Who Can Fill Out an RFC Form?

If you are applying for Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) because a disability prevents you from working and earning income, you will need to submit several forms and documents with your application. A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form is one of the most important.

You cannot complete this form on your own. A doctor must complete it for you. The following overview will cover what an RFC form is, what types of questions it asks, and why it is necessary for a medical professional to complete it on your behalf.

The purpose of benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is to offer financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition. Therefore, to assess whether a person qualifies for benefits, SSA must determine whether the person’s condition significantly limits their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The goal of the SSA is to confirm that an applicant really needs financial assistance.

The RFC form provides information on this topic to someone reviewing an application for benefits. Its general purpose is to demonstrate how a person’s physical and/or mental limitations prevent them from working.

The questions on an RFC form address medical and health issues. As such, an RFC form must be completed by a physician to ensure that it is accurate and complete.

It is generally ideal for the physician completing an RFC to be reasonably familiar with the applicant’s condition. However, for various reasons, an applicant’s primary treating physician may not be available to complete their RFC form. The SSA can arrange for an approved physician to examine an applicant and complete an RFC form for them in these circumstances.

The questions that an RFC form asks are used to gather information about the applicant’s physical and mental abilities. They address issues such as:

• The degree to which an individual’s condition affects their ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• If a person’s condition makes it difficult for them to maintain a constant posture for an extended period of time
• How an applicant’s disability may prevent them from performing tasks that involve fine motor skills
• If an applicant’s disability makes it unreasonably difficult for him or her to work in certain types of environments, such as environments involving extreme temperatures.
• If an applicant’s condition includes mental capacity limitations

Keep in mind that an RFC form is one of several documents you will likely need to submit when you apply for Social Security benefits. Because the process of gathering all the necessary documentation can be complex and time consuming, you may want to seriously consider hiring the help of an attorney.

A lawyer can make sure your application is complete. This can improve your chances of receiving an approval from the SSA. To learn more about what a lawyer can do for you, complete the Free Case Evaluation to connect with an independent lawyer who subscribes to the website and who can help you with your case.