Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are one of the things that the DDS examiner will look at when determining the degree of your disability and whether you qualify for benefits.

ADLs are the things that you do each day to care for yourself; such as brushing your teeth, showering, shaving, cleaning your house, doing dishes, shopping, cooking, and transportation (whether you use public transportation or drive yourself).

One of the things that the examiner may look at is how your disability affects your ADLs by making them difficult or impossible to do. When you fill out the Activities of Daily Living questionnaire as part of your disability claim application, it is important that you are specific with your daily routine, even with small details such as how long you are able to sit in one place, or whether you are able to prepare your own meals. Always answer the questions as if you were completing the activity on a bad day to give the examiner a clearer picture of how your disability affects your life on a regular basis.