Looks like you're from Australia. That's why you don't know what SSDI is, probably. Social Security Disability Insurance. In the US, you need to have worked and contributed (automatically through your paycheck) a certain number of quarters (often totaling 10 years -- depends) and be considered by Social Security Administration (SSA) to be disabled. Whether or not you are considered disabled depends on your ability to work, rather than your dx. After you are approved, you are able to work part time, if you keep your income under a certain amount.

Process, for many, takes 2-3 years, and denials and appeals and an attorney.

Some (like me), are fortunate to get it through in 3 months (with no denials, appeals, or attorneys). Even tho' the approval came through in 3 months, there is a 5 month waiting period, before receiving money. I applied in June '08, was approved in Sept., and got first payment in November. I am no longer employed at all.

The amount that I get, each month, is similar to what I earned when I was working. (I worked part time.) But, that varies, depending how much you contributed, over the years. They deduct approx. 7% (I think) from your check every time.

Or, maybe not fortunate. Maybe more disabled than I thought, if they approved me so quickly.

Best wishes! And, feel free to explain your situation more, to PF, if you wish.