I am a New Yorker with a disability, and I want to:
Start a business

Resources for New Yorkers with Disabilities

• The Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans - Part I   PDF (575 KB)   |   HTML (37 KB)
• The Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans - Part II   PDF (275 KB)   |   HTML (20 KB)

If you are receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are looking to start a business, you must know how starting a business will affect your benefits.

What if I Still Have More Questions About How My Benefits will be Impacted by Starting A Business?

If you have any questions about how your benefits will be impacted by starting a business, you can contact specialists to assist you toll-free at 1-888-224-3272 VOICE, 1-877-671-6844 TDD. The hotline is available during business hours Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Every effort will be made to return calls the same day or within one business day.

SSA has also contracted with local organizations to provide work incentive and planning services for Social Security SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. The Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA) agencies have people who have been specially trained to help individuals with disabilities considering returning to work or returning to work. You can get a list of the WIPA's in New York at: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/oesp/providers.nsf/bystate

Additionally, a Work Incentives Information Network exists within New York State. Credentialed benefits practitioners are available to support you in making choices about work. You can access a directory of these practitioners online at http://www.nymakesworkpay.org/rny-benefits.cfm.

Finally, SSA has contracted with Employment Networks to assist individuals who are seeking employment find employment at no cost to the SSDI or SSI recipient. If you want more thorough information on Employment Networks, we have produced a Self-Help Guide entitled Choosing an Employment Network (PDF version)  |  Choosing an Employment Network (TEXT version).