Return to Videos You don't need an attorney to apply for Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, but it's advisable to get one. There's a no pay period for the first five months of your disability, so if an attorney signs on, he'll essentially work for free if he gets you the benefits early. If you're turned down, you can readily appeal the case or attorney will readily appeal the case, and start working the case towards a final adjudication hearing, which will inevitably come within a year or two after you filed your claim