New Jersey Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options

If you live in New Jersey and have a disability that prevents you from working, there are several benefits you can apply for, depending on how long your inability to work will last. For short-term disabilities -- those that last up to six months -- the State of New Jersey provides temporary disability insurance (TDI). For disabilities that last longer than one year, you can apply for Social Security disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security income (SSI). Even though these are federal programs, the disability determination and appeal process can vary from state to state. Also, some states, including New Jersey, provide supplemental payments to people who receive SSI.

New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance

Employees who are unable to work can receive temporary disability insurance for up to six months in New Jersey. For more information, see our article on New Jersey TDI Benefits.

How Do I Apply for Disability in New Jersey?

The SSA provides different ways to apply for disability depending on what kind of benefits you are applying for. If you are eligible for SSDI you can apply online, in person, or by telephone. If you are eligible for SSI, you can only apply in person or by telephone (most people can't apply online for SSI).

Online applications (SSDI only). You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm. The SSA will assign you an application number when you apply. Make sure you keep track of this number so you can access the application later or track its status.

Local field offices. You can always apply in person at your local field office. You can find your local field office on the SSA's website using your zip code. You may need to make an appointment so call your field office ahead of time. You can make an appointment by calling 800-772-1213.

Applying by telephone. If travel is difficult, or your local office is far away, it may be easier for you to apply by telephone. To do this call 800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, call 800-325-0778. Make sure to have your Social Security number available when you call.

Who Makes the Disability Determination in New Jersey?

Clams examiners who work for the New Jersey Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency will decide whether you fit the definition of disabled. The DDS will handle your claim once you have filed for disability and Social Security has found that you are financially and legally eligible for SSI or SSDI.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) administers New Jersey's DDS program. Here is the contact information for New Jersey's main DDS office.

Division of Disability Determination Services
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
1 John Fitch Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-777-1001

There are also locations in New Brunswick and Newark. For more information, you can visit the DLWD website.

Will New Jersey Supplement My SSI Payment?

States have the option to give SSI recipients extra money in addition to the monthly SSI amount they receive from the federal government. New Jersey does provide some supplemental funds to SSI recipients.

Here is a chart that shows how much New Jersey SSI recipients can receive from both the federal and stategovernment. The amount depends on the recipient's living arrangement. If the recipient has other resources or income, the amount may be lower.

Without the state supplement, the most an individual can receive for SSI is $771 (as of 2019).

How to Contact a New Jersey Disability Lawyer

If you decide to hire an attorney to help you with your disability appeal, visit our New Jersey disability attorney page to find an experienced disability attorney your area.