Oh, well, I am significantly impaired but do not qualify for disability. A normal job is a big problem for me. I left a corporate job because of my impairment. My job was an obstacle to getting healthier. I do feel fortunate to have alimony and therefore the privilege of choice to some degree, though it certainly isn't enough for a middle class lifestyle.

I base my comment in part on the fact that people are living longer and the longer you live, the more likely you are to have cancer, as just one example off the top of my head. I have several relatives who habe had cancer more than once, one of whom may have to take early retirement on disability because of the long history of repeated cancer diagnoses. This individual is extremely competent and lived with a 15% chance of survival in part by doing things like flying to another state for the best care and being patient zero in a cutting edge study. Nonethless, multiple surgeries and years of chemo and radiation have taken their toll.