The Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program provides opportunities many people don't realize are available. If you're living with a disability, self-employment can in fact be a viable option. Disability Services of America is an SSA-approved Employment Network that helps SSDI and SSI beneficiaries explore entrepreneurship while maintaining important protections.
Can I Really Start a Business While Receiving Disability Benefits?
The answer is yes, but only with the right support and planning. The Ticket to Work program recognizes that traditional employment isn't the only path to financial independence. Many people with disabilities have skills and business concepts that could generate income through self-employment.
The key difference between striking out on your own and going through Ticket to Work is protection. When you assign your ticket to an approved Employment Network like Disability Services of America, you can access specialized business development services designed for disabled people. These services help you create a sustainable business plan that considers your health limitations and your Social Security benefit requirements.
Self-employment allows you to work at your own pace, set your own schedule, and build something that accommodates your disability rather than working around it. A graphic designer with chronic fatigue can take on projects during their most productive hours. Someone with mobility limitations can run an online business from home. The possibilities are as varied as the people pursuing them.
What Self-Employment Support Can I Get Through Ticket to Work?
The path from benefits recipient to business owner isn't always simple, but it's entirely achievable with proper support and planning. Your disability doesn't disqualify you from entrepreneurship—it simply means you need specialized resources to succeed, such as:
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Approved Employment Network. These organizations offer comprehensive support and resources designed specifically for people with disabilities. That includes guidance on how your earnings may affect your benefits.
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Business planning assistance. Get help creating realistic financial plans that factor in disability-related expenses and benefit requirements. Counselors explain important concepts like substantial gainful activity (SGA) thresholds, trial work periods, and how to track your earnings correctly.
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Skills assessment and development. Work with a counselor to match your business idea to your strengths and interests. For example, you may discover that your talents are better suited for meal preparation services than running a food truck if standing for long hours isn't ideal.
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Marketing and customer growth. Learn how to find and keep customers through training in digital marketing, networking, and competitive pricing. This support is designed to help you overcome one of the biggest challenges facing new business owners.
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Financial management training. Gain confidence in handling your finances with training that covers bookkeeping, tax considerations, and how self-employment income is treated under Social Security rules.
How Do Ticket to Work Incentives Apply to Self-Employment?
Self-employment through Ticket to Work offers unique advantages in terms of earnings calculation and reporting. The Social Security Administration uses net earnings from self-employment (after business expenses) rather than gross income, which can significantly impact how your earnings affect your benefits.
Trial Work Period
What if your health condition flares up a few months down the road and you can't keep up your pace of self-employment work? The Trial Work Period allows you to test your business idea for nine months (which don't have to be consecutive) without affecting your SSDI benefits. You can earn any amount during this period and still receive your full benefit check.
Extended Period of Eligibility
After your Trial Work Period ends, you still have 36 months to receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. This flexibility is crucial for new businesses, which may make more money one month but less the next month.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses
Being disabled can be expensive, especially if you require adaptive equipment. The good news is that some expenses can be deducted from your earnings when determining if you've exceeded SGA levels. If your business requires special equipment, modified workspace, or other disability-related accommodations, these costs are subtracted from your net income when calculating your benefits.
What Else Should I Think About Before Starting My Business?
You probably have many more questions if you want to start a business while receiving disability benefits. Fortunately, Disability Services of America can help. We can discuss every aspect of your transition to self-employment, including:
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Market research with your health in mind. Can you deliver your product or service consistently with your disability? For example, a business that requires you to be physically present every single day may not be the best fit if you live with a chronic condition that has ups and downs.
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Financial planning that covers everything. Beyond standard business expenses, factor in medical costs, assistive technology, and times when your condition may limit how much you can work. Building in a financial cushion isn't just smart, it's vital for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
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Strong support systems. Staying connected with other entrepreneurs with disabilities, your healthcare providers, and your Employment Network gives you a network to lean on when challenges come up, whether business-related or health-related.
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Legal and tax details to be aware of. From registering your business and getting the right insurance to handling self-employment taxes, there are many important details to manage. Things can get more complex if you also receive disability benefits, but your Employment Network can point you toward professionals who understand these situations.