starrie

This year, you can earn up to $900/month and still file for/receive benefits.

HOWEVER, especially depending on the condition(s) you're applying for, even part time work can be used against you in the medical determination. For example, if a construction worker applies due to a back problem but is still performing his past work 10 hrs/wk, the question becomes if he can do backbreaking work 10 hrs/wk, why can't he do it full time? I'm sure your situation isn't this extreme, but you get my point.

I'd call or stop into your local SS office for status. Most backlogs at your stage of the application process are caused by the DO needing something from you (information, release forms, etc.) or a DDS "shelf". The latter are cases that are waiting to be assigned to a DDS claims examiner. The examiners have a set number of cases they can receive per day (usually 2 to 3). If the amount the local SS offices forward to them exceeds what can be assigned, they get a lot of shelved cases.