SSDI - Bi Polar

Sorry this is so long...but please understand...

I am terrified. I have severe bi polar, ocd and ptsd. My mania episodes have caused many hospitalizations, shock treatment and suicide attempts. Last year, thinking after being diagnosed 25 yrs ago that somehow 2008 I was going to be "better". I took a job from a friend, as a housekeeper. Cleaning, running errands when I could. Because he is rich he paid me well. $500 a week. I would work a couple of weeks and then quit because I couldn't do the job. Then they would call and ask me to come back (hoping to help me because my family needed the money so badly) so I would go back...and again have a bad episode.
I kept thinking that maybe all the years of bi polar and other issues were over? Sadly, I crashed...and bad. I was declared disabled in 2001...lost all my skills working in an office that I had. No one would hire me now. Worst of all, I have not reported the work to SSDI because I am terrified. During a mania you have no idea what you are doing or sabotaging. I have been under continual psych care for 25 years...they hospitalized me in Aug 08...very bad crash episode. Is there any hope for me? Are my benefits lost now?

Is your friend reporting the income he paid to you, for example by sending you (and filing with the IRS) a 1099 or W2? If so, they'll find out about it and there will be consequences.

yes...I was paid through his company. Please tell what is the best thing for me to do at this point? and if you have an idea what the consequences would be? Will I just have to pay back the overage? or do they take away my benefits all together?

Will they understand this was a severe mania phase?

I truly appreciate you replying...I will check here a couple times a day, praying someone can direct me. I would work and try it then quit because I couldn't get myself to leave the home....then I would have a breakdown because of the failure and depression. Finally in Aug 08 I was in the hospital 10 days for suicidal ideology and planning. I have been in the hospital about 8 times...shock treatments...anything to try and get a hold on this disorder.

Anything you know would be a blessing. Thank you

At a minimum you'll have to repay the benefits you wrongfully obtained. It's possible that as you worked, you'll trigger a review of the finding that you're incapable of working. Under some circumstances, this type of fraud is criminally prosecuted.

See if you can get a consultation with a legal aid lawyer.

Thank you for your a time and thought on my situation. I am at a loss. I have never stolen anything in my life and now I feel like a theif. If I could only explain all that I have been through these last months I can only pray they will have mercy. It was never my intention to not report the income. With this disorder you do not always have the cognitive presence to do what you are supposed to. I don't mean to make excuses, it's just a part of my reality. I will contact legal help tomorrow and pray they can let me know where I stand.

Thank you again for your knowledge. If you have any other input it will always be appreciated.

Sincerely,

there is an annual limit of how much you can earn.It appears to be $940/month for 2008. Not sure if they average that or if it is a "by the month" reporting.

Additionally, I believe there is a tryout period for those that believe they may be able to work. I don;t know much about that other. I believe there is a limited time period that if you work and find out you cannot continue, it will not DQ you from benefits.

here is one SS publication on the subject.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10095.html#part3

Thank you for your time and the hope you have given over my situation. I am terrified because I did not plan on not reporting this income. Just so much has happened to me over the past 11 months. Hospitalization, meds, ECTs...I am extreme bi polar, OCD, PTSD...and just want to make things right. Just recently I am in a mental state to where I can somewhat comprehend what I need to be doing. I'm so scared that I will go to jail. My life would be over. If you have any other advice I would truly appreciate it. I'm trying to find a SSDI lawyer in San Diego, CA.

Thank you again..so very much...