Bipolar, Disabled, Graduate School

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a little over 10 years ago. I have been receiving SSI for about 8 years. I am a driven 4.0 college student. I will graduate spring 2015 with a BA in psychology (which I have been working on since 2011 when I transferred from a two year). The last few years of my life have been quite a struggle. I had a full blown manic episode in fall of 2011, and short hospitalization in Spring 12’after a suicide attempt. I experienced another episode in 2013 complete with severe psychosis in which I was nearly arrested (HIGHLY UNLIKE ME), and ended up spending 53 days in the hospital. Following that was the most terrible depression I have ever experienced that lasting nearly six months. Recently I was hospitalized again in May and managed to recover quickly and maintain my GPA.

Currently I have been accepted into a prestigious program that helps low income, highly motivated and academically successful first generation students gain acceptance in PhD programs. Sounds great, right? As it stands I will not have enough research experience to get accepted into a fully funded program right away and will have to complete a master’s degree first. Master’s degrees are not funded and to help pay, schools require students to do an assistance-ship. (work part time) Here is my problem---I have experienced mania with psychosis four years in a row and there is a great possibility that I may again. When working part-time and going to school, SSI considers it gainful employment. If I work toward a graduate degree I will lose SSI and medical.

Therefore if I get sick I will not only loose school funding (more than likely ending up homeless as well) but I will not be able to pay medical bills. I don’t know what to do and really could appreciate any and all advice. Has anyone else experienced this or something like it? Thanks for the help!

Wow, talk about a rock and a hard place...maybe if you tell the school that you are officially disabled and unable to work (even part time) they'll let you slide on the assistance-ship.

ooer a smart one.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/e ... 7144#a0=-1

The reinstating SSI without a new application and medicaid while working - section 1619(b) I believe are pertinent to your situation.

I don't have any advice, as you have gone much farther then myself. I actually just dropped out for the third time a couple minutes ago ><. One at a university and now twice from community collage.

I just want to offer encouragement and say good luck. A education is vital and I hope it all works out and you end up with the education you want/need.

This is a really challenging predicament you are in.
I was able to manage until I reached retirement age, largely on the accommadations I received from work. Now, my son, who developed mental illness 4 years ago, is returning to college to finish a program he started before he became sick. Because he is "sick" or disabled, he qualifies for a free ride. Tuition, books, and social security to live on while at college. This is all aimed at him gaining some qualifications so that he can become employed and self supporting one day.

Can you take some time out from your studies and find work in your field for a few years? Become self supporting, and realize that homelessness is not the only alternative you face. My son worked for 9 months last year. During that time, his disability pension was reduced in proportion to his income but he retained his "disabled" designation. When the seasonal job finished, his support was raised to 100% again.

Just as you have been caught by the safety net before during your episodes, wouldn't the net be there for you if you crashed again?

Your 4.0 GPA suggests that you are smart and capable. Perhaps talk your situation through with a career counsellor at your university. Some of them are well informed and will be able to help you find a path.

This will all work out for you. (We don't know this. We just have to believe it.)
Take care,