Yes, I am on SSI for major depressive disorder and PTSD. It took a while for me to be approved. I applied and was denied, then never appealed. A few years after the denial, I re-applied, was denied again, started the appeals process with a lawyer and was approved. It took 22 months from the date of the second application, but they pay you "back pay" for the months that you have been waiting. I don't care who knows my financial stuff, so I'll put it out here so you have a general idea of what you could expect. (although keep in mind everyones situation may be different). I received $14,000 in back pay, Welfare took a chunk ($2400), the lawyer took his fee (the good lawyers only get paid if you are approved) which was around $5000. Social Security then makes 3 payments to you....the first is around $2900, six months later another check for $2900, then six months after that the remaining money owed to you if there is any. (The back pay payment process is the same for everyone, according to my Social Security worker).

It wasn't a particularly painful process, the hardest part was going in front of the judge who decides if you qualify or not. From what I've heard, and from my own experience, one should expect to be denied the first time, but appeal. The Doctors who evaluate you work for Social Security and they don't really want to give any one money, so they will often times try and make it seem like it's not as bad as it is. BUT it can be done....you just have to be patient, and make sure you retain a lawyer specializing in Social Security.

Also, for Social Security Disability Income, you do need to have a certain number of work credits. I personally did not have enough, but I applied for both SSD and SSI at the same time which made my process faster and easier. If you qualify for SSD then your checks will be based on how much money you were making while working. I'm not entirely sure how that works, but it's somehow related to previous income. On SSI the check in my state (NY) is $697 per month, with $23 of that being paid by the state. I believe each state pays a different amount, so your check could be more or less than $697, but it will be similar to that amount.

Good luck!