How Much Are Disability Benefits in New Jersey?
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
In New Jersey, about 200,000 residents receive financial support through the Social Security Administration’s and New Jersey’s disability programs. If a non-work-related injury or condition has hindered your ability to work, you may be eligible for both federal and state disability benefits.
Learn about the SSA’s two disability benefits programs (Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income) and New Jersey’s short-term disability program, and how much you can potentially receive if you qualify.
How much are Social Security disability benefits in New Jersey?
The maximum federal disability amount for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is $3,822 per month and $943 monthly for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, New Jersey residents may receive additional payment from the state for SSI. New Jersey SSDI recipients can expect healthcare coverage through Medicare. SSI recipients are eligible for Medicaid coverage.
On average, New Jersey residents who receive disability benefits get $575.60 from SSI payments per month and $1,947.46 from SSDI monthly checks.
Calculating Social Security Disability Insurance in New Jersey
SSA bases your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits amount on your work history and how much you paid in taxes during your working years. The Social Security Administration follows a formula to determine your monthly disability benefits amount.
The SSA sums up the 35 years of your highest earnings and adjusts the number for inflation to get your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). It divides your AIME into three portions, multiplying each by a specific percentage to calculate the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The Primary Insurance Amount determines how much you’ll receive in monthly benefit checks through SSDI.
You can estimate your disability benefit amount by creating a mySocial Security account on SSA.gov.
Calculating Supplemental Security Income calculated in New Jersey
The SSA calculates your Supplemental Security Income benefits amount by subtracting your countable income from the SSI Federal benefit amount. In 2024, the federal benefit rate is $943. If you’ve earned less than the federal benefit rate in countable income, you may receive the maximum SSI amount.
The SSA deems the following as countable income for SSI:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Veterans Affairs disability benefits
Unemployment benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits
Part-time, freelance, or seasonal work wages
Employer wages
Money you’ve received from friends and family
Your spouse’s income
Retirement benefits
You can find more examples of countable income in this guide.
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Average
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$1,489
What is the average disability payment in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, disabled workers on average receive $575.60 in SSI monthly payments. SSDI recipients in New Jersey can expect $1,947.46.
However, the payment amount you can receive in disability benefits in New Jersey depends on the program you qualify for and your specific case. While Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income have the same medical requirements, the SSA determines technical eligibility based on different factors such as the severity of your medical condition, work history and capability, and earnings.
Disability pay chart in New Jersey
Disability program | Average payment in NJ | Maximum payment | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Social Security Disability Insurance | $1,947.46 per month | $3,822 per month | Indefinite |
Supplemental Security Income | $575.60 per month | $974.25 per month | Indefinite |
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance | 85% of your average weekly rate | $1,055 per week | Up to 26 weeks |
How much are TDI benefits in New Jersey?
The TDI benefit amount varies per person—typically 85% of your average weekly wages. In 2024, the maximum weekly benefit rate for TDI benefits in New Jersey is $1,055. New Jersey issues benefits for up to 26 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition.
SSA offices in New Jersey
Brick 2620 Yorktowne Blvd Brick, NJ 08723 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 405-5870 Fax Number: (833) 950-3595 | Bridgeton 149 West Brd St Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 837-1235 Fax Number: (833) 950-2990 | Bridgewater 245 Us Hwy 22 West Suite 207 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 446-6198 Fax Number: (833) 950-3264 |
Cherry Hill 6 Executive Campus Suite 200 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 931-2879 Fax Number: (833) 950-2974 | Clifton 935 Allwood Rd Clifton, NJ 07012 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-0170 Fax Number: (833) 346-7157 | East Orange 7 Glenwood Ave Ste 100 East Orange, NJ 07017 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-0030 Fax Number: (833) 950-3311 |
Egg Harbor Twp 1350 Doughty Rd Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 714-0394 Fax Number: (833) 950-2986 | Glassboro 830 Delsea Dr North Glassboro, NJ 08028 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 883-5305 Fax Number: (833) 950-2668 |
Get help applying for disability benefits in New Jersey
If you’re getting started on your disability benefits application, you can receive free advice on how to navigate the process from one of our client advocates. In addition, they’ll match you with an expert disability attorney to guide you every step of the way. All you have to do is take our two-minute disability benefits questionnaire, and we’ll do the rest of the heavy lifting for you.
Frequently asked questions about disability in New Jersey
How do I qualify for disability in New Jersey?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in New Jersey?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in New Jersey?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in New Jersey. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in New Jersey?
The average SSDI payment in New Jersey is $1,505.33 per month. The average SSI payment is $631.99 per month. What you’ll earn depends on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in New Jersey?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does New Jersey have a state disability program?
Yes, New Jersey is one of the five states with its own state disability program. Residents can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance, which offers payments for up to 26 weeks. Work injuries aren’t covered, though. If your injury will keep you out of work longer, you can still apply for SSDI and SSI. Read more about the difference between SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
New Jersey Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in New Jersey
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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