shortandcute and Hellion, I agree with you both. I wouldn't be applying for SSI if I felt I had other options. However, sometimes we just don't. I don't have someone else who can work for me, and bring home money and give me cash when I need a sick day. I am on my own with this stuff, and now I am being told not to work, and take a break from my school so I don't get worse...it is hard to do that without an income though...So I agree, while we may not want the government more involved in our lives...I sure as hell don't, I don't have very many options at this point...