I've been on SSDI since 1997, but my claim with them took over 2-years, 10-months, 3-weeks and 2 days to settle. I basically lost everything I had and my wife worked 2 jobs to "just get by." You've contacted an Attorney, if the Attorney you contacted does not work on a contingency basis, find one that does immediately! Let the Attorney fight it out in Court. My Attorney fees totaled 33.333% of the total award from SSDI along with filing fees and other court costs. Your award from SSDI will take a long time to settle, as the Attorney's for SSDI are extremely hard core to not let you get anything from the Government. You will also need to contact a therapist about counseling for yourself and anyone who is in your immediate family who's helping you. Good luck.