Working while applying
 

It has been 10 months since I applied for Disability. I have just received a letter that they want me to see a psychologist at the end of the month. I have ran out of money and can not afford to see my therapist or Psy. I was offered a part time job that I want to attempt and see what happens. Will this disqualify me for Disability?

As discussed in this thread: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread145621.html ......it is possible, but very difficult to get approved while you are working. Your case would have to prove that you can work a little, but are not capable of SGA.

Yup!

To qualify for benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, we pay monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

I go to a weekly DBSA meetings, for Bpolar and depression and stuff. The one girl there really deserves ssdi as she is seriously mentally ill, but she didn't get approved at the alj level because she was working..she desperately need money to pay some bills, food, shelter etc......I guess you have to either have a loaded husband or you need to go live off your family.
Makes no sence to me. As long as he/she is no ttaking home more that what is allowed per month.

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.

i agree,working while trying to get ssdi benefits will not help your situation in trying to win ssdi benefits..in this economy and given the financial problems that are plaguing the social security system you have to fight tooth and nail to win benefits and they will look for any excuse not to give them..by you working is giveing them the excuse not to award benefits...

I should say up front that I have a traumatic brain injury (symptoms - headache, memory loss, muscle spasms, etc) not psychological disability. I have worked but with a doctor's limit of 10 hours a week (and am subject to having to stop immediately, and there is no way I can have set hours because of the way symptoms vary) and put in the remarks section of the disability application exactly why I am not capable of working more. So I was working at time of application right through being approved.

P.S. and I was continuing my own business, not working for someone else.

The unfortunate reality is that for those that are truly unable to work, they will need to rely on family if they have any that are willing and able, utilize public/private resources, or they can potentially become homeless. If you spend any time around other injured workers, that's what happens while "we" wait. It's kind of like the SSA plays a rather mean game of chicken with applicants. "Really? You say you can't work? Let's test that theory..." While being ruthless to those that are truly unable to work, it is an effective way of weeding out those that have issues, but are still able to have SGA.

You can increase your odds of faster approval by submitting a savvy application, but if there is a chance of you being able to work part-time, you might want to try to make a go of it. You can always reapply if or when you need to. Legitimate failed work attempts can also help document your claim.

Getting SSI/SSDI approval can be a relief, but is anyone really happy when it happens? Not working can be isolating, boring, depressing, etc.

In response to the option of working under the table, why anyone would condone fraudulent activity is beyond me. And what happens to those that are injured as undocumented workers? For those of us that have Work Comp injuries, that system might be atrocious, but imagining a work injury where you had zero recourse? No thanks.

Just an idea, it might be impractical or not relevant, but what about attending a local community college part-time and collecting some financial aid to help you get by? Their are services to help accommodate students with disabilities on every campus. The classroom is a good way to test your tolerance to social environments and your physical limitations. The ideal would be to find a career that you can develop despite your disability. That might be impossible, but it's something to consider.