Introduction: The Question Every SSDI Applicant Asks
Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a long and often confusing process. Many people wonder: Do I really need an attorney to win my case?
The short answer: No… and yes.
It depends on which stage of the process you’re in — and how comfortable you are handling government paperwork, deadlines, and medical documentation.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across South Florida win the benefits they earned. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to go it alone or get legal help.
Phase One: The Initial Application — “No, You Can Try This on Your Own”
The first step in any SSDI claim is filing the initial application. At this stage, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your work history and medical records to determine whether you meet the criteria for disability benefits.
You’ll need to provide:
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A list of all hospitals, clinics, and doctors you’ve visited.
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Dates of appointments and treatments.
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Copies of medical tests, imaging, and lab results.
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A list of current medications and dosages.
If you’re detail-oriented and organized, you can handle this stage yourself. SSA provides the forms and instructions online or at your local office.
However, this is also where many claims stall. SSA typically requests medical records only once — and if the hospital or doctor doesn’t respond promptly, your file might be marked “incomplete.”
That’s where an attorney can make a difference.
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Our staff contacts each provider directly to track down missing records.
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We ensure everything is uploaded to your SSA file.
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We help you describe your condition accurately so it matches SSA’s medical “listings.”
If you feel confident managing paperwork and follow-up calls, you can handle this step. But if you’d rather have a professional ensure nothing slips through the cracks, legal help can save you months of frustration.
Phase Two: Reconsideration — “Still Maybe, But the Odds Are Slim”
If your initial claim is denied, SSA gives you a second chance — called Reconsideration. Unfortunately, approval rates here are low, with only about 9% of claims being approved at this stage.
SSA essentially re-reviews your file to determine if any information was missed the first time.
If your denial was due to a minor error — such as a missing record or incorrect date — you may be able to rectify it yourself.
But for many applicants, this is where representation starts to matter more:
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An attorney reviews your denial notice and identifies what evidence was lacking.
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We request new medical opinions or tests to strengthen your file.
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We make sure SSA sees the full picture of how your condition limits your ability to work.
You’re not required to hire a lawyer at this point, but having one increases your odds of making it to the next stage — where the real decision happens.
Phase Three: The Hearing — “Yes, You Definitely Want an Attorney”
If SSA denies your reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where your chances improve — especially if you’re represented.
At this stage, the process becomes much more complex:
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You may testify under oath about your symptoms and limitations.
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A Vocational Expert (VE) may testify about what jobs you can still do.
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The judge will question you about your medical history and daily activities.
An experienced SSDI attorney knows how to:
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Gather the right medical evidence to match SSA’s listings.
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Send customized questionnaires to your treating doctors to document functional limitations.
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Prepare yourself for the hearing so you know what to expect.
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Cross-examine the Vocational Expert to challenge inaccurate assumptions.
While some claimants represent themselves, statistics show that those with professional representation are about three times more likely to win their hearing than those without.
At this stage, the answer to “Do I need an attorney?” is almost always yes.
Bottom Line: When It’s Worth Getting Help
You don’t need an attorney to apply for SSDI — but having one dramatically increases your odds of approval, especially when your financial security depends on it.
A knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer ensures your case is complete, your medical evidence is strong, and your story is told the right way.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve been helping clients throughout South Florida for over 40 years — guiding them through every phase of the process with honesty and compassion.
Call us today to see how we can help you claim the disability benefits you’ve earned.
We only get paid if you win — and our experienced team will ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.
Call our office @305-653-5555 Text us @305-653-1515 Email us @[email protected] or Fill out the form and our staff will contact you.
What our clients say:
“Martin Hoffman is a magnificent attorney! He is very professional, extremely knowledgeable, incredibly intelligent, and a very kind and compassionate person. Mine was a disability case which are normally very long and demanding. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to represent me than Martin. His constant attention to detail in all aspects of my case was phenomenal. Martin was “flawless” in my disability hearing! For the first time in years I finally have hope.
Thank you again Martin for all the time you dedicated to my case and for restoring my faith. I also need to acknowledge a special thank you to Marcy for all her help with my paperwork and organization of my case. Her unrelenting dedication, diligent hard work, time, and effort so things ran smoothly and seamlessly are so greatly appreciated. I especially am extremely grateful for all her empathy and compassion she showed me, which made me feel more hopeful and comfortable. I highly recommend Martin and the law firm of Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti for all your legal matters“. Pamela Stella 9.25
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“I cannot thank Mr. Martin Hoffman and his legal assistant, Marcy, enough for everything they have done for me. They are truly a power team—working perfectly together with professionalism, compassion, and confidence. From the very beginning, they were organized, detailed, and clear about the process, while also making it enjoyable and stress-free.
After being denied so many times before, I was losing hope. But this law firm really listened to me, understood my situation, and gave me the guidance I needed to finally voice my disability before the judge—with success. Because of their dedication, I have finally received my rightful disability earnings.
I am forever grateful that God placed them in my life. If you are searching for attorneys who not only know what they’re doing but truly care about their clients, look no further than Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti. They are the real deal! ” Unlocked Natural Products
