Did you go back to work on the Ticket to Work program through Social Security? If it was only a few years ago, you may be in one of the earlier grace periods, and it is very easy to reinstate your benefits. Did you ever have Medicare while on SSDI or were you on SSI? I recently went back on SSDI after working for seven years and it was a simple Continuing Disability Review and they didn't take into account the fact that I worked. They look at your condition when you first went on disability and your condition now and if there isn't a significant improvement, you're approved. Most people are approved for their CDR, unlike the original application.

If it's been less than three years since your benefits were discontinued, you just need to call SS and let them know if you are unable to work. They will look at your income in that month and if it's under the earnings threshold (currently $1010 gross), they will pay your benefit for that month. Outside of that three year period, you can still apply for an Expedited Reinstatement, which is what I did. Your benefits begin immediately while they do your CDR. Your Medicare will also be reinstated without the usual two year waiting period.

Here's a link to the SS info:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/r...gbenefits.html

Again, this is for SSDI. I'm not sure how it works with SSI, but you may be eligible for SSDI since you've been working.

Also, are your student loans Federally guaranteed or are they private loans? If you have Federal student loans and become disabled, the government will write them off under a Total Conditional Disability Discharge. Call your loan servicer and ask them about it. As a minimum, you could probably get a forbearance or deferral. If you do file for a disability discharge, be sure to fill out the forms EXACTLY as they require. Do not let your doctor add any numerical diagnosis codes, make sure he puts your functional ability (GAF score) number, etc - I just went through this process and they were VERY particular about how it was filled out. I was approved and my student loan went away. It is conditional on your inability to work, so if you do go back to work at some point, they will need to be repaid, but until then, you're free and clear.

Going back on disability was not an easy decision, but I'm so glad I did.