It is always best to try to work for as long you are able unless doing so could potentially harm yourself or others. However, the day could arrive when you just cannot do it anymore. At that point, you should check to see if you might be eligible for short term or long term disability benefits through your employer.
Your educational level can affect your eligibility for disability benefits. For instance, your educational level is taken into account under the GRID rules that can[…]
If you decide to work while you are disabled and drawing benefits, then you need to go through the Social Security Administration’s “Ticket to Work”[…]
You can continue working and still be eligible to receive disability benefits if you are earning under $1040 per month. This is true so long as the job you are doing does not require you to participate in any activities that would tend to show you do not have the limitations you are alleging.
Generally speaking yes. It is always better to work or go to school rather than to receive disability benefits. If your medical problems are limiting you, but you think there are probably some jobs out there you could do, then you should try to get your doctor to refer you to vocational rehabilitation services.