Afraid of losing SSI

I don't know if my fears are rational or not.

I began going to my local Workforce Center to get assistance in getting a job that I can do. I've gone through a company assessing my current skills, through 3 different work trials. Two went pretty well, one was horrible. My guy at Workforce Center, named Jeff, seems quick and abrupt with me. And I'm not good with people like that.

I struggle to focus & comprehend everything said, when he's talking about different aspects of his next appointment with me. Thankfully, a guy that used to work with me (at my beginning of disability) was present at today's meeting, and offerred to come with to my next appointment. To help me understand.

I just fear that Jeff wants to get me out to work as much as possible, and get off SSI. I am afraid to do that! Afraid that I can't handle it. I've agreed to part-time work, and adamently said that I know I can't handle full-time. Not simply because I have young children that I'm responsible for. But, mainly because my brain has limits. Plain and simple! When I go past those limits, I fall apart emotionally and then physically. It is NOT fun to go through.

I'm terrified that the aim to get me off SSI will make me fall apart. Just a couple of weeks ago, I got all mixed up with my medicine intake. Just one week, and I became a basket case!

Okay...I am panicking. Sorry. I am just so scared that I'll be off SSI, and then kicked out of my apartment, I won't be able to handle it, and it will be too late ~ I'll be out of "the system". They making budget cuts galore, to balance the state budget.

Can anyone offer knowledge (and/or reassurance) of the system? Will I be okay going to work part-time? Is it just a matter of time before SSI is taken away and I lose medical assistance??

SSI, as you know is "supplemental". If you work part-time I'm sure you won't be earning enough to support your family! They don't reduce your income on a 1:1 basis either and there are lots of reasons they will keep it up even if you are working:

http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-work-ussi.htm

Shez,
Hi. If you ask a social security rep about the back to work program I think you'll get the reassurance you need. Don't quote me on this...but, I believe you can make up to $540 per month without anything happening to your benefits. Once you exceed that amt (even if it's $2000 per month) you have nine additional work weeks once you go over that $540 limit. When you have worked 9 weeks making over $540 (these wks. do not have to be consecutive) the work trial is over, and you will not receive anymore benefits..but if within 5 months you can't handle it and your pdoc agrees, your benefits will be reinstated immediately. This for SSDI. I THINK this would be the same for SSI (I just realized you were talking about SSI). Just ask someone at the social security office about this (not your case worker or that Jeff guy)
SSA (800)-772-1213.
Good luck
-bcuz

Thank you so much Perna!

That link was reassurring on most of my worries ~ phew!

Don't "catastrophize" your situation. (That's when you what if yourself to death).... I wouldn't mention having to take care of your children as an excuse to stay on SSI and not work, as there are millions of moms that are in that situation but have to work.

Not being able to handle the full time work load, and stay healthy -not being able to take care of yourself without becoming overwhelmed, well that's good enough imo.

Everyone is afraid to go off assistance once they are on it. Try and look at the good side of this, you get to see just how much of normalcy you can handle. If a little bit of work helps you feel better about yourself, gets you to socialize etc., then it's beneficial. If it's really too much, you'll know soon enough.

I hope you do well, and can gradually work up to a good work day that suits you and your health. Be well.

its all good...try and relax now....oh how I know those feelings. I was on ssi for seven years...I tried to go back to work, but, it just was'nt happening. 674..food stamps...section 8....budget,budget,budget....first I had to learn accounting skills..hehe....then I had to go to law school(just kidding) to understand the terminology...ITS A JOB BEING ON SSI.....stressed?...oh my goodness gracious!

oh.....and then food shopping with not enough money to eat healthy...or feed my mental illness......shez.....I'm feelin'yaaa.....

there was a reason I was recieved ssi, instead of ssdi....I tried to go back to work, while on ssi....waywayway to much bs.....overloaded myself manymany times...so

I said some prayers......and ended up workin a few days a month, cash, with a new found friend that needed some help on a farm.......and started my little cash drawer.

I didnt do meds....cuz I wanted to drive..no dui's today, but I did exercise and still do, everyday...and tried to eat right....expenses...

Thank you sparrowstail!

You definitely do understand my perspective ~ thank you. There are no other words that can sum up my feelings...