Yikes!! Do you think that I am in trouble?
 

I read the post further down about having your benefits cancelled. I have been on disability for 10 yrs now. I have Parkinsons disease, I see a neurologist regularly, my pcp every month or so, and take meds as appropriate. I have been taking classes here and there to keep busy and give my mind something to do at the local college. Not chasing any degree or job- I havent worked a bit in 10 yrs. Do you think its a bad idea to be taking these classes- English, MS Office, Psychology, etc?
I have never had a review.

I can't see anyone with Parkinson's or MS for example, improving enough medically to get cancelled, once benefits were granted. Those two conditions are medically considered progressive and disabling. Some MSers remit, but not all by a long shot.

Taking a class here and there doesn't equate being able to hold a job. And unless your Parkinsons is cured (which would be a miracle), it is doubtful you would be found no longer disabled. Getting disability benefits doesn't mean you can't have mental challenges in your life.

Your disability may help you. My lawyer told me not to take classes or try any type of work unless I was ready to get back out there full time. But my disability involves mental disabilites.

Once you've been declared disabled SSI/SSDI-why do people even want to mess with going to school or working part-time? Learn to enjoy staying home. If you want to learn-go to the library.Order books online. When I worked I was in work-mode. I am disabled so I am in non-work mode. I think alot of people here weren't ready to stop working and were ill-prepared for what would happen if they became disabled. I look at it as early retirement.

Wow I really do not know how to answer this 1. I am only 43. I do not want to live off the Government the rest of my life. I used to work 12-16 hours a day for 6 days a week for Ford Motor. I miss having a schedule. Do not get me wrong I do like seeing my children and taking themto all of their activities. But I am home by myself all day Monday thru Friday until the kids get out of school and my wife from work. I was very socially active. Now I have to answer to people why I am sitting at home and they have to work. I avoid people because of this. I didn't even go to my 25th class reunion last weekend because of it. How do you answer questions like so what are you doing now.... Disability is great don't get me wrong. Without it we would be on the streets. I just don't want to stay on it forever. That's why I continue going to my psychologist and psychiarist. I pray they can find the right meds so I can return to some type of work.

The best advice i can give anyone is not to tell other people you are on ssdi. There is a great deal of jealousy out there especially in this economy. Depending on your age you can say you are retired or research and invest in the stock market at home. its really nobodys business.

Just because you are on disability does not mean you stop living. I have taken multiple art classes, including one on writing and illustrating children's books. Doesn't mean I will be able to support myself as an artist or an author just because I take a class. It is not easy when you have an invisible disability like MS can be . . . or Crohn's. People always say "but, you look so good." I do not believe disability should preclude one from growing intellectually or obtaining skills they don't have. Where you must be careful is if you are keeping a schedule that indicates you could be productive for an 8 hour day. Full time school is out, as is full-time volunteer work. Both could be seen as evidence of the ability to punch someone else's time clock for pay.

I once (a couple of years ago) did a 5 day painting workshop. We started every day at 9am and quit about 4:30-5pm. By the end of the week I was totally exhausted and convinced it would take a miracle to be able to do that for even one more week. . . let alone every week! Heck, i can't even work at my easel in my home every day . . . some days are just too miserable to be creative. I used to work in a high-stress multi-tasking profession . . . forget it now! If I get pain relief from my Rx mix, I am not in any shape to make decisions with other people's lives at that point!

But, Hoosier-daddy, I hear you. Whenever I have more than 2-3 good days in a row I get my hopes up that maybe, just maybe, it will last. Eight years now. . . and it never lasts. I miss the challenges, interaction with people, and the chance to squirrel away money for "retirement." Ha! Poverty here I come. . . .

Outside Activities OK
 

I think it's great that you are taking classes to keep you sanme. A class here or there is not a problem, taking a full load of courses would be a different situation. A full time student is like having a full time job. There's no way SSA will find out unless you tell them
Respectfully,
Trudi

My review will be in 2 years if I remember right. Do I have to tell them if I take 1-2 classes. I have been told by my psychologist because of issues I have that this is the best for me right now. I want to do this but not if I will lose my benefits. I have never had a review so I do not know what they ask for.