It took my parents over a year each and multiple attempts. My only recommendation is to find a really good disability attorney. Typically they work on contingency, so they'd take a portion of your backpay if they win your case.

I'm an Amerikkkan and Texan, as well. I don't have any advice for you. Especially since I live in the capital of shittyness, Texas.

I've been trying for almost a decade now, with my family's help, and I've just about given up. These reich-wing Nazi ass judges are scum of the Earth, and they always think I could be lying or faking or exaggerating my goddamn symptoms.

I don't have much of a job history, so I don't think I can help you much, other than keep applying. I'm sorry.

I know very little about this, but if this is in the US two things I have heard are that (1) the first claim is always rejected with a flimsy excuse and you have to keep applying and that (2) as ridiculous as it is, it really helps to have a lawyer. I've heaes of people getting pro bono help with this but I don't have any specific resources for you, sorry.

It's all very unfair and basically evil.

Have you asked any physicians to vouch for you?

My spouse who is asleep knows a lot more about this, but off the dome:

Social Security retirement benefits are an entirely different system than social security disability insurance. SSDI shouldn't be dependent on hours worked, but on disability status.

A few things to note about SSDI: there are very stringent income limits while on it. You will be severely constrained in your living standards. What you get isn't really adjusted for local cost of living, so you may be alright, or you may struggle to pay rent and eat.

Initial rejections are the norm. It generally takes two years to go through the appeal, rejection, re-appeal cycle. A good disability lawyer will smooth this out but the time frame is not going to shrink to less than a year. I would not depend on this for a car or school.

If you are unable to work enough to support yourself, I think it's worth pursuing, but SSDI is designed to keep people from using it as a stepping stone to better circumstances.

Wish I had better news/advice. Good luck, comrade!