NormaW,

Why are you hesitant about applying for Permanent Disability ? Are you afraid of the term, permanent. Your condition is what it is. If the testers say you are permanent, take their diagnosis. If they say you qualify but they will reanalyze you in a year or two, That is good too.

If your OT wants to change you from serious to catastrophic, that's OK too. Being anxious about diagnostic terms is counterproductive. You can accept a diagnosis then, over time, prove them wrong. I am on permanent Social Security Disability. Sometimes, I get the idea to try to get back in the game and try to make a living. Then, I have a roller coaster down week and realize I need to stay where I am.

Getting over as many 'What if's" as you can allows you to start planning.

How old are your teenagers ? Can your disability change how they receive support ? Dependents of disabled parents each receive about $200 per month. With three teens at $200 each plus if you can get the maximum disability CPP of about $1200, things will be tight but liveable.

Knowing what one's income will be allows one to make better financial decisions.

Teens can earn some money for their discretionary expenses. In my belief, they should. My kids all had jobs at 14 years old. Real paycheck jobs, not babysitting and mowing lawns. They learned great life skills by spending time in their day working with and for adults rather than focused on their teen peers. Those life skills will enhance your home situation.

And, if you have a son or sons who like to play hockey, your family cannot afford another concussion.

I have been dealing with the facts of my brain health for decades. Life does go on. You can put together a plan for your future that is full of opportunities. You just need a starting point.

Getting an OT diagnosis and permanent disability can give you that starting point. Then, you have an opportunity to prove them wrong sometime in the future. Not next week or next month but off at some unknown future time.

My best to you.