[Monk Watcher]

Here is my story: I had to quit college because I had a breakdown. After a few years I got my SSI and my loans were written off.
Now I'd love to try and go back to school but the schools say I have to sign a paper saying I am no longer disabled to get any type of financial aid.
Problem: I am still disabled and if I signed the paper the government would take away my check. Then I'd not have any money to live on or pay my bills. But I can't figure out how to get off SSI without a degree. All the things I'm good at require atleast a BS/BA. The jobs I could get with my AA in Liberal Arts aren't things I can do physically.
Ideas?

[Travelinglady]

Hey, Monk Watcher. What a dilemma! How about just taking a course or two along the way, so that won't cost so much? It will take longer, but at least you could keep your money.

[Perna]

I would see if the Ticket To Work program could get me good-enough training in something I could do so I could get off SSI and then I would pursue whatever education I wanted.

[jenniy122]

Don't forget if it's been within 3 years of your loan forgiveness you'll have to pay it back if you come off disability, and they're likely to deny you forgiveness again if you take out more loans and become disabled again in the future.

[JoeS21]

Originally Posted by Monk Watcher

Here is my story: I had to quit college because I had a breakdown. After a few years I got my SSI and my loans were written off.
Now I'd love to try and go back to school but the schools say I have to sign a paper saying I am no longer disabled to get any type of financial aid.
Problem: I am still disabled and if I signed the paper the government would take away my check. Then I'd not have any money to live on or pay my bills. But I can't figure out how to get off SSI without a degree. All the things I'm good at require atleast a BS/BA. The jobs I could get with my AA in Liberal Arts aren't things I can do physically.
Ideas?

I've heard that some Employment Networks are willing to pay for a BA degree. If you go that route, make sure you learn about their rules and if they require you to make "timely progress" to keep your benefits.

[hvert]

I have no idea what programs are available where you are, but there may be something that lets you go to school while you are on SSI. A friend of mine is enrolled in a program like that here. He only takes 2 classes a semester and I think he's had a few part time jobs, without endangering his SSI.

[alicetailor]

I agree with JoeS21, Getting in touch with employment networks will prove to be helpful. Do that and I'm sure your problem will be solved.