How to Qualify for 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.
About 200,000 New Jersey residents receive federal and state disability benefits. New Jersey is one of a handful of states to have a state-based disability benefits program, which can provide medical and financial stability during difficult times.
The application process can be pretty confusing, but don’t let that discourage you from taking the necessary steps to get the help you need. Read on to learn about how to qualify for federal disability benefits and where to get help applying for benefits.
What conditions qualify for disability in New Jersey?
According to the Social Security Administration, New Jersey residents who currently receive disability benefit checks and healthcare coverage have the following medical conditions:
Mental health conditions: 34.8%
Musculoskeletal disorders: 29.6%
Neurological (nervous system) disorders: 10.4%
Cardiovascular (circulatory system) disorders: 6.8%
Cancers (neoplasms): 3.6%
Injuries: 3.3%
The most common mental health disorders among New Jersey recipients are:
Depression, bipolar disorder, and related disorders: 23,538 people
Intellectual disorders: 17,345 people
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: 11,506 people
How to qualify for SSDI in NJ
The SSA administers two federal disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both have the same medical criteria; however, there are some key differences when it comes to the technical criteria.
The Social Security Disability Insurance provides monthly disability checks and Medicare coverage to people who’ve worked for at least five of the last 10 years but can’t continue working due to a medical condition.
The SSA determines your eligibility based on your income during your working years and how much you’ve paid in taxes.
In 2024, the average SSDI payment in New Jersey is $1,947.46. The maximum SSDI monthly payment is $3,822 a month.
How to qualify for SSI in NJ
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is ideal for those who may not meet SSDI’s work history requirements. The needs-based federal government program provides people who have a disability and limited assets with monthly benefit checks and Medicaid coverage.
To meet the requirements for SSI, you must currently have less than $2,000 in assets and make about $900 in countable income. If you’re married, you must have less than $3,000 in assets and $1,415 in countable income.
In 2024, the maximum monthly payment for SSI is $943, though it can be slightly higher in New Jersey. On average, New Jersey SSI recipients get monthly benefits payments of $575.60.
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 |
5 benefits of working with a disability lawyer
Having legal representation can triple your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. A Social Security disability lawyer knows the ins and outs of the disability process—from the initial application to the court hearing—and they’ll successfully guide you along the way.
Here are the advantages of working with a disability lawyer:
They’ll be honest with you. The disability application process is lengthy. It’s best to know from the start if your case has a chance of winning before applying. During your free consultation, a disability lawyer will learn about you and your condition and determine if SSA or a judge will deny your case based on specific requirements.
They can help you submit your application. More than 80% of disability applicants are initially denied. This is, in part, because applicants skip over questions they may not understand. A lawyer will work with you to ensure you accurately answer all the questions and build a stronger case.
They can obtain your medical records. Having access to your medical evidence can increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. A disability lawyer can request your records from your healthcare providers. They will also ensure the judge receives the documents before your court hearing.
They can file your appeal. If you receive a denial on your disability benefits claim, you have the right to appeal the SSA’s decision within the first 60 days. A lawyer will promptly file your appeal and update you on hearing information.
They can prepare you for the appeal hearing. The thought of representing yourself in court may feel intimidating. However, you don’t have to do it alone. A disability lawyer can represent you in court. They can also prepare you for potential questions a judge may ask regarding your medical conditions and reasons for seeking disability benefits.
Get help applying for benefits in New Jersey
Take our two-minute disability benefits quiz, and we’ll help you find an expert disability attorney who can help you get approved for disability benefits. The best part is that once you’re matched with a lawyer, you won’t have to pay anything until after you win your disability case.
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?
Jackie Jakab
Lead Attorney
For Clients
For Lawyers
At the bottom of many websites, you'll find a small disclaimer: "We are not a law firm and are not qualified to give legal advice." If you see this, run the other way. These people can't help you: they're prohibited by law from giving meaningful advice, recommending specific lawyers, or even telling you whether you need a lawyer at all.
There’s no disclaimer here: Atticus is a law firm, and we are qualified to give legal advice. We can answer your most pressing questions, make clear recommendations, and search far and wide to find the right lawyer for you.
Two important things to note: If we give you legal advice, it will be through a lawyer on our staff communicating with you directly. (Don't make important decisions about your case based solely on this or any other website.) And if we take you on as a client, it will be through a document you sign. (No attorney-client relationship arises from using this site or calling us.)
- © 2024 Atticus Law, P.C.
Terms | Privacy | California Privacy | Disclaimer | This website is lawyer advertising.