This is in the UK, but is vaguely applicaple to the situation you describe, so take with a pinch of salt. A friend of mine had an accident about two months back and is unable to work. Despite having been certified as such by at least two psychiatrists and a whole host of other NHS staff, disability benefits don't kick in for six months due to the nature of his new found disability. I guess you're up shit creek if you don't have six months worth of savings in place.