The main phone number for New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance

New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program is run by the state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development, not by Social Security. If you need to reach them about a TDI claim, the main phone number is 609-292-7060. This line handles questions about claims, payments, and the status of your case.

The department also operates a separate claims line specifically for filing or checking on a disability claim. That number is 1-855-NJ-LABOR (1-855-652-5227). Both numbers connect you to state staff who work with TDI claims directly.

New Jersey TDI covers temporary disabilities — injuries or illnesses that prevent you from working for a period of time, but are expected to improve. This is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a federal program for people with long-term or permanent disabilities. The two programs have separate phone lines, separate applications, and separate rules about who can receive benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 609-292-7060 or 1-855-652-5227 to reach New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance program directly.
  • TDI covers short-term disabilities expected to improve, while SSDI covers long-term or permanent disabilities — they are separate programs with different phone numbers.
  • The best time to call is early in the week and early in the day, when wait times are typically shorter.
  • Have your Social Security number, claim number (if you have one), and details about your disability ready before you call.

What to expect when you call

When you call either TDI number, you will reach an automated system first. The system will ask you to select options based on what you need — whether you are filing a new claim, checking on an existing claim, or asking about a payment. Selecting the right option can route you to the right department faster.

If you stay on the line after the automated menu, you will eventually reach a live representative. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning typically means shorter waits than calling on a Monday or Friday afternoon.

Have your information ready before you call: your Social Security number, your claim number if you already have one, the date your disability began, and the name of your employer. If you are calling about a payment issue, have your bank account information or the address where you expect your check to arrive.

When to call versus when to use the online portal

New Jersey's Department of Labor has an online portal where you can file a TDI claim, check the status of an existing claim, and view payment history without calling. The portal is available at nj.gov/labor. If your question is about claim status or payment timing, the portal often gives you an answer faster than waiting on hold.

You should call instead of using the portal if you need to speak to someone about a denied claim, if you disagree with a decision, if your claim has been pending for longer than expected, or if you have a question the portal cannot answer. A representative can also help you understand what documents you need to submit or what the next step in your case is.

What TDI covers and what it does not

New Jersey TDI pays a portion of your wages if you cannot work because of a non-work-related injury or illness. The program covers pregnancy and childbirth, surgery recovery, accidents outside of work, and medical conditions that temporarily prevent you from working. Benefits typically replace about two-thirds of your weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.

TDI does not cover disabilities caused by work — those are handled by workers' compensation instead. It also does not cover disabilities expected to last longer than a certain period, though some people transition from TDI to SSDI if their condition does not improve. If you are unsure whether your situation is covered, the phone representatives can walk you through what the program does and does not pay for.

How long TDI benefits last

New Jersey TDI benefits can last up to 26 weeks in a 12-month period for most disabilities. Pregnancy and childbirth have a slightly different timeline — benefits typically cover four weeks before your due date and six weeks after delivery, though you can request an extension if medically necessary.

The clock on your 26-week period starts when your claim is approved and you begin receiving payments, not when your disability began. If you return to work part-time and then have to stop again, the remaining weeks from your 26-week period may still be available to you. The representatives on the phone can tell you how many weeks you have used and how many remain.

If you cannot reach anyone by phone

If the phone lines are consistently busy or you cannot get through, you can file a claim or check your claim status online at nj.gov/labor/myunemployment. You can also visit a New Jersey One-Stop Career Center in person — these are physical locations throughout the state where staff can help you with TDI questions and claims.

Another option is to send a written inquiry to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, at the address listed on the department's website. Written inquiries take longer to process than phone calls, but they create a record of your question and the date you asked it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Jersey TDI the same as Social Security Disability?

No. TDI is a state program that covers temporary disabilities expected to improve. SSDI is a federal program for people with long-term or permanent disabilities. They have different phone numbers, different rules, and different benefit amounts. You can receive both at the same time, but you must explore to each program separately.

How long does it take to get approved for TDI?

Most claims are reviewed within two to three weeks of submission. If the department needs more information from you or your doctor, the process can take longer. You can call to check on your claim status after one week if you have not heard anything, or if you submitted documents and want to confirm they were received.

Can I work part-time while receiving TDI?

Yes, but your benefits will be reduced based on how much you earn. If you earn more than a certain amount per week, you may not receive a TDI payment that week. The phone representatives can explain how your earnings affect your benefits and help you understand what you can earn without losing coverage.

What if I disagree with a decision to deny my claim?

You have the right to appeal a denial. Call the TDI line to request an appeal form, or ask for information about the appeal process. You will have a chance to submit additional evidence and may be able to request a hearing where you can speak to someone about your case.

Do I need a doctor's note to file for TDI?

Yes. You will need a medical certification form completed by your doctor that describes your disability and when you are expected to be able to return to work. The form is provided by the department, and your doctor can submit it directly or you can submit it on your behalf. Call to ask for the form or read it from the department's website.