I don't have an answer for the SSDI part, dk, but I certainly encourage you in doing whatever it takes to follow your dream. Sometimes it's all the compass we need in life. Friends and being able to ask for help make following your heart so much more easier.

Best of luck,

fdl

Yes, you can go to school. They will see if you qualify. SSDI wants you to return to work and eager to help. You will still have to pay for you're schooling like loans and such.

Depending on the type of schooling or retraining you need, check into DVR (Division of Vocational Rehab), You have to be disabled and qualify for services on that, but they help pay for schooling.

Oh, you will keep your benefits while in school and I think until you are stable in work

Call your local social security office and ask them. Go straight to the source. Good luck with your dreams. I just decided to study as of yesterday.

Yes, u can go to school. I took a couple courses at a community college, and u can go to social security to get a waiver form so u don't have to pay for tuition, don't know if they will cover an online course but its worth checking out. They don't pay for books, but the tuition waiver is a help, and it doesn't affect ur ssdi. Hope this helps. hugs, tedi

Thanks for the info. That would really be great to be able to go back to school.

However, I've been warned that if a person on SSDI tries to go back to work or school that SS may take a harder look at whether you should continue to get the benefits at all. Has anyone heard of that happening?

For returning to work yes, not for school, from my personal experience.

Hi Mona - You have a 9 month trial work period where you can earn as much as you like. If you don't succeed as I have not, you can work part time as they approved me for, but I can't make more than 1000/month. They will remove you from SSDI if you can make it through the 9 months. DVR is a great resource, they can give you ALL the details if you are already on SSDI. Retraining, part time work.. they work with you and evaluate; they know all the inside and outs of how SSDI works. They may review you if you are doing well.

Oh, straight to the source is a great idea, thanks darkendheart. Its a Federal Program and the rules are the same for all states, but your local office or DVR knows ALL

I'm kind of nervous the whole thing is online and I'm not sure how motivated I will be to stick with it. That is why I want to do one test class first.

I'm worried about loosing benefits. I need my meds or I can't function. Also I"m doing this so I can work for myself basically how does SSDI view that? Making a graphic novel takes time and effort and you don't get paid up front. this is not like a 9-5 job with structure. This is me trying to work with flexible hours and time limits. Also depends on pot luck.

that's why I'm wondering if this isn't a hair brained scheme.

The 9 month trial work program does not have to be 9 consistent months. For all practical purposes, the 9 months can cover the span of 8 years.
As I understand from SSDI, the max threshold that one can earn in a single month without it affecting one's disability is $799.
As for school, I would head the advice of those that have already chimed in about this.

They have back to work programs so why not back to school. It leads to employment in the end.