I wouldn't discourage you from applying. The fact that you are concerned that it may become a 'crutch' says a lot about your integrity and as such you can trust yourself to utilize the benefits wisely. It is a huge help to have that money and if you qualify for it there must be a good reason it is being provided.

A long while back I applied and was denied. I appealed via an attorney and won my case. The monthly benefits plus the retroactive benefits paid for my therapy for a whole year. I was only approved for one year. I had also hesitated, because I did not want it to become a 'crutch'. But just as a broken bone needs a crutch until it heals, disability benefits are a handy crutch until such time as we are ready to do without it.