Staying on SSI, in the long run, can lead to a deep misery in our souls. God has placed the energy of His spirit inside each of us. This energy demands that we act and use Him, (this energy is God's own spirit), to create something of our life. This energy can feel miserable when we underuse it for long periods. It transforms into joy as we begin to use it to make something of our life. This may explain why some people who stay on SSI while doing some work, never experience the deeper joys from the misery that accompanies long periods on SSI. Especially when we've grown capable of working our way off it.
SSI may be needed for decades. Only you can determine if you are willing to one day work yourself off of it. The full return of the soundness of your mind, the tranforming of your mind into a new creation will in all likelihood need the help of your efforts to work at something that supports your life off of SSI.
We never come to an end to our mind's growth in this life. Our minds never, even in God's heaven and kingdom, stop growing. But we can indeed outgrow and leave behind the illness of our mind, while we live our life here on earth. It is a very worthwhile thing to work for.
No amount of difficulty in work is worth sacrificing your life for an SSI check. God has given you a spirit in Jesus that can overcome even the most severe things we must face in this life. He wants you to live a life of exceeding joy.
He gives life value and makes our lives valuable to others. Every life is precious to God. No amount of mental illness is too great to be healed of. God has a plan and purpose for your life.
For those who are willing, meet Him in that life one day off your SSI check, tasting the rapture of a right relationship with God, living in the freedom to fulfill and accomplish the purpose He created you for.