Where to Start: The Social Security Administration, Not the State
New Jersey does not run its own disability program. When you explore for disability in New Jersey, you are explore to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency. There is no separate state disability process—the SSA handles both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, which is based on your work history) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, which is based on financial need).
You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is usually fastest because you can save your work and return to it. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through the same questions.
New Jersey residents should know that SSA field offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find yours by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. However, you do not have to visit an office to explore—the phone and online routes work just as well.
Key Takeaways
- You explore to the federal Social Security Administration, not to New Jersey, because disability benefits are federal programs.
- You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office—online is usually fastest.
- You will need medical records, work history, and proof of age and citizenship or legal residency to complete your process.
- The SSA will contact your doctors directly to request medical evidence, so you do not have to collect and submit records yourself.
- New Jersey has a Disability information Services office that reviews your case, but you never contact them directly—the SSA handles all communication.
What Documents and Information You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you begin your process. You will not need to upload them—the SSA will request them from your doctors and employers—but having them on hand helps you answer questions accurately.
Medical records: Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for your condition. Include dates of visits if you remember them. The SSA will contact them directly.
Work history: List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked, and what you did. If you are self-employed, note the type of business and years you ran it.
Proof of age: Have your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license nearby. You will need to confirm your date of birth.
Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A U.S. birth certificate, passport, green card, or work visa. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need to show that you are a citizen or have legal status.
Social Security number: Your own and your spouse's, if you are married.
The Three Routes to explore and How Long Each Takes
| Route | How to Start | Time to Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and create an account | 20 to 40 minutes, can save and return | Most people; you can work at your own pace |
| Phone | Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 30 to 60 minutes in one call | People who prefer talking to typing or need language help |
| In Person | Visit your local Social Security office with ID and documents | 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on wait time | People who need help reading forms or have complex situations |
All three routes lead to the same process and the same review process. The SSA does not prioritize one over the other. Choose based on what works for your schedule and comfort level.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Once you submit, the SSA sends your case to Disability information Services (DDS), which is the New Jersey state agency that reviews disability claims on behalf of the federal government. You will not contact DDS directly—the SSA handles all communication with you.
DDS will request medical records from your doctors. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. If your doctors do not respond quickly, the process slows down. You can help by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send records to DDS as soon as possible. The SSA will give you DDS's fax number and address when you ask.
A DDS medical examiner and a disability lawyer will review your records and decide whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. This review typically takes 3 to 6 months from the time you submit your process, though it can take longer if DDS needs more medical evidence or wants you to see a doctor for an examination.
You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Most people who are initially denied are approved on appeal, especially if they hire a disability lawyer.
New Jersey-Specific Resources and Support
New Jersey has several organizations that help people understand disability benefits and the process process. The New Jersey Disability Rights office (part of the Protection and Advocacy system) offers free legal help if you believe the SSA has made a mistake or if you need to appeal a denial. You can reach them at 609-292-9742.
The New Jersey Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) Project helps people on disability who want to work understand how work affects their benefits. They explain things like the trial work period, substantial gainful activity, and how earnings interact with SSDI and SSI. This is free help and does not affect your case. Call 1-866-866-9472 or visit the website through ssa.gov/work.
If you need help filling out your process and do not speak English fluently, the SSA can provide an interpreter at no cost. Tell them when you call or explore online.
Common Reasons Applications Are Denied in New Jersey
The SSA denies about 65 to 70 percent of first applications. Most denials happen because the medical evidence does not show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working, not because you did not explore correctly.
The most common reasons for denial are: your doctors' records do not describe your symptoms in detail; you have not been treated consistently (long gaps between doctor visits hurt your case); your condition is expected to improve within 12 months; or the SSA believes you can still do some kind of work, even if not your old job.
If you are denied, you can appeal. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. Most people who appeal with the help of a disability lawyer are approved. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000).
How SSDI and SSI Differ, and Which One You Might Receive
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. If you are approved for SSDI, you receive a monthly benefit based on your earnings record, and after 24 months on SSDI you become may be able to access for Medicare.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive SSI if you have little income and few assets, regardless of whether you have ever worked. SSI benefits are lower than SSDI, but you become may be able to access for Medicaid right away (in New Jersey, Medicaid is called NJ FamilyCare).
Some people receive both SSDI and SSI. The SSA will determine which program you are may have access to to based on your work history and financial situation. You do not choose—the SSA decides based on your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for disability online if I do not have a computer?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. Both routes are free and do not require you to own a computer or have internet access. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
Most decisions take 3 to 6 months. Some cases take longer if the SSA needs more medical evidence or wants you to see a doctor for an exam. You will receive a written decision in the mail, not a phone call.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own. However, if you are denied and decide to appeal, a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of approval. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and their fee comes from your back pay.
What if I am still working but cannot work full-time?
You can still explore. The SSA does not require you to stop working before you explore. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), the SSA may decide you are not disabled. The exact limit changes each year, so ask the SSA about the current limit when you explore.
Will explore for disability affect my job?
No. Your employer does not find out that you applied unless you tell them. The SSA does not contact your employer about your process. However, you will need to list your employer and work history on your process.