i would also say that you should apply asap. you need to have enough work credits to qualify for ssdi. if you dont have enough work credits and have low income and resources you may qualify for ssi. Many people are on SSDI because of their inability to work due to peripheral neuropathy. When you apply you have to show how your medical conditions, medications and treatments limit your ability to work. for example, cant stand, sit, kneel, walk, concentrate, fatigue etc.

its not true that you have to show a long history of work attempts, or a long history of medical records. you need medical records but they do not have to stretch out years and years. im sure you have plenty of medical records anyway. you have to show that you are unable to work for at least the next 12 months. It helps if you have failed work attempts but it is not necessary to have that failed work history.

Teatime your advice is not entirely accurate and could prove harmful for someone who may need ssdi and may well qualify, but who becomes discouraged and doesnt apply because of innacurate information that they read.