New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance is a state program, not federal SSDI
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is a state-run program that replaces part of your wages if you cannot work due to a non-work injury or illness. It is separate from federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). TDI pays you directly for a limited time — typically up to 26 weeks — while you recover. You do not need to prove permanent disability, only that you are temporarily unable to work.
TDI is funded through payroll deductions if you work in New Jersey. Your employer withholds a small percentage from your paycheck each week. If you are self-employed, you can pay into the program voluntarily. Because you have already paid into it, explore is straightforward: you file a claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, not with Social Security.
This guide covers the process process, what documents you need, and what to expect after you file. If your condition lasts longer than 26 weeks, you may need to explore SSDI separately.
Key Takeaways
- TDI covers temporary disabilities lasting up to 26 weeks and is funded through payroll deductions, so you must have worked in New Jersey to be covered.
- You file your claim directly with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, not with Social Security.
- Your doctor must complete a medical certification form stating you cannot work; this is the most important document in your claim.
- The state typically makes a decision within two to three weeks of receiving a complete claim.
- If you are denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 20 days of the denial letter.
Who is covered by New Jersey TDI
You are covered by TDI if you worked in New Jersey and your employer withheld TDI contributions from your paycheck. Most employees in New Jersey are automatically covered — your employer is required to deduct the contribution unless you fall into a narrow exception (such as certain government workers or railroad employees covered by federal programs).
If you are self-employed, you can enroll in TDI voluntarily. You must have been enrolled for at least eight consecutive weeks before you file a claim. Part-time workers, temporary workers, and workers on leave are all covered as long as contributions were being withheld.
You are not covered if you have never worked in New Jersey or if your employer was not required to withhold TDI contributions. If you are unsure whether you are covered, you can contact the New Jersey Department of Labor at 609-292-7060 before you file.
Step-by-step: Filing your TDI claim
Step 1: Get the claim form. read Form TDI-1 (Employee Claim for Temporary Disability Benefits) from the New Jersey Department of Labor website, or request it by phone at 609-292-7060. You can also pick up a paper copy at a local Department of Labor office. The form is available in English and Spanish.
Step 2: Complete your section of the form. Fill in your personal information, Social Security number, date of birth, and work history. Include the name and address of your current or most recent employer. List the date your disability began — this is the first day you were unable to work. Be specific about why you cannot work (for example, "back surgery" or "pneumonia"), but you do not need to write a detailed medical history.
Step 3: Have your doctor complete the medical certification. Your doctor must fill out the medical portion of Form TDI-1 or submit a separate medical report on letterhead. The doctor must state the date the disability began, the expected duration (how long you will be unable to work), and whether you are able to perform your regular job duties. The doctor does not need to provide a diagnosis if they prefer not to, but they must confirm you cannot work. If you do not have a regular doctor, an urgent care provider or hospital can complete this section.
Step 4: Have your employer complete their section. Your employer must verify your employment dates, your usual job duties, and your weekly wage. If you are no longer employed, you can submit your most recent pay stub or a letter from your former employer instead. This section confirms how much you were earning so the state can calculate your benefit amount.
Step 5: Submit the completed form. Mail the form to the New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, P.O. Box 269, Trenton, NJ 08625-0269. You can also submit it in person at a Department of Labor office or fax it to 609-984-8499. Keep a copy for your records. The state will send you a confirmation letter within one week of receiving your claim.
Documents you need before you file
| Document | Who provides it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Form TDI-1 (Employee Claim) | New Jersey Department of Labor | The official process form; without it, your claim cannot be processed. |
| Medical certification from your doctor | Your physician or healthcare provider | Proves you cannot work; the state will not pay without this. |
| Recent pay stub or wage statement | Your employer | Shows your weekly earnings so the state can calculate your benefit amount. |
| Proof of employment (if no longer employed) | Your former employer | Confirms you worked in New Jersey and were covered by TDI. |
| Social Security number and date of birth | You | Required to verify your identity and match your claim to your wage record. |
Gather these documents before you start filling out the form. If your doctor is slow to respond, call their office and ask them to prioritize the medical certification — the state cannot move forward without it. If you are no longer in touch with your employer, a recent pay stub is usually enough proof of your earnings.
How much TDI pays and for how long
TDI replaces two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by the state each year. The maximum benefit amount changes annually; in 2024, the maximum was $993 per week, but this varies by year. Your actual benefit is calculated based on your earnings in the 52 weeks before your disability began.
You can receive TDI for up to 26 weeks in a 12-month period. If your disability lasts longer than 26 weeks, TDI ends and you would need to explore other options, such as federal SSDI. Some people receive partial benefits if they return to work part-time while still recovering — the state will reduce your benefit by the amount you earn.
Benefits are paid weekly by direct deposit or check, usually within 10 to 14 days after the state approves your claim. If you are approved, you will receive back pay for the weeks between when your disability began and when the state processed your claim.
Timeline: What happens after you submit your claim
Week 1: The state receives your form and sends you a confirmation letter with a claim number. Keep this number for all future contact.
Weeks 2–3: The Department of Labor reviews your medical certification and employment record. They may contact your doctor or employer if information is missing or unclear. If everything is in order, they make a decision and mail you a letter stating whether you are approved or denied.
Week 4 (if approved): Your first benefit payment is processed and sent by direct deposit or check. You will receive back pay for all weeks from when your disability began until the state approved your claim.
Ongoing: You must report your status every two weeks. If you return to work, even part-time, you must report your earnings so the state can adjust your benefit. If your condition improves and you can work full-time, your benefits end.
What to do if your claim is denied
If the state denies your claim, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include: the medical certification does not clearly state you cannot work, you do not have enough work history in New Jersey to be covered, or the state believes your condition is work-related (in which case you would file a workers' compensation claim instead).
You have 20 days from the date on the denial letter to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. To request a hearing, send a written request to the address on your denial letter, or call 609-292-7060 to ask how to file. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one if you choose.
At the hearing, you can present new medical evidence, testimony from your doctor, or additional employment records. The judge will make a new decision within 30 days. If you disagree with the judge's decision, you can appeal to the Commissioner of Labor, but this is a longer process and you should consider consulting with a disability advocate or attorney at this stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for TDI if I am already receiving unemployment benefits?
No. You cannot receive both TDI and unemployment at the same time. TDI is for people who cannot work due to illness or injury. Unemployment is for people who are able to work but cannot find a job. If you are receiving unemployment, you must stop claiming it before TDI can pay you.
What if my disability is work-related?
If your injury or illness happened at work or was caused by your job, you should file a workers' compensation claim instead of TDI. Workers' compensation typically pays more and lasts longer. Contact your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier or call the New Jersey Department of Labor at 609-292-7060 for guidance on which program applies to your situation.
Do I need a lawyer to explore for TDI?
No. The process is straightforward and you can file it yourself. A lawyer is only necessary if your claim is denied and you want to appeal. If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact a local legal aid office — many offer free consultations for disability matters.
What happens if I return to work before my 26 weeks are up?
You must report your return to work to the Department of Labor when ready. If you return full-time, your TDI benefits end. If you return part-time, the state will reduce your weekly benefit by the amount you earn. You continue to report your earnings every two weeks until you are working full-time or your 26-week period ends.
Can I explore for federal SSDI while I am receiving TDI?
Yes. TDI and SSDI are separate programs and you can explore for both. However, if you are approved for SSDI, the Social Security Administration will reduce your SSDI payment by the amount you receive from TDI. This is called an offset. It is still worth explore for SSDI if your disability may last longer than 26 weeks, because SSDI can provide long-term income replacement.