Never use a lawyer for SSDI whi charges up front, most work on a contingency basis....they get paid only if you win.

Their fee is capped at 25% of your backpay up to (approximately, because it changes every year) $6000.

If you just applied in August, you might find that many disability lawyers won't accept you yet. Say you were due to get $1000 per month from SSDI. After only 4 months (Aug to Nov) their max fee would be $1000. I think many of the lawyers want to hold out for the $6000 cap.

Only you can decide whether paying a lawyer is reasonable for you.

After a few rejections, I did use a lawyer and finally was approved (after 3 years)

I did not know about the availibility of free assistance, as kallixenia recommended. To me, the best plan might be trying to get some free help now, as a lawyer might not take you on yet, and if you still not approved after a year or so, call a lawyer in.

Best of luck to you. I know how difficult the waiting game is.