Why I can't work

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Ok, the thing is, I'm high functioning and all, but I really can't work, and it's all because of SSI.

1) If I go to work, and make over a certain ridiculously low amount ($1000 USD) for any nine months (doesn't have to be a contiguous nine months) my benefits, including Medicare, get cut off.

2) If I don't have health insurance, I can't afford my meds.

3) Without the meds, I'm crazy, and can't handle a job.

4) So then I would have no meds, no benefits, and be totally reliant on my parents, or be one of those crazy street people you see.

So the logical course of action is to not work. Or work off the books. But I'm concerned about my benefits not being there one day, but a job isn't reliable either, since most jobs are temp positions. ARGH!

How about working part time or starting your own business. Just enough to make a little less than you are allowed to make.

That's what I plan to do, when I get to the point of being able to do that.

Volunteer work?

You have to do something meaningful. Otherwise you'll just go absolutely nuts. Which is worse than being psychologically nuts, trust me.

Have you tried talking to your state's vocational rehab agency? They might be able to get you training for a job that'll give you a salary high enough to afford health insurance.

There's also the Medicare buy-in option. Considered that?

Look for a full-time job with benefits. Use the health insurance benefits through your new job to get your meds. Get off SSI.
Start saving money. Supporting yourself is a magical concept. It pays more, and it can't be retracted by the SSA.

You need to get a full time job so you can work and support yourself while receiving health benefits. Don't say there aren't any jobs. If there are people where you live then there are jobs, you just have to work super hard to get one. Don't go through a temp service and don't disclose the fact that you have aspergers or whatever you have. Just apply online or on location with various companies and go through the interview process. Choose a job you're slightly overqualified for but one that requires some of the computer repair skills you've picked up.

I've said this a million times on various posts - look into a data entry or data processing position. If you know how to repair a computer then you know how to key data into a computer. The introductory pay is not great but you'll get health benefits if you work full time, and the possibilities to move up are endless. Don't be overly concerned about how much money you can make right now. If you're like me and most other aspies you have such a great work ethic and attention to detail you'll stand out as a great employee, you'll become the best at whatever you're doing, you'll get promotions and raises and start making good money in no time. Like within months, seriously!

I work for NGO i get paid basically people leave the NGO and look out for jobs in corporate sector
but i continued working there since they did not remove me
instead of just lying about brooding about my uselessness i would volunteer somewhere, or take up tution
or work in some low paying jobs

don't look for job in corporates chances are you won't be selected and if selected they would ultimately sack
you due to Aspie

I think that first and foremost; you could pick up some volunteer work. I think everyone who receives public help should volunteer. Plus, you may be able to gain some valuable experience.

I also agree with starting to look for a full time job. What kind of skills/talents/interests do you have?

I don't think it's fair to knock all corporations either. There are idiots in the private sector and the public sector.

Self Reliance does feel good.

My abilities are limited, my functionality unpredictable, and my issues not fully understood yet. But there is an alternative for people like me who want to make a fulfilling contribution, even if we're having enough difficulty that regular, formally recognized volunteer work might be too much of a challenge: Just help out with whatever you can, whenever you can.

I've got limited skills in making Websites, but I know enough to be able to make something simple, nice looking, and easy to use for someone who can't pay to have it done and who doesn't mind being patient while I get the job done. I've done a few that way.

I lead a group of amateur musicians who play for belly dancers. Most of us are not high enough quality to make money, but we play well enough to provide what the dancers need. I encourage members to grow and learn, I seek opportunities for us and also encourage others to do so, and I make sure things stay fun and interesting. I also keep on top of making sure we have a place to practice whenever circumstances change, even if that sometimes means no more than taking the initiative to prompt someone else to check out some options when the time comes. Currently, my girlfriend and I host half the practices at our house.

I've taken First Aid and CPR. I need to get re-certified this year, but I've already used my skills in the past. It's been in minor ways, but others have said they've appreciated it.

Sometimes I'm just passing by when someone needs something. Because I'm not in a work or school related hurry, I can often stop to lend a hand or to provide information or at least kindness in some way.

I've volunteered for daylong or evening events a few times here and there. That's short term enough for me to occasionally manage.

I've given friends rides to doctor appointments and other things, because I'm not committed during the day and can plan to fit in their needs. This means others don't have to miss work or school for them.

This is just some of what I've done. Not everything is stuff others would consider much of a contribution, but things add up. To me, and to those who really know me, I think, my life is not wasted.

Well if you're bored you could probably volunteer doing something....but if its an issue of not having enough money from SSI I suppose then you'd have to work and be paid under the table if you get what I mean or risk taking on a regular job and losing the benefits. Personally in this economy I think I'd keep the SSI if I had it unless I was more certain of another way for things to work.

I am actually thinking of applying for SSI and now I don't really care what anyone thinks about it anymore because I know what will happen if I get set off in a work environment and as much as other people might think I should risk it just to avoid being on welfare...I don't think its worth the risk because I don't want to damage the work place or cause harm to anyone. If I could get prescribed something to keep more calm...or get an MMJ card and find a job that is ok with MMJ users and wont throw you out for failing the drug test then maybe I'd be more able to work.

I've freaked out on road trips, just hanging out at my friends house and when my mom and her boyfriend argue as well as other random situations so why the hell wouldn't I lose it at a job to.

Most people I know who have been in that situation just work for cash money and it's not reported. I'm not suggesting it, I'm just telling you what I've seen.

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I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
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