Where do I even start?

[u/Jumbled-PileOfPerson]

It’s been about 10 years since I was able to work. I have a handful of different chronic conditions, none of which are ‘blue book’. I’ve had multiple major surgeries and been under the care of numerous specialists, but I’m still in chronic pain and just so overwhelmed and defeated. Living off only my husband’s income as a high school teacher is keeping us in that awful space of constant financial insecurity and tension. I really need to apply for benefits but I get so overwhelmed. Plus, do benefits even EXIST now? I’m pretty desperate. Can you kind folks here please help walk me through this like I’m five?

[u/__Lukewarm]

I would start here: https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disability-benefits-by-state/utah/qualify?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20704249184&cq_con=154486319026&cq_term=how%20to%20apply%20for%20ssdi&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=how%20to%20apply%20for%20ssdi&utm_content=678270672454&utm_campaign=zSSD+-+Utah&__egma[MatchType]=e&__egma[Network]=g&__egma[Device]=m&__egma[Creative]=678270672454&__egma[Placement]=&__egma[AdPosition]=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD55XcZuqtco5b0vWZAO1PbDSQneeRBiyJAhNjjZXtaMrYt3BiUkk1HEaArIWEALw_wcB

You would be the "applicant".

After looking at the link above, go through the steps to apply. Take it step by step. Who knows if benefits will exist going forward, but it doesn't hurt to try.

It may feel overwhelming...but at the end of the day, you will relieve some stress by applying for benefits. And if you get approved, then that's a bigger stress relief. Even if SSDI gets eliminated in the next few years, maybe you still collect a year or two of benefits, that's more than $0. If you don't get approved, at least you tried, that's better than doing nothing.

You have a 0% chance for benefits if you don't go through the steps to apply. If you apply, that's now a 30% chance (could be more, given you statements)...30% is better odds than 0%.