Marshalette,

If a person can handle working full-time regularly, than they really should not be on SSI. When I was awarded SSI, I also received a "Ticket to Work" which is a voucher for education in whatever field so if I am physically and emotionally able to work significantly, I will be able to use that voucher to get into a decent line of work. {Hopefully making more than minimum wage}

However, I am unable to work more than 15 hours a week (tops!). I send photocopies of my checks to the local Social Security office every month. They do their math ~ the first $87 (or something like that) is not considered. From there, they divide the remainder by 2 and subtract that amount from the top SSI amount (which is $713). The difference is the amount that SSI will be giving for the month.

If a person on SSI shows that they can work on a full-time basis for 6 months or so, they will no longer receive benefits. Nor should they, really! However, if that person moves back into the ill state that they were in before, and is no longer able to work, BOOM! and they're back onto SSI. No need to go through the long process again. YAY!!! Of course, I haven't experienced this myself, as I cannot work enough, but it is what I've been told by a couple of professionals.

It does stink that our SSI goes down when we work, and rent payments go up, and we usually lose food assistance as well. But, the benefits still do outweigh the negatives IMO. The big positive for me is being able to contribute somewhat to my community. Caring for the elders in my area. That makes me feel better. Just sitting around day after day at home, not giving a hoot about the day or time of day depresses me even more...I'd rather take my mind off my problems as much as I can!

I am sorry that you had this hard awakening from your neighbor (who's also on SSI), but please don't take advantage of Social Security. Working under the table holds all of us on SSI and SSDI back & is one of the reasons Social Security can be such a bear to get onto!