Hi whimsygirl,

I am on SSI myself, as I didn't work enough prior to my disabilities to qualify for SSDI.

There is an earnings limit of $698/month from SSI. You CAN work to increase your income somewhat, however, your future payment amounts will decrease so that you aren't overpaid. I just discovered this myself yesterday & believe me, I was NOOTTTT happy!! The first $85/month made don't affect your benefits. From there, everything above is subtracted from that $698.

Example: In August, they say that I earned $900.00
Subtract the $85.00, which equals $815.00
By law, they don't count half of the wages...which becomes $407.50
In October, the most SSI can pay me is the $698, minus $407.50
Therefore, my SSI payment in October will be $290.50

A f'ing nightmare!!! What got SSI to that ridiculously high income amount for August is that they added whatever they'd given me, plus the $250 - $300 that I earned at my job. I'm SO upset, as I really liked helping the elderly at a nursing home. Now, I can't even do that without being financially penalized! WTH??! So, I get to go into work tomarrow with my 2-weeks notice, because it makes no sense to be working. I had thought that I could make and extra $100 or $200/month so I could afford to buy groceries and gas, but I guess not.

That's my experience. I'd advise you to look into things very closely if you're still interested in trying to bring in some additional cash or find some enjoyment out of fulfilling needs of others. Very best wishes to you!!