quick List of Common SSDI Forms (and What Each One Does)
Introduction
Every SSDI application tells a story — and most of that story is told through forms. Some you fill out yourself, others are completed by Social Security or medical professionals behind the scenes.
Knowing what each form is for can help you stay organized and understand what’s happening with your claim at every step.
1. Forms You Complete to Apply for SSDI
SSA-16 – Application for Disability Insurance Benefits
The main SSDI application form. It collects personal, work, and medical details to start your claim. Read our introductory guide to Form SSA-16 and our guide on how to start a disability claim to learn more.
SSA-3368 – Adult Disability Report
Describes your medical conditions, treatments, medications, and how your health affects your ability to work. It’s one of the most important forms in your file.
SSA-827 – Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA
Gives SSA permission to request your medical records directly from doctors and hospitals. You typically sign this early in the process.
SSA-3369 – Work History Report
Outlines all jobs you’ve held in the past 15 years, including physical and mental demands. SSA uses this to determine what kind of work you may still be able to do.
SSA-3373 – Function Report (Adult)
Asks how your condition affects daily life — personal care, chores, mobility, and concentration. Be specific and honest; details matter.
SSA-3380 – Function Report (Third Party)
Completed by someone who knows you well — such as a spouse, friend, or caregiver — describing how your disability impacts your daily life.
SSA-821 – Work Activity Report
Used if you’ve worked or earned income since becoming disabled. SSA uses it to see whether your work counts as “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA).
2. Forms for Appeals and Updates
SSA-3441 – Disability Report (Appeal)
Used when appealing a denial or requesting reconsideration. It updates your medical and work information since your last decision.
SSA-3440 – Request for Reconsideration Disability Cessation
Used if your current benefits are being stopped and you want SSA to review that decision.
SSA-454-BK – Continuing Disability Review Report
Used when SSA reviews your case to see if your condition has improved. This form updates your medical treatment, work, and functional abilities.
3. Forms Completed by SSA or DDS (But Important to Know About)
Even though claimants don’t fill these out, they play a major role in whether your application is approved.
SSA-4734-BK – Physical Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment
Completed by DDS medical consultants to assess physical abilities — like lifting, sitting, standing, and handling objects. It determines what physical work you may still be able to do.
SSA-4734-F4-SUP – Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment
Completed by psychologists or psychiatrists working for DDS. It evaluates your ability to focus, remember, interact socially, and manage work-related stress.
SSA-4734-U8 – Case Worksheet / RFC Summary
An internal worksheet summarizing medical findings and RFC conclusions. It’s part of SSA’s file but not filled out by the applicant.
SSA-416 – Medical Evaluation / Case Analysis
Used by DDS doctors to record their analysis or clarify findings when medical evidence is complex or incomplete.
SSA-5002 – Report of Contact
An SSA form used internally to document conversations or updates related to your case. You might see this in your record if you request your SSA file.
4. Forms for Child or Dependent Disability Claims
SSA-3820 – Child Disability Report
Used for children applying for disability benefits (often under SSI but may appear in SSDI dependent cases).
SSA-3375 through SSA-3379 – Function Reports for Children
Age-specific versions of the adult Function Report, used for children from birth through age 18.
SSA-827 (Child Version)
Authorizes release of medical or school records for a child claimant.
5. Other Forms You Might Encounter
SSA-795 – Statement of Claimant or Other Person
A general-purpose form for providing written statements or explanations, often used to clarify dates, income, or other information.
SSA-561-U2 – Request for Reconsideration
A short form to officially start an appeal after a denial at the initial level.
SSA-1696 – Appointment of Representative
Used if you appoint an attorney or representative to help with your SSDI claim.
SSA-3288 – Consent for Release of Information
Used when you need SSA to share information from your record with someone else (for example, a family member or advocate).
6. Summary: Understanding the Paper Trail
You don’t need to memorize every SSDI form — but knowing what they are helps you understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
Here’s a quick snapshot of who uses which forms:
Common SSDI forms used for disability claims
Understanding which forms are in play can help you stay organized, keep track of what you’ve submitted, and know what to expect next from SSA.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need to complete RFC forms myself?
No. The official RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) forms — such as SSA-4734-BK for physical abilities and SSA-4734-F4-SUP for mental abilities — are completed by Social Security’s medical professionals, not by claimants.
However, your own Function Report (SSA-3373) and the Third-Party Function Report (SSA-3380) are reviewed as part of that evaluation. These forms help SSA understand how your condition affects daily life, which may influence the findings recorded in your RFC assessment.
(Source: SSA POMS DI 24510.001; DI 24505.001)
Q2: Where can I find official SSDI forms?
All official SSA forms are available at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/. (Source: SSA.gov)
Q3: How long should I keep copies of my SSDI forms?
Keep copies of all submitted forms and correspondence indefinitely, as they may be useful for appeals, reviews, or future claims. (Source: SSA.gov – Filing and Recordkeeping Guidance)
References
Social Security Administration. (2024). Forms – SSA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/forms/
Social Security Administration. (2024). Program Operations Manual System (POMS): Disability Determination Services Forms and RFC Evaluations. Retrieved from https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/
Disclaimer
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.
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