i just got accepted into SSDI in november; applied in July. I'm 40. i'm beyond grateful and relieved and also deeply angry and resentful. i had NO income for more than 9 months and wound up "camping" for more than 9 weeks with my cat while hoping to be accepted and knowing it could have been years, or not at all. I received no help or support from my family or close friends, i'm sure in large because they were embarrassed that my disability wasn't "physical." i intend to be engaged in social/economic advocacy regarding what happens to people while they're waiting for help in this country. it's inhumane, especially considering the fact that when you are accepted, you receive a fat check representing "back-pay," as though you were (or should have been) receiving the benefits all the while. not that receiving that chunk of change wasn't fantastic, but i seriously had trouble surviving my time as a homeless, anxious, depressed outcast, and i certainly could have used some of that help when i most needed it...

re what might have helped me.... i was very thorough in getting all of my previous providers and board and more than two wrote letters of my behalf. i also have a wonderful dear friend who wrote the personal support letter and is also an MFT. and I was honest in my personal statement. saying, "i wish so very much that this weren't necessary. that my life hasn't shrunk and my capabilities withered. assembling all of the information for the application was a very sad and overwhelming endeavor, but it also helped me to be rid of any remaining doubt i myself had as to whether or not i qualify for SSDI per the guidelines. this was both a relief and a terribly said realization to arrive at. i wish you the best of luck with your application and hope that you are managing ok and receiving support in the meantime.