SSDI is a decent system. We should be lucky we have it. The thing that I don't like about it is that it's based on your age and work history (I'm pretty sure). So if you just completed a Master's Degree or college and worked one yr and became disabled your SSDI benefits would be extremely low. Or if you are 18-22 and just became badly disabled your benefits would be very low. SSA does have a budget so they have to watch how many people they allow into SSDI. SSDI Judges are very critical. Get a good lawyer - you pay nothing until the case is over and you pay (25%) only if you get a favorable decision. Good luck - I know you have a very tough situation.