[newtus]

SO i have a couple of questions.
im 24. i have SSDI filed for schizoaffective disorder under Disabled Adult Child Before 22.

1. i would like to do a couple of online college courses. ive searched SSA.gov and other many websites forums about doing school on SSDI but i havent seen any "hard facts" or answers about it. ive read a lot of good opinions. i know my illness doesnt allow me to goto school physically (like face-to-face) because its overwhelming being around a lot of people and my illness flares up. i went to college in the past and have been hospitalized numerous times for this illness. i was kicked out of one college for being psychotic in it and the police picked me up. etc other numerous non-school related hospitalizations.

i do worry about the stress of school and if i can even complete a class at all.

ive read the manuals about what i need to report to SSA and says nothing about school. yet i saw a supposed example form of a continuing review online and it asks if youve attended school.

in short: i dont know if im risking my SSDI and medicare by taking a couple of courses.


2. Ive had SSDI for a little over 3 years or very close to it and i havent gotten my review at all. any idea why?

[sabby]

Hey newtus,

I think the best way to get an answer to your question about college classes is to call your local SSA office and ask them your question. I didn't happen to find anything specific on the SSA.gov website about it either.

I don't believe that going to school whether it be online courses or on campus would affect your SSDI. But like I said, it's best to get your question answered by a SSA representative.

As for your 2nd question...When you received your acceptance letter they normally state when they expect to do your next review. Like my letter told me it would be 4 to 7 years before they would do a review. So now, I've got 2 to 5 years before I'm scheduled for a review.

[newtus]

Thanks.
Yea they said ever 3 year review but its been over 3 years?

[Perna]

A disabled child before 22 gets the "adult" version (older than 18) of disability, which means you were deemed disabled by the adult standards, not the child standards which are different. While going to school full time and being successful could indicate you were no longer disabled (depending on what factors you were deemed disabled by and I would think your college experiences being asked to leave would be part of that), "trying the waters" so-to-speak by taking an online course or two would not bother them.

Some illnesses do not engender their looking into as often as the prognosis is not one where the person is likely to become well quickly and they already have in place where you report any changes such as schooling or jobs, income, getting married, etc.

[Rose76]

I would not report it, if I were you. Also, I would not take out any federally supported school loans. Also, you might want to limit it to one course.

[~Christina]

I questioned this to my local SSA .. According to them If I can attend a class or devote X amount of hours to online courses then they would find me able to work , even the most menial of jobs, and I would lose my benefits.

Check with your local office and by all means have them print out their response then you have proof.