Wow, I am so sorry you are going through this.  Here is a link to the law firm that I used - the lawyer that I used was Aba Heiman - he used to work for social security and specialized in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia back them - there are some articles on the website pertaining to these things.  Unfortunately, I don't think they practice in Minnesota but maybe if you call them, they can give you a referral to someone with experience.

I think part of the problem for you is that you keep trying to work.  For social security you need to show that you cant work for 1 year, atleast that is what the rules were back then.  Since you keep starting and stopping, I think they are seeing that you are capable, even though you really aren't.  You are actually hurting yourself by trying.  I know you need the money but it might be better for you to go on either unemployment or a short term disability at this point while you apply - if this is an option.

When I was applying - I had exhausted my short term disability and couldnt' get unemployment since I hadn't worked in a year.  I had family - no husband but a brother and father but they didn't believe that I was sick, so I got no help.  I had to apply for Medicaid, food stamps and public assistance. To subsidize this, since it wasn't enough to live on - I loved to sew - I made barbie clothes and I was selling them on Ebay - anything for money back then.   I got the lawyer and it took I think a year but I got all the back pay - I only got denied once though.  I hired him right away and he got me approved the second time around.  He knew exactly what was needed.  After 2 years, I got  medicare.  My family finally came around once I got approved, they figured if the government believed me, then there must be something wrong with me.

I really feel for you - go to your local social services department and see what they have to offer you - they should be able to give you public assistance, food stamps and probably medicaid to start with - if you say it is an emergency= they act quicker.  They may actually have info on low income housing for you too - many times public assistance will give you money towards housing  = up $400 towards rent -  I know they did that for me and that was back in 1999.  Now I live in a senior /handicapped housing complex that the rent is based on what you can afford but if you are under 62, you need to be on SSDI.

And, yes = I lost alot of friends when I got sick after constantly saying no when they wanted to go out.  After awhile, they stopped asking.  They couldn't deal with me always being sick.  I am sorry you have no family - I know what that feels like - I have family but no one near by and no one that I can really count on for everyday stuff. I see them for Thanksgiving/Hanukah and over the summer for a large family gathering with all the cousins but that is it.

I wish you the best and I hope all works out for you.  Good luck and keep me posted. I hope my lawyer can help you.  IF you need any help with the SSDI process, let me know.

Fusco Brandenstein and Rada