If you've never paid in for benefits you'll only get SSI which I believe is still only $500 a month. The time for being approved is usually 6 months to a year from filing. If you file through the social security office you'll be turned down the first time. I recommend getting all medical records together and speaking to your doctor about filing. Also find a disability attorney for assistance. It's the quicker route. You'll be sent to a doctor by the attorney and they will determine eligibility based on your medical conditions and severity. Then you'll go before a federal judge to get the final say on approval or disapproval. The attorney handles all the paperwork needed to file and is paid out of the back pay you'd receive.