I have been on long-term disability from a large corporation for over 10 years. I am considered an active employee and my benifits continue as long as I am deemed disabled. A friend has a startup that he has asked my help with. (I will not be working on this full-time because I can't, but am able to provide valuable software expertise on a limited basis) He would like to compensate me but I can't risk losing SSDI or my LTD. I can retire from my LTD employer in a few years and lock in my insurance coverage but I can't risk losing my SSDI or the insurance benefits from my employer. (My medical bills without insurance would be astronomical.) The startup is willing to compensate me with shares but I don't know the best way to do this and not risk my benefits. I am trying to find out how to proceed other than providing my services for free. Another thing to note is that I lost everything but my 401K's a few years ago and have kids in college who qualify for all kinds of financial aid because of my situation. That is also factoring into my dilema. Would forming an LLC be a a way to proceed where the shares could be put in the name of the LLC, as well as some actual financial compensation for expenses incurred? The upside potential is credibly phenomenal, and as such, I don't want to miss out on this opportunity.