You don’t get UI for “years” unless there’s a federal extension like during the great recession. You get it for months. And it’s only meant to tide you over until you find another job. Social Security disability takes forever to get, she’ll probably pass away before she hears anything.
I meant the myriad of indolent layabouts that have been abusing the system over the years.
I went through this with my mother somewhat recently incidentally. She lived 18 months post diagnosis and was collecting SSDI before she passed away. Her spouse continues to collect those benefits.