Attorneys can be very helpful to you in winning your case and maximizing the amount of money you can receive from Social Security. Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis which means there is no fee unless benefits are recovered. Hiring a local, experienced attorney is extremely important. This allows you to meet with your attorney to prepare your case and prepare for the hearing. There are many out of State firms that advertise locally for Social Security and SSI cases. unfortunately, many of those firms do not meet with you during the course of your case and you may not meet the attorney that will be representing you at your hearing until a few minutes before it starts. Establishing a good working relationship with a local attorney will help put you at ease and feel better prepared for your hearing.