I can share my experiences only. I started receiving disability payments only after my liver transplant. I was eligible for 10 years, but I was in denial about how serious my condition was. Because of my age. I intend to make it to retirement on Disabilty. I have already received the permanent disability letter from Social Security. The issue is not so much the small monthly check, but the for Medicare. My insurance has a high deductible and without Medicare the costs would be un affordable. It takes a year or so to receive Medicare after you first receive disability payments.