If you plan on filing for social security disability, time is of the essence. File as soon as you believe you may have a disability that qualifies you to receive benefits. 60-70% of initial claims are denied, meaning the applicant will be required to go through a process of appeals. Waiting to file for benefits simply means a longer delay in receiving the money you deserve. While it is not required that you use an attorney when filing for social security disability benefits, you should know that statistics show an increased chance of approval when assisted by an experienced disability attorney. Generally, an individual handling their own claim may incorrectly complete paperwork, omit medical proof of their condition, or miss filing deadlines, causing unnecessary delays. Many people find they can file the initial application on their own, but contact an expert disability attorney to handle the appeals process when the claim is denied.