Hello Everybody,
I have a disease that is keeping me from the normal job market. At times, I am bedridden, other times, I function normally. I am collecting Social Security, and I am allowed to work, as long as the amount does not exceed $600 per month. After that, I can loose my benefits. The problem is, The paperwork is horrendous, and it also flags me for a closer look. I would rather not jeopardise this steady income, as I depend on it to survive. I am only able to make about $150-$200 per month M.S'ing but I am very concerned about divulging my S.S # on applications. Also, does PayPal report any account activity? Are there any other things I should worry about? or take care of? Please, any help will be VERY appreciated.
Michelle

I don't know how all that works, but I have heard of folks losing their disability because they didn't follow the rules. If you are allowed to work and you can do so it is probably good for you to do so in the most general sense (not just financial). I would guess that like anything else the initial rounds of doing the paperwork will indeed be horrendous. Is there someone at Social Security who could help you with the paperwork the first few times? I don't think you dare work and NOT claim it. Among other things you need to claim it with your tax return each year and IRS and Social Security share at least some information. Divulging your SSN to MSPs to work for them is going to be a requirement because of the pressures on them and penalties for hiring illegal workers. Whether Paypal does or doesn't divulge information is the least of your problems.

In my opinion, you would get more credit for attempting self sufficiency despite a disability if you DID work when you were able and didn't work when you were ill. This would add credence to your not being able to handle a regular job. And of course as an independent contractor with 'your own business' you will be showing little profitability from your 'business' because of the expenses. You probably would lose credibility as being disabled if you did 3-4 jobs every day all week every week. So yes,you might get red flagged for review but I suspect your disability is not based on being bed-ridden 365 days a year but rather medically unable to support more normal employment.

I'm sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time healthwise. I have a close friend with an illness that sometimes leaves her too exhausted to get out of bed and dress herself. At other times she can do as much as anyone else. She is on disability too.
I agree with Flash that it is unwise, (and probably a felony,) to try to hide your income from social security. I know you must be really tight on money, but you might see if you can locate an advocate that can help you through the maze of rules about how much you can make. If you have a specific illness that has a support group in your area, you might start with them. As I recall, the whole social security payment isn't taken away if you go over a certain amount. I think it's something like: after you make x dollars, they take away $1 for every $3 that you earn over the X amount.

Hi Kia Sophia! I'm so sorry to hear about your bedridden days, but I'm delighted that you have "normal" days. If you MUST have bedridden days, I pray the ratio could be 1% bedridden to 99% mormal. That would be super!
I was on long term disability and when that ran out, I had to go on SS Disability.
I couldn't work at all, because I didn't know how I was going to be functioning at any given moment, on any given day. I don't know anything at all about working while you are on SS Disability except that you dare NOT do it behind their backs.
What they DON'T know, will, in the end, hurt YOU. Don't be afraid to call them. Explain your situation and ask what the regs are about working. I think it would be best to accent the bedridden days and keep the good days at a lower level.
You could also go online and type Social Security Disability into your search box and you'll find the official webpage and many more also.
I do know this - SS Disability and regular SS are 2 different animals. I'm almost OK now, and I'm collecting SS because of my age. The lady @ the SS Disability office did that for me when I turned 65, because she said I would get more money being on regular SS.
I'd have never known that unless she'd told me. They're good people, so call and you can make an appointment, if you want, or just ask questions on the phone.
Good luck! I'll bet the answer will be just what you want to hear.

Hey, Kia Sophia, My mother is also on SSI but, she is able to work if she doesn't make over a certain amount each year. Her VA found her a job where other disabled people work and at the end of the year they basicly get laid off, for a hot minute. She also depends on her SSI, I agree with Flash and the others the recoil of shafting the GOV. sure isn't worth it. My son gets SSDI and we can't go over 30,000ish, and if we loose SS we won't be able to afford all the doctors visits. For us its not so much the $ but, realisticly who can afford a shrink, weekly, plus all the meds? I have emailed and asked the SS office questions about our case and they have always been very direct and helpful. Most people believe the goverment should and are obligated to help those in need, so I think the SSpeople "for the most part" have big hearts and will tell ya how to help yourself. Thier are very informative people here on this site who can help you write off stuff so you stay in your boundries.

Dear Michelle,

I am in the same proverbial boat. I have Parkinsons, and have good days and bad days.

I make about 2K a month shopping. I plan days off, and do 8 shops when I have a good day.

I make sure the company is legit (MSPA is a good source) and then I give them my Social Security number. You would if you were applying for any job,

Good luck. Shopping has been good to me; I make sure my schedulers know my situation, and then work for the companies that show understanding and compassion. Most do. They really just want to know the status of the shop. Don't ever leave them hanging.