When you want to succeed in securing Social Security Disability benefits, you absolutely need a lawyer. The lawyer is able to make appeals for you to the SSA that you cannot make on your own. Before you even sit down with a Social Security lawyer, however, you should do the following four things to prepare for your meeting.

Prove That You Have Not Worked in at Least Three Months

The SSA will automatically turn down any and all applications of people who are working any sort of job and are still working it. You not only cannot be working when you meet with the lawyer, but you should also not have worked for at least three months. Even then, that is not enough time to really prove that you are disabled, but it is a start. You can prove that you have not worked by providing your checking account statements to show that there have been no deposits in the last three months or more.

Collect ALL of Your Medical Records Relating to Your Health and Your Condition

You will need all of your medical records. All of your doctors should provide you with copies of your records upon request. If they cannot give them to you in person, they will mail them to you within ten business days (two weeks). Plan ahead if you have a meeting scheduled with your lawyer in the next two weeks or later.

Fill out a Printed Copy of the Application for SSA-Disability

Go to SSA's website and print off a copy of the disability benefits application. Fill it out completely. If there are sections for caregivers or family members to fill out, have them fill out their sections too. It should be as complete as possible before you give it to your lawyer. 

Save the Retainer Fee to Pay Your Lawyer

This is easier said than done since you are not working and cannot work to pay the lawyer. Some lawyers will waive fees until they win your case for you, and then they collect a chunk of the benefits you receive as part of your agreement with them to represent you in the lawsuit against the SSA. If you do not have the retainer fee and the lawyer requires one, see if your spouse can pay it or if you can borrow the money from a friend or family member until your benefits start coming in regularly.