Minniea,
I filed for SSDI when I was first dx'd and was approved right away (within a few weeks). They gave me a 5-7 year review period and there is a waiting period of 5 months from date of Dx. You may get some money retroactively if they approve your claim since it goes back to the date of Dx or disability. I guess they're not all idiots. Some here have had real problems and in my case it was practically rubber stamped. You will need detailed copies of your medical records, tests, scan reports, etc. Follow all of the guidelines and instructions very carefully.