If they deny my first appeal, I am going to get a lawyer for the hearing.

Sorry it's taking you so long. I suppose it's not so bad the longer they draw it out in my case. It means I can keep my state benefits. But still, waiting on the SSI is not so great. I haven't paid rent since Nov 2008. My non-legal partner is having to pay for most everything due to my disability. That depresses me. I work as much as I can, but still can only cover the medical expenses that my insurance doesn't cover.

What are you going to do? It's their job to keep as many people as possible from getting disability. It doesn't matter if they really are disabled.