Bev,

You can just call the Social Security office & they will send you the
forms.  Mine was actually done, at least initially, over the phone.  I
was too sick to go there & then they just mailed me the rest.  Never
stepped foot in the place.

I didn't apply until I had been off work for over a year.  They found me
to be disabled at the point in which I stopped working, even though I
tried to work again for two days, months after that date.  The sooner
the better, but if you're not sure you wanna file, you shouldn't have to
worry too much.  It's just that they may claim that your disability date
was later than when you actually stopped working.  So, filing now, would
help to establish that date & keep more of your back-pay in your pocket.
Good luck, Bev...you have my addy if I can help.

Hugs,
Maggie