Social Security disability forms often include legal jargon and technical information that is difficult to digest. Instead of filling out these forms on your own, speak with an experienced disability attorney who can help. At Hermann Law Group, PLLC, we have extensive experience helping clients complete disability paperwork and gather evidence. To learn more about how to answer questions on disability forms, contact us today.
What Is Adult Disability Report Form SSA 3373-BK?
One of the primary forms you will complete when applying for disability benefits is the Adult Disability Report Form. Form SSA 3373-BK is a 10-page form with five sections. It also gives detailed information about how to complete the form.
Do not leave any answers blank. If you have no answer for a question, you should answer “none” or a similar response.
This form is designed to use plain language so you can understand it yourself. You should not need special medical knowledge or professional skills to complete it. However, it does not hurt to have an attorney’s help to ensure that you don’t miss any important information.
Section A – General Information
Section A of the Adult Disability Report requests basic information such as your name and contact information. You must also provide your social security number, phone number, and where you live. There are multiple options for each answer, including an “other” section.
Section B – Information About Your Illnesses, Injuries, Or Conditions
Section B asks about the illnesses, injuries, or conditions that limit your ability to work. You should be very informative in this section and build a case about why you are eligible for SSD benefits. Your goal is to prove that you are completely unable to work and disabled. You should also include information if you’re able to perform some part time work, but explain that those are “good days” that cannot be sustained, if that is true. Detail your disability with as much explanation as possible.
Section C – Information About Daily Activities
This section further breaks down your abilities and limitations. It asks about your functioning daily basis, including the way you live your everyday life. The questions may ask whether you care for children, pets, and yourself. The details you give in this section are important in the SSA’s determination of your ability to work.
Be sure to explain how your conditions affect your ability to do these daily activities. Although you may be able to sit for an extended period of time to watch TV, make sure you explain how often you get up, shift, or otherwise move. If your answers indicate that you can easily sit or stand for several hours at a time, your claim may be denied.
Section C will also ask about self care. If you have difficulty doing anything for yourself without assistance, you should note that. This may include cleaning, feeding, shaving, and more. Self care is important when considering whether you are able to work at a normal job.
Section D – Information About Abilities
Section D will have you assess how your illnesses, injuries, or conditions affect your ability to lift, stand, talk, and more. This information will be used by the SSA to determine if you can complete duties at a typical job. It will also allow you to write a narrative about how your conditions affect these abilities. You should use as much description as possible.
Section D will also ask you to list your medications and any side effects. The SSA knows that side effects can cause additional complications when trying to find work. If you take a medication that makes you unable to remember things for extended periods of time, then you should note that. Your side effects may further limit your work abilities.
Section E – Remarks
This section gives you space to detail anything you don’t feel was thoroughly discussed throughout the rest of the ADR. Many people wonder how to answer questions on disability forms, including Section E. In this section, you should be very detailed and cover anything that didn’t fit in other sections
Provide Clear and Accurate Information
On the ADR, you should provide information to the SSA that will help them determine your disability. They ask many questions, some of which are personal, in order to make an assessment about your abilities. You should be honest and descriptive, but still emphasize your conditions and disability.
Contact a New York Disability Attorney to Learn More About How to Answer Questions on Disability Forms
Social Security disability forms often require extensive information, and it’s best to fill them out with the guidance of a disability lawyer. Contact Hermann Law Group, PLLC today to learn more about how we can help.
