Anyone trying to go back to work from SSDI?

I've been on SSDI for 2 years now and desperately trying to get back to work. I really need the money, since disability money is not nearly enough to support me and my 2 kids, but I also feel totally worthless and useless without a job.

I studied a lot-have a Masters Degree- and it was very hard and I feel like I did it for nothing.
I'm working with an agency through SSD Ticket to Work program, which tries to find me a work from home, customer service job. I would rather work outside from home but have 2 kids, one is special needs, so right now this would be a good start to get back. Pay is not good though but I want to give it a try. I've been trying to get a job on my own but I have a 4 year gap since I was fired from last job due to my bipolar, so that doesn't look good on the resume.

Anyone with the same or similar issue???

I am also on SSDI but my doctors have said I will likely not go back to work. I totally sympathize with your need for more money. SSDI is hardly enough to support two kids on. I also sympathize with your desire to use your degree. I was a teacher and just finished the endorsements for Early Childhood Ed and English as a Second Language. That was 21 hours of schooling each. I know the feeling of uselessness. As I get further into recovery I am trying to build a life that gives back. Good luck to you wherever you land and know that people out here understand.

Thanks for the kind words!!
I don't really have a support net to fall back on, neither any kind of stability so I need to do something...Very stressful and scary when there are 2 kids who completely depend on me, bipolar or not. My little son is physically disabled and has other cognitive issues so that makes it even more difficult. I've used up all my savings etc. Never thought that I would get in a situation like this, very surreal for sure. From suburban working mom, to urban and poor, needing food stamps....
I feel like that I dug a big hole for myself with very poor choices and there is no way out. Only a miracle would help...I do believe in miracles....so there is some hope.

Im on disability right now. I haven't worked in a year and I get reviewed next year.

Im really scared. I feel totally useless and ashamed being on it but I wasn't really working even when I had a job. Im scared of what will happen. What if I fail again? Stress sends me into cycling and it gets ugly.

Do your children not receive monthly benefits? I am on SSDI since 2000 and my son received a check for nearly $900 until he turned nineteen years old.

My children get very little, $290 all together for the 2 of them. I guess I didn't work that many years, that's why.

I don't feel shamed at all, because it's not our fault, but this is not the solution for me financially and I do feel that I'm well enough to work now. How do you know know when you get reviewed? It's been 2 years since I got on but haven't heard anything about a review yet.

Would your pdoc agree to you working? It may be time to look into areas tha
t have better living standards. Do you know all your resources in your area?

Andrea, your SSDI CDR (Continuing Disability Review) date should be in the award letter that you received when you were first approved. CDR's usually are done on a one, three or seven year basis depending on the likelihood your condition may improve.

It was on my paper when I was approved.

Look up the limitations SS has with you getting a job. Once you lose it, you cannot get it back without starting from square one in sending in an application again. I do remember that there is a type of expedited disability for the first few years that you work.

I am on SSDI (have been for awhile), went through Vocational Rehab over the last several years to get retraining by going back to school for a different degree, just graduated in May, passed my boards, and finally got the courage to find a job in July (after not working for 14 years), which I started at the end of July.

The gap in my work history could be explained to potential employers because, I did not tell them about the MH illness but, I took the time to care for my ailing grandparents and to go back to school. In your case, you took time to care for your family to explain the gap.

I was motivated by three things: 1. to be self-supporting and independent, 2. the need for more money, and 3. to prove to myself for my self esteem that I could do it again; I too was feeling worthless without a job. It has been with quite a few struggles but I am getting through the days so far.

I would recommend you talk with your local social security office or go online to get the information about returning to work as there are guidelines and policies as to how income can affect your social security, the trial work period months, reporting income, loss of benefits after this trial work period, and the reinstatement period after the trial work period should something happen to aggrevate your disability that you cannot work (which is 36 months after the trial work period ends). After that is when you have to start from scratch to refile as the above poster mentions. It is important to know all this information so you don't loose your benefits prematurely. This is the brochure that talks about it directly from Social Security.:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf

If you have any questions after reading this, contact them.

I wish you well as you move forward. Hang in there meanwhile.

Thanks for all the info! They give you 5 years actually to go back on it without going through the process again.

I am scared I wont be reapproved and then I will be left trying to work again and what happens if all the insanity happens again?

Good luck getting reinstated after your three year period is up. JMHO

Are you talking to me?

I've been on ssd for about 6 years and have been working a part time job for four of those years...I did get reviewed and nothing happened to my benefits at all. I wish I could get a new career...the one I'd want is out of my reach. I'd love to be a nurse in the psych ward but I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of school or the stress from that kind of job. I love to help other people. I suppose I could go into social work but that wouldn't pay much more than I'm getting now. It's inspiring to know there are others on ssd who want to get back in the workforce. Good luck to you!

I am just saying that you have valid concerns. Do your research. It might be wise to see a lawyer to help you navigate the rules and policies of SSDI. This is what I am going to do.

I used a lawyer to appeal. I cant afford to pay him out of pocket to help with review.