just thought one positive story could help...

our first application went through and was approved. we had enough work credits so our assistance is a combination of the SSDI (the work credit one) and SSI (just because you are a citizen)

it wasn't easy with the forms and phone calls and having to go to meetings at the local Social Security office but well worth all the fuss.

with the help of our pdoc, therapist and friends we got through the process in a matter of months and found ourselves delighted and relieved when the checks started direct deposit.

it is not easy to live on this little money but better than the alternatives (in our situation anyway)

good luck and fingers crossed for this to go smoothly for you.