It can be stressful to have (or think you have) too much money. It is especially stressful to have too much money when there doesn't seem to be enough money; this is a paradox that happens to many people on SSDI or SSI. Work the wrong number of hours and you can lose not just a Social Security check, but also your health insurance. This can lead to a quick downward spiral from being able to work, to not being able to work because you no longer have access to psychiatric medications, a psychiatrist or therapist, or other needed health care.

There are a couple of things you can do to prevent unneeded frustration and fear, which really add to stress:

1. Take control of the situation. Don't listen to the rumor mill. Go find out the facts as they are true for you, in your life. Everyone's situation is different. Take the name of the person you talked to. That way if a disagreement or problem arises, you will have a paper trail.
   1. When you leave this meeting make sure you know:
      1. How much you can earn before you lose your check and before you lose your healthcare;
      2. How many hours you can work before you lose your check and before you lose your healthcare;
      3. If you can participate in a Medicaid buy-in;
      4. If your monies will be reduced by a percentage, instead of dollar for dollar, or all at once.
2. Know the rules. Don't panic about not being able to save money. Don't look around and automatically say, “This is awful, I can't work here,” or “I can't keep this because they will just take it away.” Try not to fall into that trap. Know the rules. Don't stop saving just because you are too close to $2,000. Know what you can and can't do.
3. Look for alternatives. Can you use a PASS Plan, pay utility bills up for the next year, sign up for a class or do something else?
4. Decide what to do with the money. Set up an emergency fund. That way when something goes wrong, you don't need to panic when you get an unexpected bill.
5. Know what you spend money on. If you are making money and use IRWE's or need other accommodations that you have to foot the bill for, that may not count as income.  Keep receipts so you have proof. Talk to someone who understands the Social Security laws.

Having too much money is a problem that many people wish they had, but not having a plan can cause people to panic and then not spend it on what they need or want. You don't want to get the money before you are is ready.