How is a family supposed to survive while waiting for a workman's comp settlement?

My lungs have been permanently chemically damaged at work. I have not been paid a penny from workman's comp yet, and I still have to see an examiner for social security disability before a final discussion is made. My income tax money has paid my rent now we are broke, by the way I made a lot of money and my wife was 40% disabled years ago. Please don't answer rudely I never want to put anyone out or take advantage or free load off anyone. I began as a 45 year old man now the three Doctors I've seen are telling me I have the lungs of an 85 year old. what are we supossed to do while waiting for the workmans comp or the disability? live in our car, camp at a free camp ground?