Can we work if the EAD is received but the TPS has not been approved? I see a lot of people here with EAD but TPS pending. Any ideas?

Yes.

Yes, very good to have EAD at least as you are in legal status. Think about all the Indian and Chinese nationals who are in line for a green card after H1B for 10+ years due to backlog. They only have EAD to make their presence and work in whatever company they work at legal. So even though TPS hasn't been approved, people who have TPS EAD are in good legal standing. I know some friends who don't have neither TPS nor EAD approved. I would not be worried if you have EAD approved. Hopefully everyone gets everything approved soon!

Your chances of TPS being approved in timely manner depends upon whether or not you've filed taxes in the last three years --whether as a resident or non-resident. And yes, you can still file taxes if you're in a non immigrant visa like F-1. You don't have to pay social security and Medicare taxes though.

I kind of realized this after a friend of mine filed a petition for Greencard after he was approved for asylum. His application was delayed for almost 8 months and after he filed taxes (was on F-1 & never filed taxes before) --within a month his card arrived in the mailbox .

So folks, Pay taxes-live better.

Good Luck to everyone.