are there any chance for a permanent resident without 40 quarters of work being approved for SSI?

I am a permanent resident in OH.I applied for SSI for being disabled due to Stroke and just received disapproved notice saying I don't have 40 quarters of work hours and I don't fit in the eligible alien categories. I've been a permanent resident since 89' and worked here and there for over 10 years but during some of these years(about 7 years) I was helping my husband's running small business but since all the money was paid to him I couldn't prove that I have worked over 10 years. I'm paralyzed on my left side and having difficulty speaking. I just need a little help to pay for my medical costs.We don't have any health insurance at this point because his work hours got cut and just couldn't afford it. I tried to get medicaid but they denied me saying we're making too much. Now my family is telling me to get a lawyer. My question is is it even worth to bother if the law states "you have to have 40 quarters of work hours to be eligible."?