So you've decided to hire an attorney to help you with your social security disability claim. That's a smart move. The first interview is very important. That's where you'll learn what's expected of you as a client, learn what's expected of your attorney and the attorney's staff, how long your claim may take and what your legal options are.

What To Have Ready for Your Attorney's Interview

Below is a short list of items that you'll need to bring (or have handy, if you're doing a telephone interview) for your first meeting.

• All paperwork, medical records and social security documents that you have ever received from the Social Security Administration.  If you've already been to a hearing and have been denied benefits by the administrative law judge, be sure to also bring the judge's written decision, as your attorney will need to see that.
• All medical reports that you currently have in your possession.  It is not necessary to try to aquire addiional medical reports.  Just bring the reports that you already have.
• All bottles of medications that you are currently taking.  If for some reason you don't actually have the bottles, be sure to bring a complete list of the medications, with the name of the drug and dosage information for each.  Don't worry about listing medications that you are no longer taking.  For purposes of assessing whether you're disabled, only your current medications matter.