Shez,
Hi. If you ask a social security rep about the back to work program I think you'll get the reassurance you need. Don't quote me on this...but, I believe you can make up to $540 per month without anything happening to your benefits. Once you exceed that amt (even if it's $2000 per month) you have nine additional work weeks once you go over that $540 limit. When you have worked 9 weeks making over $540 (these wks. do not have to be consecutive) the work trial is over, and you will not receive anymore benefits..but if within 5 months you can't handle it and your pdoc agrees, your benefits will be reinstated immediately. This for SSDI. I THINK this would be the same for SSI (I just realized you were talking about SSI). Just ask someone at the social security office about this (not your case worker or that Jeff guy)
SSA (800)-772-1213.
Good luck
-bcuz