I can tell you from experience that we don’t all get refused the first time. I actually contacted an attorney first because so many people had me believing you had to have one. The man on the phone was so sweet and his counsel to me was to not let attorneys get involved and take get a % of the Disability money that I deserve for myself. He said to only call him back if I disagreed with their decision and am glad I didn’t have to.
The paperwork did seem intimidating, but it was straightforward. There was an option to give them permission to get the medical records needed so I wouldn’t have to gather them and fax them myself. Then there was a little phone interview to talk specific abilities and disabilities that were needed to perform your previous work functions and basic personal care.
Again, I know paperwork can be scary and mistakes can be made. I was a CPA and some folks just refuse doing their own tax returns because they are afraid or get snowed into believing we have special powers to get them a smaller tax bill. It’s not true - your disability rights and your tax obligations are the same whether you file or appeal yourself, or if you choose to forfeit some money to pay someone to file for you. If you are afraid of making mistakes or just hate paperwork, maybe a lawyer is the right help and worth you sharing what you are due, but I promise you that I know a lot of people who have had no issues when applying for disability. I wish you all the success you deserve; as you know, the process is very humbling since we’d rather have the health and ability to work and make 4 to 5 times what Disability pays, but very thankful for the help it does provide in these unfortunate circumstances.