Should I apply for Social Security Disability? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

I am not a legal advisor -- seek professional guidance when trying to make legal determinations or get professional input about important questions.

I have be getting Social Security benefits for about 10 years. I've helped others apply for Social Security benefits. Maybe you've been wondering whether you should apply for Social Security Disability. Let's discuss.

Do your disabling conditions (mental, physical, emotional or a combination) have serious impacts on your ability to perform major life functions?

Have you paid into Social Security Disability?

Have you been working at a job and exhausted your PTO, sick leave, or short term disability and wonder how/whether you can keep working?

If you answered "yes," to most of these questions, Social Security Disability might be for you.

While it is not an easy, straightforward, or simple process. However, if you've been paying in, Social Security Disability is a benefit you've earned. If you qualify, you would receive a monthly cheque for the duration of your approval. You wouldn't have to pay it back, even if you could work again in the future.

You need to think about what major life functions are impacted by your disability, things like walking, breathing, bathing, eating. This is an important component of explaining why you're unable to work. It's a significant burden of evidence - but the sooner you start, the sooner you might be approved.

Is now the right time for you to apply? I'll talk more about the process in future videos. If you have questions or comments please put them in the comments below.

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.