What Is a Field Adjuster
A field adjuster is an SSA employee or contractor who conducts in-person examinations and interviews as part of the Social Security disability claims process. Unlike desk adjudicators who review files remotely, field adjusters travel to claimants' homes, medical facilities, or SSA offices to gather firsthand evidence about your work capacity and daily functioning.
Role in SSDI and SSI Claims
Field adjusters typically become involved after your initial claim is submitted and SSA has obtained medical records. Their primary function is to conduct what's called a "Continuing Disability Review" (CDR) or to verify information on your application when documentation is incomplete or conflicting. During a field visit, they may:
- Observe your functional abilities in your home environment
- Interview you about your daily activities, pain levels, and work history
- Photograph your living space to document accommodations or accessibility needs
- Speak with family members or caregivers about your limitations
- Coordinate additional medical consultative exams (CEs) if needed
Field adjusters don't make the final approval or denial decision. That authority rests with the disability examiner and, if appealed, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). However, their detailed observations significantly impact case outcomes. SSA denial rates for initial SSDI claims average 65 percent, but strong field investigation reports can support your case during reconsideration or ALJ hearings.
What to Expect During a Field Visit
SSA will notify you by mail before sending a field adjuster to your home. You are not required to allow access, but refusal can result in claim denial or termination of benefits. The visit typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The adjuster will ask detailed questions about your household responsibilities, hobbies, social activities, and how your condition limits your ability to work. Be honest about what you can and cannot do. Inconsistencies between what you tell the field adjuster and what you've reported elsewhere can undermine your credibility in ALJ proceedings.
Common Questions
- Can I refuse a field adjuster visit? You have the legal right to refuse, but SSA may deny or terminate your claim based on failure to cooperate. A better approach is to allow the visit and ensure your home and statements accurately reflect your functional limitations.
- Will a field adjuster's report affect my back pay? Not directly. Back pay is calculated from your approved onset date to the date SSA approves your claim. However, a thorough field report that supports your disability claim can prevent denials that would eliminate back pay entirely. SSA typically owes you back pay for up to one year before your application date if approved.
- What if the field adjuster's observations contradict my medical evidence? You can address discrepancies during reconsideration or at an ALJ hearing. Request a copy of the field report and bring your medical expert or attorney to explain how the observations were misinterpreted or why medical documentation takes precedence over observational findings.