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SSA Disability Report

Social Security Disability Application Report

Hard ~45 min DisabilitySocial SecurityBenefitsSSA

/ What is this form?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two federal programs providing income to people unable to work due to a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Form SSA-3368, Disability Report — Adult, is the comprehensive functional questionnaire that documents all medical conditions, treatment history, and the practical impact of the disability on the claimant's ability to work.

The SSA uses a 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability: (1) Whether the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity ($1,620/month in 2025), (2) Whether the impairment is severe, (3) Whether the impairment meets or medically equals a listed impairment in the Blue Book, (4) Whether the claimant can perform past relevant work, and (5) Whether the claimant can perform any other work in the national economy given age, education, and work experience.

Approximately 1.9 million disability applications are filed annually. The initial denial rate is approximately 65%, making the appeal process critically important. The SSA-3368 is the foundation of the case — a thorough, detailed, and honest report significantly improves outcomes at all levels of the process.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Adults under full retirement age who cannot work due to a physical or mental health condition lasting 12+ months
  • Workers who paid Social Security taxes and become disabled before retirement age (SSDI)
  • Low-income individuals with limited resources who become disabled (SSI — no work history required)
  • People whose disability began during childhood applying as adults
  • Those reapplying after a previous denial with new or worsened medical evidence

/ What you need before you start

Names and addresses of all treating physicians, therapists, and hospitals
Dates of all medical appointments, hospitalizations, and surgeries
All current medications with dosages and prescribing physicians
Work history for the past 15 years — job titles, physical demands, and dates
Social Security number and Medicare/Medicaid card numbers if applicable
Education history and any vocational training
Documentation of any workers' compensation, veterans' disability, or other disability benefits you receive

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Describe All Medical Conditions
List every physical and mental health condition that limits your ability to work — not just your primary diagnosis. Include all conditions even if they seem unrelated, as SSA evaluates the combined effect of all impairments. For each condition, provide the date it began, how it has changed over time, and how it limits specific activities.
2 List All Treating Doctors, Hospitals, and Clinics
Provide complete contact information for every healthcare provider who has treated you for any of your conditions in the past 2 years: name, address, phone, dates of treatment, and what was treated. SSA contacts these providers to request medical records — incomplete information causes significant delays.
3 Document Medications and Tests
List all prescription and non-prescription medications you take for your conditions: medication name, dosage, frequency, and the condition it treats. List all medical tests conducted in the past 2 years: type of test, date, where it was done, and results if known. This information helps SSA understand the severity of your conditions.
4 Describe Work History and Limitations
List all jobs you held in the past 15 years: employer, job title, dates, hours per week, and the physical/mental demands (lifting, standing, sitting, concentration required). Describe specifically how your conditions prevent you from doing these jobs or any work — daily activities, functional limitations (how far can you walk, how long can you sit, can you concentrate for tasks).
5 Submit and Track Your Application
Submit SSA-3368 online at ssa.gov, by calling SSA (1-800-772-1213), or at your local SSA office. Keep a copy. The initial decision takes 3-6 months. The denial rate at initial application is approximately 65%. If denied, file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days. Most successful disability claims go through at least one appeal.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Medical Conditions / Illnesses List every condition affecting your ability to work. Include: physical conditions (back injury, heart disease, diabetes), mental health (depression, PTSD, anxiety), and substance-related disorders if in recovery and still affecting function. Listing only the primary diagnosis and omitting secondary conditions — SSA evaluates the combined effect of all impairments. A person with chronic back pain + depression + diabetes may qualify based on the combination even if no single condition meets the listing criteria.
How Conditions Limit Activities Describe specifically: how far you can walk before stopping, how long you can sit/stand continuously, what weight you can lift, whether you can concentrate on tasks for 2-hour blocks, whether you can maintain regular attendance. Using subjective terms like 'a little' or 'sometimes' — be specific and quantitative: 'I can walk approximately 50 feet before severe pain requires me to stop and rest for 15 minutes.'
Recent Work History List all jobs in the past 15 years — the SSA uses this to evaluate whether you can return to past relevant work (Step 4 of evaluation). For each job: title, industry, dates, hours per week, highest pay, physical demands. Omitting part-time or short-term jobs — SSA evaluates all past relevant work, not just full-time employment.
Doctors and Hospitals Complete contact information for every provider: name, practice name, full address, phone number, patient/chart number, and dates and reasons for treatment. Providing incomplete addresses or phone numbers — SSA cannot request records from providers it cannot contact. Missing information causes months of delays.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Minimizing symptoms to seem strong or avoid appearing exaggerated — SSA evaluates functional limitations, and underreporting leads to denials. Describe your worst days honestly.
Not filing an appeal within 60 days of a denial — the 60-day deadline to request reconsideration is strictly enforced. Missing it usually means starting over from scratch.
Failing to include mental health conditions — many people focus only on physical conditions. Mental health impairments are fully evaluated and can independently or jointly qualify for benefits.
Not consulting an attorney before giving up after a denial — the hearing level (ALJ hearing) approval rate is historically higher than initial or reconsideration levels, and an attorney substantially improves outcomes.
Continuing to work above SGA ($1,620/month) during the application period — working above SGA is an automatic disqualifier at Step 1 of the evaluation.

/ Frequently asked questions

How much is SSDI and when does it start?

SSDI is based on your Social Security earnings record — the average benefit is approximately $1,537/month (2025). There is a 5-month waiting period before benefits begin from the established onset date of disability. Benefits start on the 6th month.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is need-based — no work history required, but there are strict income and asset limits ($2,000 for individuals). You can receive both simultaneously if you qualify.

Will my medical records automatically be sent to SSA?

No. SSA sends requests to the providers you list on the SSA-3368, but there can be delays if information is incomplete. Proactively gather and submit your own medical records to avoid waiting for SSA's records request process.

Can I work at all while applying for disability?

You can work, but your monthly earnings must be below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) — $1,620/month in 2025, $2,700 for blind individuals. Working above SGA is an automatic disqualifier. Part-time work below SGA may actually help demonstrate you are trying to work despite limitations.