can’t drive because medication makes you drowsy, include that. The goal is to help SSA visualize your day.
✅ Be Honest—but Not Modest
Many applicants downplay their limitations out of pride or habit. Be truthful, but don’t minimize your difficulties. You’re not being dramatic—you’re being accurate.
✅ Describe Bad Days, Not Just Good Days
SSA evaluates how your condition affects you most of the time, not just on your best days. Make sure your report reflects the average severity and frequency of your symptoms.
✅ Coordinate with Your Medical Evidence
Make sure your Function Report aligns with your doctor’s notes. Contradictions (e.g., saying you can cook full meals daily while your doctor notes you struggle to stand) can damage your claim.
How Function Reports Are Used in Evaluation
Once submitted, your Function Report becomes part of your SSA file. It is reviewed by:
DDS claims examiners
Medical and psychological consultants
Administrative Law Judges (if your claim goes to a hearing)
They look for consistencies and inconsistencies with other evidence. Function Reports are also used to determine whether your limitations meet or equal a listing in the Blue Book or how they affect your ability to perform past or other work.
Third-Party Function Reports (SSA-3380)
SSA may also send a Third-Party Function Report (SSA-3380) to someone who knows you well, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver. This form helps verify your claims from another person’s perspective.
Encourage your third-party respondent to:
Be as specific as possible
Avoid exaggeration or generalization
Describe how they’ve seen your condition affect you over time
Real-World Impact: Function Report in Action
Let’s say your medical record shows a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, but doesn’t include a lot of detail about how it impacts you. Your Function Report says you:
Struggle to lift more than five pounds
Need assistance dressing and bathing
Can’t concentrate for more than 15 minutes at a time
Wake up multiple times a night due to pain
If this matches what’s seen in your doctor’s notes, that consistency strengthens your claim. But if your report says you go hiking or care for young children all day, that could trigger a denial.
Summary: Tell Your Story With the Function Report
The Function Report is more than a form—it’s your chance to explain your disability in human terms. Don’t rush through it. Take time to tell your story clearly, accurately, and thoroughly. When paired with strong medical evidence, it can be one of the most persuasive parts of your SSDI application.
Disclaimer & AI Ethical Statement
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions. Consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice.
AI Ethical Statement: This article includes information sourced from government health websites, reputable academic journals, non-profit organizations, and is generated with AI. A human author has substantially edited, arranged, and reviewed all content, exercising creative control over the final output. People and machines make mistakes. Please contact us if you see a correction that needs to be made.
References
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). SSA-3373-BK Function Report – Adult. https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-3373-bk.pdf
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Evidence. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/evidentiary.htm
