Research shows that a large majority of SSI/SSDI cases are denied upon application and require additional appeals and/or a hearing. Although the informality of the hearings makes it possible for some claimants to represent themselves, statistics have shown that people represented by attorneys have been successful more often than people without attorney representation. Whether you hire an attorney is entirely up to you, but you are significantly increasing your odds of being approved for benefits if you hire the right attorney to assist you.