Going back to school and being on SSI

Hello I am new on here I am receiving supplemental security income and I want to go to a free training program called job corps. I am afraid that I may lose my benefits. I already talk to the customer service for social security and she said it is fine. I am so worry and I just keep finding websites saying it's not good. I was told that I am not ready to go to work and I should go back to school. I want to get a certificate. Can someone help me out.

Hello Oshaye: I'm sorry I cannot be of benefit with regard to your concerns. Perhaps there are some other members, here on PC, who have had some experience with this & who will yet reply to your post. However I see this is your first post here on PC. So ... welcome to PsychCentral... from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I think it is merely a security blanket you were dealt a raw deal. I don't think it should matter to go to school. I think for work you can only not make a substantial amount so that covers SSA in case you over worry about being a fraud. Until you get ready to say i want off or possibly am going to go for it then that is understandable. They have expedited if your body fails ya they understand this happens you can reapply for getting back on ssi. I'm not sure if you are going for a PHD if that will cue SSI to check if you are capable I think if you are capable . I understand for worry and our emotions this is apart of what is on our mind that isn't fair that has us collecting. If it is matter of not a good customer service rep then try in person because you have a right to know every step in what is going to happen so you don't normal worry.

Okay this sounds crazy. it is your choice on what you should go back to school or not because you are investing in your future. Remember that. Also, when it comes to the government i know many people who are scare of losing their benefits, but also, you have to make sure when comes to being on Social Security there are different law regulations. Don't ever let someone tell you that you aren't able to go back and do what needs to be done when it comes to your future. That sounds like something that you need an advocate for.

in general if someone older than 18 is on SSI and attending a college program they do lose their SSI....

that said there are special circumstances where SSI does allow a person on SSI to be in certain programs and jobs earning a living, training to become self sustaining...

my suggestion is contact your caseworker for your SSI case.. if you cant remember who that person is just contact your nearest social security office or senior and disabled office if your SSI is through them. my point either one of those will be able to tell you who your SSI case worker is and their number so that you can contact them and set up an appointment to discuss your wanting to further your education by attending job corps. they will tell you whether you will lose all or a percentage or none at all of your SSI depending upon your own individual situation.

I received SSI when I was enrolled in college.

This makes no logical sense. Somebody investing into their future does nothing but benefit the government financially because if somebody gets educated and gets decent paying job, that means that they are putting less strain on the system (in the case of SSI) and making the government more money in the form of more taxes. They should be winging people off SSI (except the ones that have a disability so severe that it would be impossible to heal enough to hold down a job that is) by giving people hand ups instead of hand outs.

With that being said, try to work something out with them so that you can go. I did a tour at a Job Corps campus one time a few years ago and I honestly wish I would have went instead of caving into people saying how the place sucks or my own anti authoritarian personality where I hate too many rules and too much structure. They do have a lot of rules but if you still struggle learning certain life skills (such as how to drive, how to manage money and time, how to live with others your age, how to cook, how to keep your place cleaned up and divide chores, ETC) it can be perfect for you.

Looking back, I think I would have gotten my life together much sooner while spending less money trying to figure out things on my own if I would have stopped listening to people and just went. Of course, now I am too old to go so it doesn't matter.

So if you can get away with going, I would advise doing so. Also see about getting a tour to a local Job Corps campus to get a feel of the place and see if it's right for you.

I have never been able to afford to be unemployed long enough to file for SSI, even when I was switching jobs every month because I couldn't handle keeping a job. Because of that I really just know the basics about SSI.

However, last year I did return to school because the demands of my previous career where more than I could handle anymore. I am still in the middle of everything so I don't know if it is going to go how I am planning but I really feel like I am doing something for the positive for my future self sufficiency. If they do lower, or cancel your SSI while you are in school if you go to an accrediated program you will be elegible for financial aid; grants, scholarships, and federal loans (stay away from private loans). That could help offset the income you may lose.

I feel the disability assistance in the US needs changes, but I also understand it is a complex issue that I do not fully understand the scope of. Getting further education to get people into fields that they can be successful in should be encouraged, even given assistance with. If you have plans for your future that are bigger than what SSI don't let the fear of losing your SSI hold you back. I know student loans can be scary but if you stick with federal ones there are really manageable income based repayment plan that will prevent you from ever getting stuck with an unmanaged bill after graduation.

Once you get your certificate maybe you will be able to work enough that you don't need SSI. Don't be scared to take the jump. Of course make out a budget and make sure that you have it planned out so that you do not have to struggle more than necessary. I have to live with very low expenses and work very hard to make it work for me, but like I said I really feel like it is going to be worth the sacrifice for me in the long term.

By all means, get into job corps, if you can. I don't know anything about that program, but I don't believe it would threaten your SSI. It could open a new pathway for you. Don't be too influenced by things you hear through the grapevine. You really need to see for yourself.