Yes, you can still work part-time, but you can only bring in so much income per month or your benefits will get cut off.

What you get depends on how much you've put into the system over the years. You can probably find out on the Social Security website.

SS can take all your info over the phone; it takes about an hour. I wouldn't bother paying a lawyer unless you get denied and really think you have a case. Since you've been able to work even a limited amount in the last year, your chances are slim, frankly. You have to be completely unable to work and be expected to be completely unable to work for a year, or to die within a year.

Good luck.