untilthebell, I understand what you are going through. My wife is very ill and it took nearly 4 years for her approval. She finally saw a judge last Nov. and was approved on the spot. She was also awarded 3.5 years back pay. She has received her monthly check and medicare but its been months with no luck on the retro pay. It could be that SS is stalling or perhaps slowing down the process of paying out social security insurance payments, finding every excuse in the book. I hope not and pray that your husband and yourself will find peace soon. The stress can be overwhelming.