I am applying for disability payments. What is Residual Functional Capacity?

Residual functional capacity forms help the social security administration to determine if you are disabled enough to qualify for benefits. Generally, when you apply to get social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to show the social security administration that you really cannot work and that your life is significantly impacted because of whatever disability or condition you have. This is especially important if you are applying based on a disability that isn't specifically listed in the SSA blue book listing of impairments. 

A residential functional capacity form helps the SSA to make the determination about just how impaired you are. The form:

• Assesses what you can do, based on your disability. 
• In other words, it asks a doctor to determine what you are capable of, after taking your condition or disability into account
• It may ask things like how much you are able to lift, if you have the use of your hands, legs, and arms, etc. 

Usually, the form is filled out by the doctor who is treating you. That doctor is just asserting on the form what he believes you are capable of in light of the condition that you have. The SSA will then look at this and determine if you are impaired enough to qualify for benefits. Unfortunately, sometimes these forms are used to give the SSA reason to deny your claim, but the forms can also be useful in convincing the SSA or an administrative law judge about the extent of your condition.

If a residual funcional capacity form is required in your case, this may be a sign that it is time to call a lawyer. Your attorney can help you through the claims process and can assist you if the SSA does use the information on the form to deny your claim.