I would advise not working, especially if you are trying to win based on mental disabilites. If they see you can go out in the public or hold down a job I think it would look bad. And the way the economy is I think they are going to turn more down if they can. I personally know someone how did something illegal before he won SSDI. He found a job for 15-20 hours a week and the employeer paid him cash. I am not saying do it but there are those out there that do it. I know it is tough. It took me 3 1/2 years to finally win. Almost every bit of my backpay went to paying relatives back and a credit card. Have you tried Vocational Rehab about paying for the appointments. They paid my bills for 2 years after I lost insurance. And I went to a psychologist weekly and a psychairist monthly. you might try looking into it. Good Luck.