Navigating a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can be overwhelming and frustrating. Whether you’ve already scheduled a consultation with an SSDI lawyer or you’re just thinking about it, it’s vital to gather information that can help them thoroughly evaluate your case. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability attorneys in Staten Island help injured workers throughout the greater NYC area with SSDI claims and denials. Here, we explain which documents to bring to your consultation and why they’re so important for your claim or SSDI appeal.
Government-Issued ID
It might seem obvious, but bringing your state ID, driver’s license, or passport to your SSDI consultation is a must. Not only is it necessary for identification purposes, it’s also helpful to have when completing your Social Security Disability application.
Social Security Card
To access your file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and verify your identity, your SSDI attorney will need your social security number. If you don’t know your SSN or you’ve lost your card, bring any official document that includes your SSN or request a new card from the SSA before your consultation.
Completed SSDI Forms
If you’ve already started your SSDI application or received a Social Security Disability denial, bring copies of your application and any other correspondence from the SSA. This may include:
- Application for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16)
- Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368)
- Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA (Form SSA-827)
These forms include essential information about your medical history, disability, and employment history. Our SSDI lawyers will also review the application to see if it includes all necessary information and adequately documents your disability and work history.
Denial Letters and Any Notices from the SSA
If your SSDI claim was denied, your Social Security Disability lawyer will want to review the denial letter. This letter contains crucial details about why your claim was rejected. Some common reasons include lack of medical evidence or insufficient SSDI work credits. Understanding the SSA’s position can help your SSDI attorney develop an effective appeal strategy.
In addition, make sure to bring your Request for Reconsideration form and all SSA notices, including those that include hearing dates, information about reconsideration, and any other correspondence you’ve sent or received.
Medical Records
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of a successful Social Security Disability claim. Gather as much recent, relevant medical information as you can, including:
- Lab test results
- Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Information about your diagnosis and treatment plans
- Hospital records and discharge summaries
Bringing statements from your health care providers that explain how your medical condition affects your ability to work is also extremely helpful. Clear opinions from treating physicians usually carry significant weight with the SSA. However, if you don’t have everything, don’t worry – your SSDI lawyer can request records and request statements from health care providers. Just bring what you have and your attorney will let you know what else they need.
List of All Healthcare Providers
In addition to bringing whatever medical records you have, sit down and make a list of:
- All the doctors and specialists you’ve seen
- Hospitals, physical therapy centers, and clinics where you’ve been treated
- All other health care providers, including physical therapists, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and other health care providers
Make sure to include phone numbers, addresses, and approximate dates of treatment. This list can make it much easier for your SSDI attorney to obtain your records and helps to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
List of Current Medications
Make a list of all medications you’re currently taking, including the name of each one, the dosage and frequency, and the purpose of the medicine or the condition it’s used to treat. A medication list can help establish the seriousness of your disability and the scope of treatment you’ve received. It can also provide information about medication side effects that may impact your ability to work.
Work History
Because SSDI benefits are based on the number of work credits you’ve accrued throughout your employment history, it’s vital to bring a detailed list of your jobs for at least the last 15 years. This list should include:
- Employer names and addresses
- Dates of employment
- Job titles
- Job description, duties, and physical demands
Your Social Security Disability attorney needs this information to determine your SSDI eligibility. Typically, the SSA also uses this information to determine whether you can perform any type of work. Social Security Statements include your earnings history, so if you have a recent one, bring it. If not, you can find it online through your SSA account.
W-2s and Tax Returns
If you have them, bring W-2 forms and/or tax returns for the past five to ten years. This can help your lawyer assess your SSDI eligibility and potential benefit amount.
Insurance Information
If you have private disability insurance, health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, bring your insurance card or policy information. If you’re receiving New York workers’ compensation benefits or have accepted a settlement due to a workplace injury, include that information as well. Our Social Security Disability can explain how these benefits may affect your SSDI benefits or eligibility.
Personal Statement
If you’ve kept a journal or want to write a statement about how your disability has affected your life, bring it with you. Documenting symptoms, physical limitations, emotional challenges, fatigue, pain, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) can help our Social Security Disability lawyers understand the full scope of your condition whether it meets the SSA’s definition of a disability. We’re here to help you, not judge you, so make sure to be honest with your SSDI lawyer about your condition, medical history, and your ability to work. The more accurate and complete your information, the better.
List of Questions for an SSDI Attorney
The SSDI application and appeals processes are complicated, so it’s no surprise that you probably have a lot of questions for our Social Security Disability attorneys. Writing them down ahead of time can ensure you don’t forget anything during your consultation.
- What are the next steps in my case?
- What are my chances of SSDI approval?
- How long will the SSDI application or appeals process take?
- What’s the best way to communicate with you?
- How often will you update me on my case?
- How does your fee structure work?
- Any other questions specific to your case
Why Choose Our Staten Island SSDI Attorneys?
As native Staten Islanders, we care about the well-being of workers and their families in the greater New York City area. We’re dedicated to helping you get the benefits you need and deserve to protect your health and financial security. Our local SSDI attorneys have longstanding relationships with nearby SSA field offices, Administrative Law Judges, and local medical providers. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we successfully obtain SSDI benefits for you. Partner Rolando Cubela provides top-notch legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers to Learn More
If you’re thinking of filing for benefits or struggling with an existing SSDI application or appeal, you don’t have to face it alone. The Social Security Disability attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, are here for you. To schedule a free consultation with an SSDI lawyer in the greater New York City area, call 718-273-9000 or contact us today.
