Personal Identification and Contact Information

To start the consultation, you’ll need to provide basic personal details. Make sure to bring:

• Valid ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
• Social Security number (SSN) and any Social Security Disability case number if you’ve already started the application process.
• Contact information (address, phone number, email, etc.) for you and any other relevant family members or contacts.

Medical Records and Documentation

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires comprehensive medical evidence to determine whether you qualify for benefits. Bring all relevant documentation, including:

• Medical records: Detailed reports from your primary care physician, specialists, and hospitals. This should include any diagnoses, treatment plans, and test results that support your disability claim.
• Doctor’s statements or opinions: A letter or report from your treating physician explaining how your condition affects your ability to work.
• Prescription records: List of medications you are taking to manage your condition(s).
• Hospital and surgical records: Any relevant records if you’ve had surgeries or hospitalizations related to your disability.

The more detailed and up-to-date your medical evidence is, the better your chances of getting approved.

Employment History and Work Records

Your lawyer will need to understand your work history, as it directly impacts your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Bring:

• Employment records: A list of all employers you’ve worked for in the past 15 years, including job titles, dates of employment, and job descriptions.
• Pay stubs or W-2 forms: If you have them, these documents show your income and help establish whether you meet the work history requirements for SSDI.
• Tax returns: Your tax records for the last couple of years can also help establish your work history and income.

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, the focus will be more on your financial situation, so you should bring documents related to your income and assets.

Information on Your Disability and Limitations

Your attorney will need to understand the specifics of your disability, including how it impacts your ability to work. Be prepared to discuss:

• Your disability’s symptoms: A detailed description of your condition, including how long you’ve been disabled and what symptoms you are experiencing.
• Your limitations: How your condition prevents you from performing regular daily tasks or working. This may include physical limitations (e.g., walking, lifting) or mental limitations (e.g., concentration, memory).
• Treatments and therapies: Information about ongoing treatments, therapy sessions, surgeries, or any other interventions you’ve undergone.

Previous Disability Claims and Decisions

If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability benefits in the past, bring any relevant documents from previous claims, including:

• Previous denial letters: If your claim was denied, provide the letter you received from the SSA, which will explain the reasons for the denial.
• Appeal documents: If you’ve already filed an appeal or requested reconsideration, bring copies of those documents as well.
• Correspondence with SSA: Any letters, notices, or communications you’ve received from the Social Security Administration.

Proof of Income and Financial Information

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases, financial documentation is crucial. Bring:

• Bank statements: Recent bank statements to show your financial situation.
• Income verification: Any recent pay stubs, pension records, or benefits you are receiving.
• Asset details: Information about property, savings accounts, and other assets, which can be relevant for determining eligibility for SSI benefits.

Your List of Questions

A Social Security Disability lawyer will provide you with a lot of information during your consultation. To make the most of your meeting, come prepared with questions. Consider asking about:

• The lawyer’s experience with SSDI or SSI claims.
• The process of applying for benefits, including timelines and any challenges.
• Chances of approval: Based on your condition and circumstances, what is your likelihood of being approved?
• Attorney fees: How do the lawyer’s fees work, especially if your case is unsuccessful or is delayed?