Preparing for Your Consultation with a Social Security Disability Law Firm: A Checklist

January 8, 2026

To help you prepare for a consultation with Brothers Henderson Durkin, having your documentation organized is the best way to speed up your claim. This checklist is tailored to the specific standards used by the SSA. Being prepared with all of the below information will make your consultation most productive.


MEDICAL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION


  • List of Providers: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, therapists, and hospitals you’ve visited in the last 2 years.
  • Imaging & Lab Results: Copies of MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and blood work results. (If you don't have copies, just a list of where/when they were done is helpful).
  • Medication List: A current list of all prescriptions, dosages, and—critically—any side effects (like drowsiness or dizziness) that prevent you from working.
  • Treatment History: A timeline of surgeries, physical therapy sessions, or mental health counseling.


WORK AND FINANCIAL HISTORY


  • Work History Report: Details of your jobs over the last 15 years, including job titles and a brief description of the physical/mental requirements of each (e.g., "required lifting 50 lbs" or "required high-level data entry").
  • Tax Records: Your most recent W-2 forms or, if self-employed, your federal tax returns for the last year.
  • Other Benefits: Information regarding any Workers’ Compensation, Short-Term Disability, or VA benefits you are currently receiving.


PERSONAL NARRATIVE


  • Daily Activity Journal: A brief note on how your condition affects your daily life (e.g., "I can only stand for 10 minutes before needing to sit," or "I struggle to follow multi-step instructions due to brain fog").
  • Denial Letters: If you have already applied and been denied, bring the Notice of Disapproved Claim. This contains the "technical" reason for denial that your attorney needs to counter.


ADMINISTRATIVE ESSENTIALS


  • Social Security Number: For both yourself and any dependents (spouse or children) who may be eligible for auxiliary benefits.
  • Direct Deposit Info: A voided check or account numbers so benefits can be routed correctly if won.


Brothers Henderson Durkin has been advocating for clients seeking Social Security benefits for more than 40 years. Based in Seattle, the Social Security disability law firm works with clients in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Alaska on SSDI claims.