How to Fill Out Your Adult Function Report for Depression

Applying for Social Security disability benefits for depression can feel overwhelming. Depression itself often makes everyday responsibilities difficult, and the application process requires completing a considerable amount of paperwork.

Understanding the purpose of these forms and knowing what the Social Security Administration (SSA) expects can make the process less stressful and improve your chances of receiving benefits.

One of the most important forms you’ll complete during your application is:

The Adult Function Report (Form SSA-3373).

After you file for benefits—either online or at your local Social Security office—the SSA will send you Form SSA-3373 to gather information about your disability. The purpose of the form is to understand how your condition affects your ability to function in daily life and maintain employment.

The two primary disability programs that require an Adult Function Report are:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Adult Function Reports: The Basics

The Adult Function Report asks you to provide detailed information about how your depression affects your daily life. Because this form plays an important role in the SSA’s evaluation of your claim, it’s important to complete it carefully and thoroughly.

With depression—or any disabling condition—there may be tasks you can perform only under certain circumstances or by using coping strategies. In some cases, completing an activity may leave you mentally or physically exhausted afterward.

The SSA takes these limitations into account. You don’t need to describe your abilities in absolute terms, such as something you can always do or something you can never do. The more accurately you explain how depression impacts your daily functioning, the more helpful your report will be.

After completing the form, return it to your local Social Security field office.

If You’re Having Trouble Filling Out the Form…

In some situations, the SSA allows a caregiver, family member, or another trusted individual to help you complete the paperwork. However, it’s important that all information provided is truthful and accurately reflects your disability and daily activities.

Local disability advocates or social service organizations may also be available to assist with completing your forms.

If you have questions about Form SSA-3373 or the disability application process, you can contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or reach out to your local Social Security office.

You may also want to discuss the Adult Function Report with your disability attorney, who understands what the SSA is looking for when reviewing these forms.

Schedule a free consultation with Morgan & Morgan Attorneys at Law P.C. to discuss your Social Security disability claim.

Filing for SSDI or SSI with Depression

One of the biggest challenges for applicants with depression is that mental health conditions are often more difficult to document than physical impairments. It’s not that depression is any less disabling, but rather that explaining and medically proving its impact can be more challenging.

For example, someone with a back injury can often point to obvious physical limitations, such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, limited range of motion, or an inability to lift heavy objects.

Medical records might include physical therapy notes, CT scans, MRIs, or evaluations from treating physicians and specialists.

Although depression doesn’t always produce visible physical evidence, it can still qualify as a disabling condition.

Fortunately, the SSA considers more than physical limitations. It also evaluates how your condition affects your ability to concentrate, stay focused, interact with others, and function in a work environment—as long as those limitations are clearly explained in your application.

According to the SSA’s listing for depressive disorders, some of the symptoms they evaluate include:

• Depressed mood
• Markedly diminished interest in most activities
• Appetite changes accompanied by weight gain or loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Observable psychomotor agitation or slowing
• Low energy levels
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depending on your circumstances, the SSA may also consider additional evidence demonstrating how your condition limits your ability to work.

The Adult Function Report asks detailed questions about your everyday life, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, household chores, social interactions, hobbies, and other routine activities. These questions give you the opportunity to explain how depression affects your ability to function, even while receiving treatment or taking medication.

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when completing your Adult Function Report for depression:

• Think about how depression has changed your daily life and the ways you cope with routine activities.
• Consider tasks you are physically capable of doing but often cannot complete because of low motivation.
• Include activities you can only perform inconsistently due to your depression.
• Explain any coping strategies you rely on to accomplish everyday tasks.
• Discuss any medication side effects you’ve experienced or explain if your symptoms continue despite treatment, including antidepressant medications.

The most important thing is to approach documenting your depression the same way you would any other disabling condition. Be honest, detailed, and thorough when explaining how your symptoms affect your ability to work.

A Social Security Attorney Can Help

Most people seeking Social Security disability benefits do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, disability attorneys are typically paid only if the claim is successful, receiving a percentage of the claimant’s past-due benefits. If the claim is denied, there is generally no attorney fee.

Speaking with an attorney early in the process can provide valuable guidance throughout your claim. An experienced attorney can help you complete your Adult Function Report accurately and present the information the SSA needs to fairly evaluate your case.

If your claim is denied, your attorney can represent you throughout the appeals process, including hearings before an administrative law judge and other stages of your claim.

Living with depression is challenging enough without navigating the Social Security disability system alone. Having experienced legal guidance can improve your chances of obtaining the benefits you deserve.

If your Social Security disability claim has been denied—or if you’re preparing to file and aren’t sure where to begin—the team at Morgan & Morgan Attorneys at Law P.C. can help. Visit morganlawyers.com to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.