To chime in on the SSDI issue...
We had no luck with collecting any SSDI, even though we provided all the medical records, doctor's statements to the effect that my husband's Stage 4 cancer and treatment made him very sick and he was not able to work. Social Security pretty much told us to reapply if his cancer became terminal. But sounds like others have had better results - so maybe it depends on who is reviewing your case.

Anita