SSD pays retroactivley from the day you first apply, whether your granted it the 1st time(typically not) to the time of your approval.

My lawyer handled everything...I did not have a hearing...but did have to see a state psych for an evaluation. My lawyer based his fee on how much money I got retroactively. I don't remember exactly how much it cost...I know it was under 2k.

Call around to specialty lawyers, to choose which one is best for you.

As far as Long term disability goes, once you get SSD they will try their best to get you to settle with them. They can even threaten (in my case) to discontinue their payments if you do not go back to work or try to find another job. I settled...I wish I hadn't. Talk to your lawyer about this as well.

Greg