Episode 416: You’ve Been Approved For SSD

I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard You finally heard that you've been approved for Social Security Disability. Treat yourself -- whether that's a call to a friend, a gf cupcake, or some other way that you do something good for yourself, take a moment to celebrate. Having this resource to support yourself, matters! It's been a while since I crossed this hurdle, but to my memory: if you're legally married, you'll have to make some decisions about whether you'll take a greater amount each month or leave a spousal benefit after your death. 2 years after your EOD (your eligibility date) is when you become eligible for Medicare. There are a whole cascade of decisions you'll then have to make. For those of us who don't have other health care options, or who have been self-paying, or buying through COBRA, getting Medicare is a big deal. Every year, SSD sends you an award letter. Keep that letter. Some years there will be a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) of a percent or two. Through my research I found its rare for people to get less than $1200/month in benefits and it's also rare for people to get more than $3000/month in benefits. If you're wondering what the average benefit is, that's what's typical. That's the end of my series on Social Security Disability benefits. If you have other questions I haven't answered, let me know below. **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist 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.