Had you chosen the Ticket To Work Program prior to getting the CDR, than you wouldn't have had to deal with the CDR, but once it's been sent, I don't think there is any way around it. http://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html#a0=14

Your state will decide if you qualify as disabled in terms of Medicaid. http://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/healthcarehelp.htm#a0=0

If you do lose benefits eventually, you can fight it--even hire an attorney if you choose.

You are required to notify SS if you're going to be away from home for more than 30 days, they especially have an issue if you leave the country for longer than that, btw. If you didn't understand that, contact your local office from your regular home and explain now. Ask for an extension. Ask for a Supervisor if necessary. If you don't retun it as required, I think they send you a second notice? But that might just be for the short form and you've notified them of receipt already, so I wouldn't risk it.

How much are you averaging a month out of curiosity?

Here's a good link regarding CDR's. http://nymakesworkpay.org/docs/Guide_CDR.pdf