New Jersey residents who are unable to work because they have a disability who have worked in the past can file a claim with the Social Security Administration for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security benefits can help New Jersey residents who can’t work pay for the things they need to live like housing, food, clothing, medical care, or utilities.
SSDI Eligibility Criteria in New Jersey
The SSDI eligibility criteria in New Jersey are the SSDI eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration. Most states use the criteria established by the SSA to determine eligibility when it comes to SSDI.
In order to successfully file a claim for SSDI you must show that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements including medical requirements, financial requirements, and work credit requirements.
Medical Disability Requirements
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in New Jersey you must have documentation that shows you meet the Social Security Administration’s strict medical criteria.
The first thing you must show is that you have a medical condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. There are more than 200 medical conditions in the Blue Book that qualify for SSDI. Every listing in the Blue Book has a set of condition-specific requirements.
You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website. Or you can flip through a hard copy of the book at any Social Security Administration office in New Jersey.
You need to include medical records that show you have been diagnosed with that condition and that you meet the other medical requirements listed for that condition. Gather as much medical evidence as you can to prove that you meet the SSA’s requirements including things like blood tests, imaging, prescriptions, treatment notes, and statements from your doctors.
Work Requirements
Medical records alone aren’t enough to get your application for SSDI in New Jersey approved. You must also show that you have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Before your application for SSDI is approved you will have to show that you haven’t been able to work for at least a year because of your condition.
But you also need to have earned enough work credits prior to that year to be eligible for SSDI in New Jersey.
Work credits are something that you earn based on how many years you worked before you were disabled.
Work credits in New Jersey are calculated by a formula set by the SSA. They are based on the amount that you are paid and the number of hours that you work.
Work credit requirements are different by age in New Jersey. The work credit requirements by age in New Jersey are:
- Under Age 24: 6 work credits, or about 1.5 years of work.
- Ages 24-30: You need to have earned credits for half the time between age 21 and the age you become disabled. For example: If you become disabled at age 27, you need 12 work credits or 3 years of work.
- Ages 31 and Older: You typically need 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years prior to your disability. However, the total number of credits required increases with age. Here’s a general guideline:
- Age 31-42: 20 credits (5 years of work)
- Age 43-54: 24 credits (6 years of work)
- Age 55-64: 28 credits (7 years of work)
- Age 65 and older: 40 credits (10 years of work)
Financial Requirements
There are also financial requirements regarding income and assets that you must meet to be eligible for SSDI in New Jersey. When you apply for SSDI you will have to meet these financial requirements:
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Substantial gainful activity is another way of saying paid work. If you are engaging in any paid work you can’t earn more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 per month if you are blind) in order to qualify for SSDI. If you earn more than that the SSA will assume you can work and don’t need benefits.
- Trial Work Period: SSDI recipients who are trying to see if they are well enough to work can test their ability to work while still receiving benefits. During a trial work period, you can earn up to $1,050 per month for nine months without affecting your benefits.
- Work Incentives: If you have done a trial work period, you may still receive benefits for a period while earning above the SGA limit, thanks to work incentives designed to support your transition back to work.
State-Specific Eligibility Rules
There are no state-specific eligibility rules for applying for SSDI in New Jersey. To be eligible for SSDI in New Jersey you must meet the same eligibility requirements set by the SSA.
SSDI Benefits in New Jersey
The amount of SSDI benefits that you will receive can be calculated using this formula from the SSA:
Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) Formula
The PIA is the base amount used by the Social Security Administration to calculate SSDI benefits. In 2024, the formula used to calculate the PIA is:
90% of the first $1,370 of your AIME,
32% of your AIME over $1,370 and up to $8,194, and
15% of your AIME over $8,194.
The maximum SSDI benefit in 2024 is approximately $3,627 per month. The average SSDI payment in New Jersey is $1,508.94.
Healthcare Benefits
New Jersey residents who receive SSDI benefits can qualify for Medicare after getting SSDI for 24 months. If you need health care while you are waiting to be enrolled in Medicare, you may be able to qualify for Medicaid or other state health programs.
Other State-Specific Benefits
If you are receiving SSDI in New Jersey, you may also be eligible for:
- SNAP food assistance
- WIC benefits
- Section 8 housing vouchers
- Discounted transportation
Applying for SSDI in New Jersey
At first, applying for SSDI in New Jersey might seem confusing or overwhelming. There are a lot of documents that you need and the forms can be hard to understand. It’s a good idea to speak with a Social Security disability lawyer in New Jersey when you start your application.
If you don’t fill out the application correctly or include all the documents necessary to process the application, it may be denied. If you miss any of the deadlines for turning in paperwork your application will automatically be denied.
When you are ready to apply you can apply online, over the phone, or in person at your local SSA office in New Jersey.
Documents Needed for Application
When you apply for SSDI you need to include copies of all these documents along with your medical documentation and the actual application:
- Proof of identity
- Medical records
- Work history
- Financial Records
- Social Security number
Application Timeline
It can take 3-6 months, or longer, to receive a decision on an SSDI application in New Jersey. If your initial application is denied, you can file an appeal. The appeal could also take 3-6 months after you file.
Appeals Process for Denied SSDI Applications in New Jersey
Most applicants have their claim for SSDI benefits denied the first time. It’s ok if you are denied. You can file a request for reconsideration. You only have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file a request for reconsideration though, so don’t wait.
If your reconsideration is denied, you can ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. And if that is denied you can ask for a hearing before the Appeals Council. You can even file a lawsuit in Federal court as a last resort.
How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?
Reconsideration typically takes 3-6 months. But if your reconsideration is denied the next appeal could take six months to a year. And the more appeals you need to file the longer each one takes. To speed up the process make sure that you meet all requested deadlines.
Resources for SSDI Applicants in New Jersey
Some resources and agencies that can help you apply for SSDI in New Jersey are:
- New Jersey Division of Disability Services
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Local Offices
- New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
- The Arc of New Jersey
- Disability Rights New Jersey
Working with a New Jersey SSI Lawyer
Working with an SSDI lawyer from New Jersey can raise your chances of getting your application approved. A New Jersey SSDI lawyer can help you with things like:
- Meeting deadlines
- Understanding the application
- Gathering medical evidence
- Filling out the application
- Filing appeals
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a New Jersey SSDI lawyer who can help you with your New Jersey SSDI application.
