Are you a Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneur drawing SSDI benefits?  Are you confused by the special rules related to unincurred business expenses?  Has Social Security threatened to terminate benefits due to your earnings?  Has Social Security already stopped your SSDI payments?  Well, the National Association of Blind Merchants, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind, has launched a new program designed especially for you.  

​NABM has retained the services of Michael Dalto, a well-known expert on Social Security and disability.  “We get more calls for help on SSDI issues than any other single matter,” said NABM President Nicky Gacos.  “We have found a way to answer those calls for help and look forward to being able to assist blind entrepreneurs work through the bureaucratic Social Security maze.”  

​Mr. Dalto will help you insure that you are maximizing allowable deductions that will allow you to maintain eligibility for benefits.  He will advise and help verify unincurred business expenses including unpaid rent/utilities, equipment provided for your use, management services provided by the SLA, repair and maintenance services, etc.  He will also help you verify any unpaid help and disability related expenses that can be deducted.  Mr. Dalto will help you with the forms that you must submit to Social Security and will contact Social Security with you to help preserve or resume benefits.   If the matter escalates to the point of a hearing before an administrative law judge, Mr. Dalto will not be able to assist you and you will need to seek legal counsel.   

​Mr. Dalto’s services are available at no cost to you.  It is being offered as an exclusive service to dues paying members of NABM and to vendors whose SLA's subscribe to the services o f the NFBEI. If you are not a member, you can join NABM by going to https://blindmerchants.org/about/membership-form/

This is a six-month pilot project and will be re-evaluated by the NABM Board of Directors and Mr. Dalto at that time.  

​Mr. Dalto will work ONLY with individuals referred to him by NABM President Nicky Gacos.  If you wish to consult with Mr. Dalto, contact Mr. Gacos at nickycolorado@netscape.net or call him at 1-888-OURNABM (888-687-6226) and Press Option #4.

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.