When a potential client contacts my office for legal representation for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, I normally schedule an initial consultation appointment to meet with the potential client for the first time. In order to determine if I can assist the individual with a Social Security disability claim, I need a detailed history to determine if the individual qualifies for benefits. I normally ask potential clients to have the following information available during the initial consultation appointment:
- If a potential client has been denied benefits, the date on the denial notice and a copy of the Social Security denial notice (if an appeal has already been filed, I also ask for a copy of the receipt that was provided by the Social Security Administration);
- Copies of all documents that have been received from the Social Security Administration and copies of any medical records that the individual has (an individual does not have to request medical records prior to an appointment, but if they already have medical documentation, reviewing the records helps me determine if the individual’s physicians are supportive);
- Information about any income the individual receives, and/or any income the individual’s spouse or significant other receives (this includes all monthly payments received from any source, for example: public assistance, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, or any other Social Security payments received);
- The date that the individual stopped working full-time as a result of their medical condition, and information about any attempts at work since they last worked full-time;
- The individual’s medical diagnosis, and a description of the symptoms that prevent the individual from working (the limitations that are experienced as a result of the medical conditions are often more important than the actual diagnosis);
- Names and phone numbers for every doctor that the individual has seen since 12 months prior to the time they stopped working;
- Approximate dates that the individual began treatment with each doctor they are treating with, the date of their last visit, and the date of the next scheduled appointment;
- A list of any tests that that an individual has had performed and the approximate date of the test;
- Dates of any inpatient hospital visits or any emergency room visits;
- Dates and descriptions of any surgeries that have been performed;
- A list of all the medications that the individual is currently taking;
- A list of jobs that the individual has performed for the past 15 years; and
- Names of any other attorneys that are representing the individual for any reason (including Workers’ compensation, Personal Injury, Family Court, and Criminal Matters).
The information specified is needed to help determine if I can assist a potential client with their Social Security Disability/SSI claim. By compiling the necessary information prior to an appointment, I am able to make a more informed decision if I can help the individual. The more information that is available when I first meet with a potential client, the more likely it is that I can make a decision about representation during the initial appointment.
This article was written by Steven Butler. Steven is a partner at Linarducci & Butler, PA and his practice is limited to Social Security Disability/SSI claims. Steven offers free initial consultations for Social Security Disability/SSI claims to residents of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To schedule a consultation with Steven, please use the Linarducci & Butler Contact Form or call 302-613-0707 to schedule an appointment.
