How you describe your disability matters. The right approach can help SSA understand your limitations and improve your chances of approval. Here's how to communicate effectively.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Key principles
- What to describe
- Common mistakes
- Tips for function reports
1. Key Principles
Be specific:
- Not "I have back pain"
- "I can only sit for 15 minutes before needing to stand"
- Numbers and specifics matter
- SSA needs details
Describe your worst days:
- Everyone has some better days
- Describe your typical day
- And your worst days
- Worst days prevent work
Focus on function:
- Not just diagnosis
- How it affects daily life
- What you can't do
- Why you can't work
Be consistent:
- Same story to all providers
- Consistent across documents
- Don't contradict yourself
- Truth is easier to be consistent about
2. What to Describe
Physical limitations:
- How far you can walk
- How long you can sit/stand
- How much you can lift
- Need to change positions
Mental limitations:
- Concentration ability
- Memory problems
- Handling stress
- Getting along with others
Daily activities:
- What you can and can't do
- How long things take
- What help you need
- What you've given up
Work impact:
- Why past jobs impossible
- Why any work is impossible
- What happens when you try
- Specific barriers
Treatment effects:
- Side effects of medications
- How treatment affects function
- Why treatment doesn't fully help
- Ongoing issues despite treatment
Important: Always explain HOW your conditions affect your ABILITY TO WORK. That's what SSA needs to determine.
3. Common Mistakes
Being too vague:
- Wrong: "I can't do much"
- Right: "I can walk one block before needing to rest for 5 minutes"
Minimizing:
- Wrong: "I manage okay most days"
- Right: "I struggle significantly most days and have very difficult days frequently"
Only talking about pain:
- Pain is important but not enough
- Also describe functional limitations
- What you can't DO because of pain
- Specific activities affected
Inconsistent reports:
- Telling doctor one thing, SSA another
- Appearing active on social media
- Activities inconsistent with claimed limits
- Be truthful and consistent everywhere
Focusing on diagnosis:
- Diagnosis alone doesn't qualify
- Function matters more
- Two people with same diagnosis differ
- Explain YOUR limitations
Forgetting mental health:
- Physical conditions often cause depression
- Chronic pain affects mental health
- Report both physical and mental
- Combined impact matters
4. Tips for Function Reports
The function report asks about:
- Daily activities
- Personal care
- Meals
- Household tasks
- Social activities
- Abilities and limitations
How to answer:
Personal care:
- Do you need reminders?
- Does it take longer than normal?
- Do you need help?
- What can't you do?
Household activities:
- What chores can you do?
- How long does it take?
- How often can you do them?
- What help do you need?
Going out:
- How often do you leave home?
- Can you go alone?
- Can you drive?
- Use public transportation?
Social activities:
- How often do you socialize?
- Problems getting along with others?
- Anxiety in social situations?
- Isolation?
Concentration:
- Can you follow instructions?
- Complete tasks?
- How long can you focus?
- Memory problems?
Handling changes:
- How do you handle stress?
- Cope with changes in routine?
- Make decisions?
- Handle problems?
Specific Language Tips
Use concrete terms:
- "I can only lift 5 pounds"
- "I need to lie down twice daily"
- "I can concentrate for 10 minutes"
- "I need reminders for medications"
Explain variability:
- "On my best days I can do X"
- "On most days I can only do Y"
- "On my worst days I can't do Z"
- "I have [frequency] bad days"
Include time frames:
- "Within 10 minutes of standing, I need to sit"
- "After walking one block, I'm exhausted"
- "I can only be on my feet for 20 minutes total"
How Purple Helps
Purple supports your disability claim:
- Track medical expenses
- Organize finances for applications
- Simple record keeping
- Ready when you're approved
- Early access to benefits