I attend school part-time, however, my lawyer told me that if I am serious about winning my case I should consider dropping out or only taking one class. I’m already making slow progress toward my degree as it is, and taking one class at a time would mean I’d be ineligible for ALL financial aid (problematic since I’m financing my degree by myself and don’t have the credit history for a private loan). I want to stay in school, ideally taking about nine credits or so. Has anyone here had success (or encountered difficulties) applying for Social Security as a college student? Do I really need to drop out to prove that I am “disabled”? My college gives me a few hours per week at a work study job, and my lawyer also advised that I quit this position since it makes it seem like I am fully employable. My parents provide limited financial support so I would be screwed financially if this were the case. The issue isn’t that I can’t work at all, it’s that I can’t be engaged in activity for 40 hours a week (whether class, work, or a combination thereof). Is there any hope that I can win my case?
You need to show that you can’t earn something like $1000/month consistently (I think it is $1017, but I do not recall). If you are fully functional and employed, that can work against you. However, the case will rest on the medical evaluation I am sure your case worker has ordered for you, and responses to your SSA-3380, and any inputs from professionals who have seen you since your denial date. Your lawyer is being conservative/cautious, since these things can go either way.
I think there is hope, but it will depend on how your situation is interpreted.
If “it makes it seem as though you are fully employable” isn’t it because you are?
I’m sorry, I just don’t understand the situation.
What kind of disability enables u to work and be a full-time student?
The problem is that I can’t keep jobs due to my condition. Am I employed for the moment? Yes. However, I have a history of losing jobs or needing to take off several months to tend to my health. This is a big issue since I need to move out of my parents’ house eventually and I can’t support myself if I am only working 50% of the year.
My disabilities are a combination of mental health conditions, a nonverbal learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and motor coordination issues. I can’t meet performance standards consistently due to these issues and consequently am asked to leave jobs (or need to take off several months during mental health episodes). Even with accommodations and job coaching these problems arise.
@Kiruna, I am so sorry. This is very hard for others to understand if they have not walked in those shoes. Have faith that your case manager (with the help of your lawyer in framing the situation) will have enough experience to understand. Your situation is more common than you think, even though to the layman it seems odd. You do have hope, but it (obviously, since you are in appeal) is not a sure thing. 
My son is a 22-year-old applied math major. He takes two classes a semester. He began receiving SS benefits last year. The good part of SS for him is that if he gets a good job and goes off the program, he can get back on it automatically if he becomes unemployed during the next six years. It’s a great security net.
It is very possible to get disability while going to school part-time. Part time school does not mean you can be employed full time. You do not have to drop out of school. However, taking any more than 2-3 courses a semester might be problematic. Get yourself the best Social Security lawyer in your are to guide you and good luck
does anyone know a lawyer in NY to help get someone on the spectrum onto SSI (college student)