I have a few questions about becoming an emancipated minor. To begin with, I should probably provide a bit of a backround. I am a 17 year old male, and I live with my grandmother, who is my legal guardian and has been for nine years and one month. I receive Survivors Benefits; my mother passed away shortly before my grandmother received custody of me. My father petitioned for custody, but the court would not grant it as he had no influence in my life until now (he was not married to my mother, and left soon after I was born).
The atmosphere in my home now is not a healthy one, emotionally speaking, for either myself or my grandmother. We both acknowledge that fact, and we both agree that emancipation would be the best alternative. As such, I have a few questions:

First of all, would I lose my SSI benefits if I become emancipated? If so, It would make emancipation much more difficult, though not impossible. Currently, the money is being paid into an account for me, however I do not have access to it; my grandmother has control over the account. I will continue receiving said money as long as I am in school or until I turn 18. At age 18, if I am still in high school, I gain control of the account. Would emancipation change this? I.E. Would I have full access to my benefits if I were to be emancipated?
Secondly, the websites I have looked at seem to contradict each other slightly. Some say that I must be currently living seperately from my guardian with her consent, some say that I must BE ABLE TO live away from her, and that she WOULD consent to it. Seeing as we are BOTH seeking my emancipation, do I have to move out before I can pursue it?
Also, I need to be able to demonstrate that I can manage my own finances and support myself. Aside from the account that my SSI money is being paid into, I have my own private Savings and Checking accounts that I have established. My SSI money alone would be able to pay for the cost of an apartment and my cost of living, with excess money left over. Is this sufficient evidence that I can support myself financially, or, again, do I need to show that I have done so successfully in the past? (I am currently still living with my grandmother until I can get emancipated)
This would not be my first time taking care of myself. When my mother was still alive, she was always extremely ill, and failed to take care of me, in most respects. She kept the cupboards full and gave me a roof over my head; other than that, I took care of my own well-being. My grandmother can testify to that: Would this improve my chances of having emancipation granted? Would having a friend's family that would be willing to take me in if I were to become unable to support myelf improve my chances?
I am currently unemployed, as I am a full time student, however I planned on seeking part time employment if I were to become emancipated. Would part time employment plus SSI meet the financial requirements of emancipation? How long does the emancipation process usually take? I turn 18 in 8 months, but I need to get out before then. Also, I live in Butte County, if that helps at all.
Any and all responses and aid would be appreciated