Rather sick of it myself, I am only 25 and on SSI...didn't really have a chance to develop a career or consistant job position to later become disabled and get on disability. I have aspergers and have also developled reoccuring major depression, generalized anxiety and PTSD, I tried to go to college but that only made matters worse and totally burnt me out due to the stress of it all. So I cannot even say I worked and paid into the system for a time, never even made it that far. Kind of difficult budgeting money, obviously have to take care of my needs and paying rent as well as phone bill as I need means to communicate...then also attempting to have anything left over for anything to perhaps make my life more pleasant, but seems like there is stigma surrounding it if you are on disability and able to occasionally afford a couple things you enjoy or want rather than absolutely 'need'.Trying to figure out ways to maybe earn a little extra but not above the amount they would cut me off SSI for and so no official jobs just things to get occasional side money like maybe taking part in a market research study...when I called and talked to someone from the SSI organization or whatever they said a check from those here and there doesn't count as something I'd have to report...same with gift money but don't know my family will be giving me any christmas money(not really expecting it though it would help immensely). But I hate just barely scraping by and then wanting to avoid people out of embarassment of having to admit you cannot afford to go do anything...I guess on the brightside most people I know are financially struggling somewhat to so I don't get judged too terribly harshly, but also have an interest in meeting new people where that is more of a concern.