In the US, health insurance and mortgage income proof are the two biggest midlife risks when you leave a salaried job. Every source below was re-checked on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules change, so check again before you act.
Structure and free advice#
- SBA: Launch your business, SCORE mentoring, and AARP small business for people over 50.
Health insurance#
- If you're self-employed with no employees, you can use the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Mortgage and income proof#
- Fannie Mae: lenders usually verify income with your signed tax returns for the past two years. Less than a two-year history can be considered if your latest returns show 12 months of income from the current business.
Retirement#
- The IRS lists the options for the self-employed: SEP-IRA, solo 401(k) (with extra "catch-up" contributions from age 50), SIMPLE IRA and defined-benefit plans. Check the page for the current limits.
Tax and grants#
- IRS: self-employed and SBIR/STTR.