You have the right to file your own Social Security Disability or SSI application, and many people do. The better question is whether having an experienced attorney can improve your chances of success, especially if your claim has been denied.

Many people who are ultimately approved for benefits receive at least one denial along the way.

If you're thinking about applying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), here are the five biggest mistakes I see and what you can do instead.