Although a lawyer is not necessary to file a Social Security Disability application, we suggest you contact an attorney before your initial application is filed. People who hire an attorney are more successful on appeal than those unrepresented.
When an appeal for Social Security Disability claim is denied, there is a very high likelihood the case will reach the hearing before an administrative law judge before it will be approved. When you have a hearing before an administrative or an appeals council, a lawyer is highly desirable to achieve the best results.