bretd--I know life has throwing you in a dark place on you and your family but I dont want to just --say it will be ok ---because I know right now it isnt going well at all. I will tell you right now and I totally understand your in a dark place but you do have a family that cares about you. I can tell you care about them a great deal. You need to fight like hell with what your entitled to your benefits !!! Its such a shitty damm proccess what hoops people go thru--- but you will eventually you will get it and it will be prorated !! I know where I live ---every year I sponsor a family in the community-- a family who fell on hard times who have a need list and also wish list for there kids . There are people all around us you may not even know who care ....who want to help others in need. Its anonymous and its about your family until u get the ssi. Life is strange but as dark and things are right now it will get better dont loose faith trust me this whole thing in the end will make you a stronger person for it!!