Reading ALL of the Listed Impairmists is a darn good idea. It serves as a good sample of the info SS is looking for, and applicants can pull out whats is relateable to their situation. But, this is a just fraction of what a person needs to research to make sure they don't make serious errors.

There are many applicants that can handle their application without an attorney or other professional help, but there are many that are not. Anyone filing with a severe mental impairment, probably should seek some help. There are non-profits that even provide these services for no charge.

For those that are at the beginning of the process (many attorneys won't even agree to taking on a client until farther on in the process) there is rarely going to be much backpay involved, so the attorney won't receive a significant fee anyway.