Thinking of going freelance in Brooklyn
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- monstress
So I have been at a studio for the last 4 years, and have pretty much exhausted all avenues of exploration and learning it can offer me. I want to go freelance starting in January, but am worried about insurance. Anyone in the Brooklyn area do this recently? How do you prove you are self-employed? The Freelancer's Union requires that you be self-employed for 18 months before you can qualify for its plan.
- woodyBatts0
Bunch of ways, but you can send 1099's from 18 months ago or provide an EIN number.
...you can also say go with a different provider like Emblem, via ehealthinsurance.com
...or you can hit up city resources
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hia/html…If you wish feel free to e-mail me for more specifics I have been freelancing in NYC since 2002
- e-pill0
go for it, i been freelancing the last 11 years.. in terms of health insurance.. that is costly out of pocket around $350- $850 per month depending on the coverage. but realistically you can freelance a few jobs and have the paycheck you want, and you can expand the development of your clients and thus give you the time to enjoy your life.. but you must start the development of your gigs in advance as soon as possible, as freelance may be hot today but slow tomorrow, so plan ahead and save as much money as possible.. get a good accountant, if you need one i can forward you my accountant who specializes in nyc freelancers in the design community.. you can essentially write off a ton of your expenses.
i dont have his info on me but i do at home..
best of luck.
- monstress0
Thank you both!
- monospaced0
Insurance is one thing; don't forget to consider taxes.
- bjladams0
are you getting insurance for yourself only or fam too?
- jaylarson0
AIGA offers basic health insurance.
- woodyBatts0
Another thing to note is that COBRA was reformed right before Bush left office and in certain cases can be cheaper than individual insurance.
But that is some cases. The HR person at your current job will be able to provide you a workup.
- I believe you can carry COBRA up to 18 months.woodyBatts
- Thanks! This is so helpful!monstress
- yes i used COBRA for many months and it helps lots!!e-pill
- woodyBatts0
We should have a freelancing meetup. E-pill has got the hook up on some Argentinian steaks.
- haha, that i do!! im going to Peter Luger's on thursday..e-pill
- niiiiiiiiiiiiicewoodyBatts
- taking my 2 nephews who claim can eat steak for 3 on their own, they are 13 and 14 yrs olde-pill
- They are wrong, I can barely eat steak for one, i weigh 280lbs...kids these dayswoodyBatts
- jonnypompita0
Been freelance now for about a year, best decision i ever made. The agency life lost it's appeal, just don't see an upside to it anymore. Been looking for a good accountant for a while now, e-pill hook a brother up!
- ill email you the info when i get home..e-pill
- Awesome thanks!jonnypompita