Public Assistance

I live off of public assistance. I collect food stamps and social security. I also have medicaid and medicare for health insurance. And I'm on a waiting list for subsidized housing. I have to be careful about having an income because I do stand to lose some of my benefits if I make money.
If I had a part time job making minimum wage I would actually be worse off than if I did nothing. This puts me in a tricky situation. As I am trying to begin a new career as a peer specialist; I am currently looking to speak at events as well as facilitate groups and write. I may have to do all of this for free at least until I get full time work with benefits.
I know there are worse situations I could be in. I am however, a little deterred from pursuits I would otherwise tackle. I could be making some money from this blog for instance and I choose to not. The problem isn't so much about money. I could live off of what I have currently for the rest of my life and be happy. It is about being free and uninhibited.