I've witnessed the process to get SSI Disability first hand. My brother had terminal cancer, was undergoing chemo, could not work, so was on cobra - which my sister and I paid because he had no income. He applied for SSID, and they "fast tracked" it because he was terminal. He applied in Sept 07. He got the letter approving in in early Dec 07. It was set to start in March 08. He died in late Dec. 07. His case was extremely clear cut. He had an aggressive, inoperable, terminal cancer. No grey area. It still was more than 6 months (fast tracked) till it would kick in, from the application date.
As far as them reducing the SS payroll tax - I think it's stupid. And I'm still working/paying. I immediately jumped up my other savings by the same amount so I would be partially covered. I wish more people had.
I also wish they'd raise the wage cap that SS payroll tax hits. Currently you only pay on the first $110k. Raise that to $150k, or remove the cap (like medicare tax) and you'd have a solvent/funded system. And yes - again, this could affect me. It's the easiest fix... but it will never happen.