Why Does Social Security Care About My Daily Activities?

Why Does Social Security Care About My Daily Activities?

Many people applying for Social Security Disability benefits become frustrated when they are asked questions about their daily activities. They wonder “What does making my bed have to do with my disability claim?”  “Why does Social Security care whether I cook dinner?” “Why are they asking if I drive, shop, or attend church?”

These are fair questions, after all, you are applying for disability benefits because you believe you cannot work. Why would Social Security care whether you can fold laundry or prepare a sandwich?  The answer lies in how Social Security evaluates disability claims.

Social Security Is Trying to Understand How Your Condition Affects Your Life

A diagnosis alone does not determine whether someone is disabled.  Two people can have the same medical condition and experience very different symptoms and limitations.  Because of this, Social Security wants to understand how your medical condition affects your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.  Questions about daily activities help the Administration better understand the practical effects of your impairments.

What Are “Activities of Daily Living”?

The activities Social Security asks about are often referred to as Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs.  These may include:

• Personal grooming and hygiene;
• Cooking;
• Cleaning;
• Shopping;
• Driving;
• Managing finances;
• Caring for pets;
• Household chores;
• Hobbies; and
• Social activities.

Most claimants encounter questions about these activities when completing disability forms or speaking with Social Security representatives.

Does Being Able to Do Household Chores Mean I Am Not Disabled?

No.  This is one of the biggest misconceptions in disability law. The ability to perform a household activity occasionally is not the same as being able to maintain competitive employment.  For example, a person may be capable of:

• Loading a dishwasher;
• Preparing a simple meal; or
• Driving to a doctor’s appointment.

That does not necessarily mean they can perform work activities eight hours a day, five days a week, on a sustained basis.  The issue is not whether you can do something now and then-the issue is whether your medical condition allows you to do it consistently on a sustained basis.

Why Consistency Matters

Many disabling conditions fluctuate.  Individuals suffering from mental health issues or physical problems often experience both good days and bad days.  A claimant may be able to perform a task one day and be unable to perform the same task the next.  This is one reason Social Security looks at daily activities as part of a larger picture rather than in isolation.

Many claimants worry that continuing to live as independently as possible will hurt their disability claim; fortunately, Social Security does not expect disabled individuals to stop living their lives.  The fact that you attend church, visit family, prepare simple meals or engage in hobbies does not automatically mean you can maintain employment because the Administration understands that many disabled individuals continue to perform some activities despite significant limitations.

Why Is It Important to Be Honest?

When describing your daily activities, honesty is critical.  Some claimants make the mistake of minimizing everything they do, Others unintentionally exaggerate their abilities.  Neither approach is helpful.  The best approach is to accurately describe:

• What activities you perform;
• How often you perform them;
• How long they take;
• Whether you need assistance; and
• What symptoms you experience while performing them.

Providing a complete picture helps Social Security better understand your limitations.

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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