I applied for my daughter at age 7 months for ssi and they gave her assumed ssi for 6 months while they worked her case. They then denied her saying , and I quote"Impairments are severe, but do not meet listings". Their own Psy report said Mild Mental Retardation,Cerebral Palsy, Psychosocial stressors, Developmental delays. I requested a reconsideration and was denied and have now requested a hearing. I also requested a copy of her file and have found out that her doctor has very little supporting data for her disability.She is in an Early Intervention Program and gets Therapy 5 times a week for Cerebral Palsy and I have all kinds of data from them to support it and from her Dev Pediatric Doc. But her main treating doctor kinda had a problem with the diagnois we got fron the Pediatric Dev Specialist. I have since talked to him and he is willing to support us and write a letter of support. My question is do I need a represenative to help me at the hearing or can I do it my self? And where can I find someone to represent us? I have called lawyers and legal aide and no one wants to help because we have very little back money that would be owed to her if we did win and they tell us to do it ourselves, that i have done a fine job this far and I will be fine on my own.

This situation is quite complex and it would be in your best interest to find a representative immediately for guidance and advice. You say that no lawyers or legal aid will represent you. I recommend that you calll your local bar association to find out if they have a program in place where they would assign an attorney to represent you at no charge.