Finally Applying for SSDI...What Should I Expect?

Well, I'm finally going to walk into the Social Security Office and apply for SSDI. I'm living on temp jobs, food stamps, and section 8 housing.

What I know already:

Expect to be denied benefits...several times
Expect the approval process to take a long time

What I need to know:
How long does the process really take? I've heard people being approved within 2-3 months to 7 years (after several appeals of course). I am just trying to get an average.

Also, I have worked so many jobs (I'm 46) that I can't remember them all. Where can I get a list of my past employers and if such a list exists, will it cost me anything to get a copy of it?

And finally, if anyone has any advise for me while I go through this process, I surely would appreciate it.

Well for the job list, the agent, who is taking your claim, should be able to pull that up from the IRS. I'm going through the same process, and they came up with jobs I had forgotten about. Plus they only need the last 10 years of work history.
My only advise is to keep in touch with the agent, and tell them everything.
Oh and good luck on being accepted