What is Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), New York?
Keep your weekly unemployment benefit while you start a business full time, with no work search and business income not deducted. You need 13+ weeks of benefits left, a profiling score of 50 or more, and written acceptance before you start.
The key facts
- Weekly amount = your unemployment benefit ($140 to $869 in 2026)
- Up to 26 weeks of unemployment and SEAP combined in your benefit year
- At least 20 hours of entrepreneurial training and 2 meetings with a business counselor
- Once per lifetime; the law is due to end on 7 December 2027 unless renewed
Before you’re approved
Job search requiredJob search
Until you are accepted in writing, you are on regular unemployment: keep searching for work every week.
What you must do to keep getting it
- You need 13+ weeks of benefits left and a profiling score of 50+ (or an invitation letter). Watch the orientation video, then apply in your NY.gov account.
- Do NOT start trading before written acceptance.
If you take or turn down a job: Refusing suitable work can disqualify you from benefits. Only apply for jobs you would take.
While you’re on it
No job search requiredJob search
Once accepted, the work search, availability and job-refusal rules are waived. You work full time on the business.
What you must do to keep getting it
- Keep certifying every week and complete the required training and counseling.
- Missing training or milestones can cost you weeks of benefit or your place.
If you earn money
Your weekly benefit isn’t reduced by what your business earns. Keep certifying and reporting as your state asks.
If you take or turn down a job: Taking a job ends Self-Employment Assistance; report it when you certify.
The other route
You can’t be on both at once. Compare them before you choose.
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Cite this page
"What is Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), New York?", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/guide/sea-ny/ (updated September 25, 2026)
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