Thanks MZ yes I read the link and it pretty much clears things up for me. If I need to work part time then that's what I'll do and I'll of course report it to SSA and then if I get the long review come July so be it.
The big bill I'm talking about is rent...if I move out of mom's which I want to do since I'm almost 42, I will have about 1200-1300 to pay for an apartment, my disability is 1379, so yes things will be tight.
Thanks for replying
Canswicky

The long form review is comparable to the initial application process, btw. If you want to try working look into the Ticket to Work program as it does provide some additional protections.

If you make $770 or more in a month that will count as one of the 9 months allowed in your Trial Work Period. http://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/twp.html

If you are able to work pt it is not quite as simple as SS leaves you alone if you stay under the SGA amount. Some have reported that they have lost their benefits by proving they're capable of working near the SGA level. What is the amount that is "safe"? Who knows. You might want to consider going to college and figuring out if there is a skilled desk job you could manage and make more money per hour, which would be workable for you.

You can also utilize free Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Jobs can even include government jobs where you take incoming calls from home.

And lastly, you might want to see if there is any subsidized housing for the disabled. If your credit is in decent good shape and you wouldn't mind living in a designated rural area, the USDA offers subsidized loans to those with low income, including the disabled. The rules are pretty specific but it's an excellent loan program.

Thanks LitLove, yes I have a college degree and have had office jobs in the past. It's just with my last big break down I have lost complete confidence in being able to do any type of stressful job. Plus with my heart condition, my doctor thinks it best to look for a low key job. When I decide to think about working I will check with SSA about my options and go from there. All I know is that this in itself is making me extremely anxious and not helping my mental illness at all. My therapist says that there are plenty of jobs for disabled people and that they are able to keep their benefits, so I'll just have to follow all of the rules and have faith that all will be ok. I can't live at my mom's forever. Thanks so much for your input.
Canswicky

I've just researched the Trial work Period Program and if I decide to try part time work I think I'll look into this program...you get nine months in the trial period and if I make less than the $770 then it won't count as one of the nine months. This may work for me...but I just want to play by the rules.
thanks again for everyone's input.
Canswicky

The TWP isn't really a program, it's a work incentive...

Here's a good place to start your research:
http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearc...tailedinfo.htm

99% of the time, states lump seniors among the disabled.
Strongly suggest that you fill out applications at all the places you look into and/or interested in regarding subsidized housing. Most have waiting lists. Depending on the state or county you live in, the waiting list can stretch for years. Especially for Section 8 housing. The newer places hold lotteries. At least they do in my state.
The best thing for you to do to get you started is to go to your state and/or county's website. Click on the "Housing." tab and go from there.

Good luck!

It's best to continue on this thread then respond to the outdated threads of others.

Janke has previously written about the problem of returning to work within 12 months in this forum. Here's a link that explains why: http://cascadiadisabilitylaw.com/wp/...aimant-beware/

Ever consider a room mate to share in the monthly rent and other expenses?