How much can I work while On SSI?

I can't work. I have SSI and live on $674. I live with my son who is disabled and gets the same. We live in subsidized housing -$364/mo.-no cable, car. If I find something easy,how much can I make before benefits drop? We NEED $ badly. F/56 M/27Maine

• Answer:

  you need to talk to soc. sec. about the exemption to work I think it's called. It allows you to work 9 months and make any amount you want without it counting against you. After that then you are only allowed to make so much but that would depend on different circumstances. I am not an expert on this but I do have clients who participate in that program. Be aware that once your 9 months is up and you work 1 day you risk losing that SSI so make as much in that 9 months as you can make. Also know that anything you make still effects your rent/food stamps. There is no grace period on that. talk to your caseworker.