Michigan Social Security Disability: The Importance of Your ADL Form

1. July 3, 2017 Michigan Social Security Disability: The Importance of Your ADL Form When applying for Social Security benefits for a disability in Michigan, you will be asked to fill out an ADL or ‘activities of daily living’ form. Basically, ADL consists of activities that you perform on a regular daily basis. These include everything you would normally do in a single day, such as bathing, brushing, grooming, and even shopping and recreation. Your ability to perform your ADL is of particular interest to the Social Security Agency (SSA), because they use this as a way to determine whether to accept or reject your Social Security Disability benefits application. Page | 1

2. In your ADL form, you’ll need to describe how your disability is starting to affect the way you perform daily tasks. Here’s how to write down information on your ADL to increase your chances of getting approved. Be honest Be honest and accurate with the information you write down on your ADL form. Many people who apply for benefits feel guilty and ashamed about not being able to do more during the day, so they tend to exaggerate on the activities that they can do. Don’t do this. And don’t minimize your activities either. You don’t need to be bedridden to qualify for disability benefits. Be consistent Keep in mind that Social Security will compare your answers in the ADL form to the illnesses and injuries on the medical records you submit. If the answer you write down in your ADL form is different to what was reported in your medical records, you’ll have to explain why. If your claim evaluator thinks that you’re lying, you may have your application rejected. Be updated It’s important to keep your ADL form and medical records up to date. It’s not uncommon for a person’s ADL to change over time. If your condition worsens or improves while your application is still pending, file a new ADL report with the SSA. Be prepared Before submitting your claim, review your application and imagine how the claim evaluator will see your answers. Take note of any inconsistencies and correct them. If you feel there’s something in your application that could potentially hurt your case, consult a Michigan Social Security disability attorney such as those from Goldin Law Firm and have them go over your application for you. Page | 2

3. About the Goldin Law Firm We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation. For over thirty years, we have aggressively represented thousands of Michigan residents and have earned the respect of our clients, our peers, and judges. We are proud of our reputation for legal integrity and excellence and work tirelessly to uphold it. Whatever your legal needs, it makes sense to go with experience. Whether you need assistance with a personal injury claim, criminal matter, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY claim, or any other legal matter, our team includes experienced attorneys who can help you. Contact our office now for a free consultation. We provide legal services throughout many areas in Michigan, including SOUTHFIELD, DETROIT, LIVONIA, STERLING HEIGHTS, and WARREN. Source: The Importance of the ADL Form to Your Disability Case, DisabilitySecrets.com Page | 3