Forgot to renew EAD. Expiring sep 03 -2012. Help

[gratnakar]

Hello Friends-
My EAD is expiring on Sep 03 -- 2012. I forgot to renew it. I am going to apply now. I have few questions:

1. Can I work while the EAD renew application is in process.
2. How long it takes to get the receipt notice. I heard something that we can continue work when we have receipt notice.
3. How much ahead of time usually we need to apply for EAD. I have only one month left to apply.


Please help

Thanks
Ratna