How to Answer “How Well Do You Follow Written Instructions?” on the SSA Function Report for SSDI

Many people are surprised by how much Social Security can learn from the tiny question, “How well do you follow written instructions?” on Form SSA-3373. Those two lines help examiners understand how symptoms like pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or vision changes affect your ability to read, remember, and use written information in everyday life. This guide breaks down what SSA looks for, how this question fits into your overall disability picture, and simple ways people often describe their real-life experience.