When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the completion of the Work History Report (Form SSA-3369) is a pivotal step. This document plays a crucial role in how the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses your ability to work despite your disability. Understanding how to answer the social security disability work history report accurately can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Understanding the SSA-3369 Form
The SSA-3369 Form is designed to obtain a comprehensive view of your work history over the past five years. The SSA uses this information to determine if your current health condition affects your ability to perform work you’ve done before. Detailing your previous job roles, responsibilities, and the physical and mental demands of those positions is essential to establishing your eligibility for disability benefits.
Preparing to Fill Out the SSA-3369
Before you start filling out the Work History Report, gather all relevant documentation related to your employment history. This includes:
- Job titles and the nature of each business
- Employment dates
- Detailed descriptions of job duties
- Information about the physical and mental requirements of each role
Compiling this information beforehand will help streamline the process and ensure that you do not leave out any important details.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Work History Report
Step 1: Gather Relevant Personal Information
Begin by providing your basic personal details, such as your name, Social Security number, and contact information. This section is straightforward but important for identifying your record.
Step 2: Provide a Detailed Employment History
For each job held in the last five years, describe the position clearly and concisely. Include your job title, the duration of employment, and the employer’s information. It is crucial to detail the physical and mental demands of each job, such as lifting requirements, levels of concentration needed, or if the job required prolonged standing or sitting.
Step 3: Job Skills and Duties
The form will have you include information about your most recent jobs. You will want to demonstrate that these jobs are too demanding for your current abilities. However, avoid exaggerating skills you used or things you did in your past occupations. The form will ask you about things such as:
- what kinds of tools and equipment you used for your jobs
- what skills and knowledge were needed
- what physical demands were required
- in what ways you worked with others
- what you did all day on the job
- the heaviest weight you lifted
- the weight you most frequently lifted
- whether or not you supervised others in this job
Step 4: Remarks
The final section allows for remarks to add any additional information or answers that were too long to fit in the space provided. For those who are filling out the report on someone else’s behalf, this is where their name, address, and date will go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When filling out the SSA-3369, common mistakes include:
- Omitting job roles or not fully detailing the scope of responsibilities.
- Failing to mention the physical and mental demands of each position.
- Inconsistency in information that doesn’t align with other forms or medical records submitted to SSA.
Avoid these errors by reviewing your form multiple times and ensuring that the information matches across all documents submitted to the SSA.
Submitting Your Work History Report
After completing the form, review your answers to ensure all information is accurate and complete. You can submit the form to the SSA in person at a local SSA office, by mail, fax, or, in some cases, online. If you realize you need to make changes after submission, contact the SSA immediately to find out how you can amend your submitted report.
Contact the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for Help with Your Work History Report
Completing the SSA-3369 Work History Report accurately is essential for a successful disability claim. Take the time to provide detailed and precise information about your employment history and the demands of your past jobs. Remember, the clarity and accuracy of your report can greatly influence the SSA’s decision regarding your disability benefits. If you need help or have questions about how to answer social security disability work history report, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for guidance and support. We are here to assist you through each step of your disability claim process.