Thanks LL, this was a totally free one. I have no doubt it would come with pressure to sign up for the whole program. Not gonna happen ! I just want to see IF I could manage one class.

Even if I were to be successful at this one, I've got a senior in high school and a sophomore coming up. No tuition money left for mommy ! For 6/7 years anyway....and even then I couldn't justify it. Unless WC decides to start approving treatment that might improve my condition, there's no way I can work.

Even if I could do coursework one class at a time, I'm not paying $50,000 just to say I HAVE my masters, that I can't do anything with.....as much as I would like to say I 'got' it

OK-this makes more sense! (I was more than a little thrown that it was YOU making this post...) But, you might very well still qualify for a scholarship (even if your household income keeps you from receiving financial aid) based on your disability. If it's not for a potential career, and you're not in the classroom (getting out of the house and socializing) it might not be worth the CDR risk when you are essentially learning independently and can get the same result with just reading the texts. I'm sure you've thought this through yourself, but sometimes I like stating the obvious.

I think I'll take you up on that pact finz

During my appointment with my Neurologist yesterday I brought this subject up with him. I told him about the online program I'm interested in. He said, Of course he isn't a "Social Security Disability Claims Reviewer", but he didn't think that taking one course online at a time should have a negative impact on my SSDI claim. He flat out said that I'm still disabled and that l still cannot work in any capacity. All of his reports still support this and will continue to support my disability. He also said there's a big difference between taking one class online and being at the computer a few hours a week vs holding a full time job and working on the computer all day long in addition to other office duties (which was my previous occupation before I was approved for SSDI)

He actually encouraged me to look into this further because in his opinion it's always good to keep the mind occupied with something other than my disability.

I'm still investigating it but feel better about it now that I spoke to my Neuro.

Shari, I don't think you'll have a problem keeping your benefits either if you take one class at a time online. Just, realize that it will mean you have to go through the longer form CDR which you must treat seriously--almost as if you're starting a new application. You will open a can of worms by attending school--I do believe it'll be a small can of worms though.

Would a slight delay until after your CDR has been successfully processed make your life a little easier? If it's a short wait, I'd consider it...

And I might sound like a hypocrite for suggesting this to you...but your situations are very different.

Having your doc/s be supportive is helpful. It's impossible to be approved without their help, but their support isn't enough to ensure approval either.

LIT LOVE I'd prefer to wait until after my CDR but to be honest I have no idea when it will actually happen. My SSDI was approved in April 2009 retro back to January 2006. I'm due up for a review in 2012 but I hear some people say that Social Security is backlogged on reviews up to a couple years.

I have no problem waiting. I do have a problem waiting for years. But maybe I need to wait for a few other reasons anyway. It would be a lot better on my mind to know that I have been approved for another 3 years. It would allow me to enjoy learning about Christian Ministry on a deeper level and not worry about my benefits being taken away for doing so. As I have stated before, it's personal learning, not in hopes of entering the workforce again. Also for the sense of personal accomplishment as well. Being ill for so many years and on disability for the last five have taken so much away from me.

I truly appreciate everyone's opinions because I know everyone understands and has my best interest at heart.

I was approved in 11/07 and had my First CDR a few months back. Someone else mentioned the backlog on CDR will continue to decrease due to special funding.

I agree with your point of view. Time wise you're kind of in limbo. I just wanted to remind you of my concerns for you. Approval and CDRs can be a difficult thing to deal with regardless of the outcome.

I have had friends become very active in bible study groups. I'm just thinking you could, perhaps begin your journey in a way that wouldn't bring added stressors to your life. Is there volunteer training for you to lead a bible study group (just one example) or something else that your minister might suggest that wouldN't require alerting SS when your CDR hits?

Many programs allow you to test out of certain classes and requirements via testing or experience too. It can be a great way to save money.

If you're not concerned about the CDR, I don't want to make you paranoid! I just wanted to make sure you realize the consequences...

Good luck, whatever you decide!

lol ... LIT LOVE
Over the past year I have finally been able to become a little more active in my Church (and I stress a LITTLE) In the few areas that I have been able to involve myself in, I have found great joy and purpose in doing so. THAT is the reason why I'm interested in the Online Christian Ministry Program. I wanted to gain deeper knowledge about this at a more formal educational level and was led to this particular program.

I totally understand what you are saying and I value your opinion greatly. I truly do and am not going to make any decisions without thinking hard and long about them. I will continue to look elsewhere to see if I can find what I'm searching for in a different manner.

You have given me things to consider and that's what this forum is all about: Discussions and helping each other with sound, heartfelt advice.

Thank You!

Hello, I am new and not as familiar with this forum's customs. I think my question is similar to OP so I hope it's OK to post it here, and not start a new thread. I have read all the posts in this thread but they seem to be concerned w/ the review process, whereas my question is about college and the end interview.

I am 24 and applied for SSI this April for Bipolar Disorder, type I. I've had numerous hospitalizations for mania since I was 17. I've also had depressive episodes over the past 18 months. I have not worked since Nov. 2010. At the time I applied for SSI, I was going through a severe depressive period and was on medical leave from school (my fourth such medical leave). However, I petitioned the school to let me return in Sept. b/c I was no longer depressed to the point of paralysis. Manic symptoms have also been in check. The school granted my request and I'm currently in school full time, although it is very difficult.

Anyway, I was kind of surprised to hear from SSI last week. I think the woman said I was approved for disability (the connection was bad and I couldn't make her out clearly, which is why I'm not 100% sure) and she arranged a time for me to conduct a phone interview with her on Monday. This call was from the local SSA office btw, the one where I had my initial interview at the time I applied for SSI. I really was not expecting to be approved the first time, especially since I did not use a lawyer and there were a lot of delays in the submission of my paperwork (from me, my doctor, and from the hospital for records).

Do you guys think this is the end interview after approval? If not, then what other reason would she need to arrange an appointment to speak with me? If it really is an end interview b/c I was medically approved, then will they ask me about school? I have not had any income or increase in resources so I believe I still qualify financially, however I am not sure to what extent my going to school will matter at this point. Also, when she was trying to reach me last week, my mom told her I might be in class, so will the interviewer be obliged to follow up on that point? Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

PS I should also add that I only have a few classes to complete before I get my BA. I do not plan on being on SSI for more than 1-2 years. Bipolar disorder is hard to predict, b/c there are periods of full remission followed by periods of debilitating illness, but my plan is to achieve remission for longer and longer periods and be able to work full time in my field after graduation.

Im not sure with SSI, but with Social Security Disability you should have no problem going to school. Not only that, but your allowed to legally work part time & make up to around $1000/month without it effecting your SSD

Lina:
You do not have a legal requirement to tell them you're going to school. You do have to tell them when you've had a medical improvement, so if you applied during a period you were not well enough to go to school, and have now improved so that you can go to school, yes, you probably should tell them. Will it be fraudulent if you don't? Who knows.

Bulldog: A little info can be a dangerous thing.

Giving advise out like the above is dangerous. Buyers beware. I'm not going to retype the issues regarding PT work. The info is available in other recent posts.