I also got no where with my disability application until i hired a lawyer thru legal aid. He settled the case in eight months. It was for private disability and i'm Canadian tho. I remember the tremendous pressure i was under and i really feel for you. I became destitute as well. Hang in there. Getting disability changed my life. It's so much easier to manage my mental illness now that i don't have to worry about money. I hope you have the experience of some of the other posters here with a speedy approval! PM me any time!