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Many wonder if they are allowed to represent themselves at their Social Security disability hearing, and the simple answer to this question is yes. However, just because an individual is allowed to represent himself or herself at their own Social Security disability hearing, does it mean they will be able to achieve the same results as a disability claimant with representation? The answer to this question...is not necessarily. In fact, statistical information about Social Security disability hearing allowances and denials show that disability claimants with representation win disability benefits more often than claimants who choose to represent themselves. Generally, individuals have better results in a adjudication setting of any kind if they have professional representation. The same is true for Social Security disability hearings, which are held before an administrative law judge. Social Security representatives are knowledgeable about the Social Security disability rules; consequently they are able to present the facts of your disability claim in a manner that is most favorable to you. What are the pitfalls of self-representation at a Social Security disability hearing? Often, individuals are very emotional about their disabilities and how these disabilities have affected their lives; as a result they may not be able to present their disability case in an effective way. Also, individuals are rarely knowledgeable about key aspects of the SSD disability and SSI disability programs that, properly addressed, may improve their chances of winning Social Security disability benefits. These include, among other things, the importance of having one's past work classified properly (having your past jobs and the duties performed on each identified correctly can make a difference in whether or not you are approved for disability or denied). Additionally, individuals who have chosen to represent themselves often disadvantage themselves further by not having current medical records, physician’s statements, etc in their disability file for the hearing. Hearings are won and lost on the basis of the information provided in the disability file and the presentation of facts contained within. And, for the most part, this information consists of medical record documentation that firmly establishes a claimant's functional limitations. Such limitations will translate into A) the determination of whether or not the claimant can return to their past work and B) the determination of whether or not a claimant can perform some type of other work. When a claimant is found to be unable to do either, of course, they will be awarded disability benefits in either the social security disability or SSI disability program (or in both programs if the claim is "concurrent"). In summary, individuals should find a disability representative who is familiar with Social Security disability rules and guidelines if they want to increase their chance of being approved for Social Security disability benefits. Frankly, there are just too many pitfalls for an average person to successfully represent himself or herself at an administrative law judge hearing, due to the complexity of most disability claims. To read a good example of what can happen in a case where representation is not provided at a disability hearing, you may wish to read the following: Why you need a Disability Attorney at a Social Security Disability or SSI hearing 
Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Information
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