Using Allsup doesn't mean the OP will be "hiring an attorney" as far as I can tell. I'm not even saying that's a bad thing, but they aren't the same things.

OP: The good thing about using a service like Allsup is that they will work to get you a fast approval, and they don't have the same incentive to draw the process out for fees, because your LTD carrier is paying them. Allsup and your LTD might agree that a second application is preferred over the lengthy appeal process, btw. My earlier post didn't really address your original question... You can also hire a local SSDI non-attorney Rep as well, that doesn't have a tie to your LTD.