Daily Limitations Checklist for Disability Benefits Preparation
Describing how your condition affects daily activities and work-related functions may be useful to organize before applying, appealing, or speaking with a professional.
Important: This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration. This checklist is for informational preparation only and is not legal advice. It does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or benefits.
Why Daily Limitations May Be Useful to Describe
SSA may review how a condition affects your ability to perform work-related activities. This includes physical activities like sitting, standing, and lifting, as well as mental activities like focusing and following instructions. Writing down specific examples of your limitations in advance may be helpful when preparing to apply, appeal, or speak with a professional.
Sitting, Standing, and Walking
- How long you can sit before needing to change position or stop
- How long you can stand before needing to sit or rest
- How far you can walk before needing to stop
- Whether you need to lie down during the day
- Whether you use a cane, walker, or other assistive device
Lifting, Carrying, Reaching, and Using Hands
- How much you can lift or carry (in pounds, if possible)
- Whether you can lift or carry that weight frequently or only occasionally
- Difficulty reaching overhead or in front of you
- Difficulty with gripping, pinching, or fine motor tasks
- Whether one side is more affected than the other
Focus, Memory, and Task Completion
- Difficulty concentrating or staying on task
- Difficulty remembering instructions or appointments
- Difficulty completing tasks that were previously routine
- Difficulty reading, writing, or doing math
- Difficulty making decisions or handling stress
Attendance, Bad Days, and Rest Breaks
- How often you have days when symptoms are worse than usual
- How many days per month you might miss work due to your condition
- Whether you need rest breaks more frequently than standard
- Whether you need to rest after activities that others do without stopping
- Whether your symptoms are unpredictable from day to day
Self-Care and Household Activities
- Difficulty with bathing, dressing, or grooming
- Difficulty with cooking, cleaning, or laundry
- Difficulty with shopping or running errands
- Whether you need help from others for daily tasks
- Whether you can drive or use public transportation
Medication Side Effects
Side effects from medications may also affect daily activities. Consider noting:
- Drowsiness or fatigue caused by medications
- Dizziness, nausea, or stomach problems
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Any other side effects that affect your ability to function
Tips for Writing Specific Examples
Specific examples are often more useful than general statements. Consider writing down:
- A specific activity you can no longer do that you could do before
- A recent situation where your symptoms prevented you from completing a task
- A typical day — what you can and cannot do from morning to evening
- How your limitations compare to what a full-time job would require
- Any feedback from doctors about activity restrictions
Last reviewed: May 2025
Use the Free Readiness Screening
The free readiness screening may help you think through what daily limitation and other information you have and what may be useful to gather.
Start Free Readiness Screening