What You Need to Know Before You Start

New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program pays part of your wages if you cannot work because of a non-work injury, illness, or pregnancy. The program is run by the state, and most private employers are required to carry it. You do not pay a separate premium — the cost comes out of your paycheck automatically, usually around 0.5% of your wages.

The process process starts with your employer. You will need to file a claim form with your company's human resources or payroll department, and they will forward it to the state. The state then reviews your medical information and decides whether you meet the program's requirements. Most decisions take two to three weeks, though some take longer if the state needs more information from your doctor.

If you are self-employed, a gig worker, or work for a very small employer, you may not be covered. The state has a list of who must carry TDI and who is exempt. Checking your coverage before you need it saves time later.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your TDI claim through your employer's payroll or human resources department, not directly with the state.
  • You will need a doctor's statement saying you cannot work and how long the disability is expected to last.
  • The state pays about 66% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.
  • Most claims are decided within two to three weeks, but you should not wait to file if you are already unable to work.
  • If your employer does not carry TDI or you are self-employed, you may still be covered under the state's Unemployment Insurance Temporary Disability (UITD) program.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Claim

Start by telling your employer that you need to file for temporary disability. Ask your HR department or payroll office for the claim form — it is called the Employee Claim for Temporary Disability Benefits (Form TDI-1). Your employer should have this form on hand. If they do not, you can read it from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.

Fill out the form with your personal information, the date your disability began, and a description of why you cannot work. You will also need to provide your doctor's name and contact information. Do not leave this section blank — the state cannot process your claim without it.

Once you have completed your part of the form, give it to your employer. They will fill out their section (which confirms your employment and wage history) and send the entire form to the state. Your employer should do this within a few days. Ask them for a copy of what they submit so you have a record.

The state will then contact your doctor to request medical certification. Your doctor will receive a form asking whether you are unable to work and when you are expected to return. This step usually takes one to two weeks. You can speed this up by asking your doctor's office to submit the form promptly.

What Your Doctor's Statement Must Include

The state requires your doctor to confirm three things: that you have a medical condition, that the condition prevents you from working, and the expected duration of your disability. The form the state sends to your doctor is straightforward, but your doctor's office may take time to complete and return it.

If you see a specialist (such as an obstetrician for pregnancy-related disability or an orthopedic surgeon for an injury), that doctor can provide the certification. You do not need a letter from your primary care doctor if a specialist is treating you. However, if your primary care doctor is coordinating your care, their statement carries equal weight.

Be honest with your doctor about your limitations. The state looks for consistency between what you tell them and what your medical records show. If you say you cannot work at all but your doctor's notes mention you are doing light activities, the claim may be delayed or denied.

How Much You Will Receive

Temporary disability benefits replace about 66% of your average weekly wage. The state calculates this based on your earnings in the 26 weeks before your disability began. There is a maximum weekly benefit amount that the state sets each year — in 2024, this maximum is $993 per week, but this amount changes annually.

If you earn $1,500 per week, you would receive roughly $990 per week (66% of $1,500). If you earn $1,200 per week, you would receive about $792 per week. The state will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Benefits are usually paid by direct deposit to your bank account. The state processes payments weekly, so you should see money in your account within a few days of approval. If you do not have a bank account, you can request a check instead, though this takes longer.

How Long Benefits Last

Temporary disability benefits last for up to 26 weeks in a 52-week period. This means the state will pay you for up to six months of disability within any 12-month window. If your condition improves and you return to work before 26 weeks, your benefits stop.

If your disability extends beyond 26 weeks, you may be able to file a new claim in the following 52-week period, but the state will review your medical information again. Some conditions — such as pregnancy — have predictable end dates, so the state knows in advance when benefits will stop. Others require ongoing medical review.

You must report to the state if you return to work, even part-time. If you work while receiving benefits, the state will reduce your payment based on how much you earn. Tell your employer and the state when ready if your situation changes.

If Your Employer Does Not Carry TDI

New Jersey requires most private employers to carry temporary disability insurance, but some are exempt. These include the federal government, certain religious organizations, and some very small employers. If your employer does not carry TDI, you may still be covered under the state's Unemployment Insurance Temporary Disability (UITD) program.

To file under UITD, contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development directly. You will need the same medical documentation, but you will submit your claim to the state rather than through your employer. The process takes longer — usually four to six weeks — because the state must verify your employment history on its own.

Self-employed workers and gig workers can also purchase coverage through the state's Individual Coverage Program. This is optional, but if you have purchased it, you can file a claim the same way as UITD filers.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your claim, the state will send you a notice within a few days confirming that they received it. This notice will include a claim number — keep this for your records. You can use it to check the status of your claim on the Department of Labor website.

The state will contact your doctor and request medical certification. While waiting for your doctor's response, you can continue working if you are able to. If you cannot work, you do not have to wait for approval to stop working — you just will not receive payment until the state approves your claim.

Once the state receives your doctor's statement, they will make a decision. If approved, you will receive a letter explaining your weekly benefit amount and the expected end date. If denied, the letter will explain why. You have the right to appeal a denial within 20 days of receiving the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I am still working part-time?

Yes. If you are working reduced hours due to your condition, you can still file. The state will reduce your weekly benefit based on what you earn, but you may still receive partial payments. Report all income honestly — the state verifies earnings through your employer.

What if my doctor says I need more than 26 weeks off work?

Temporary disability covers up to 26 weeks in a 52-week period. If your condition lasts longer, you may be able to file a new claim after 26 weeks have passed. You will need updated medical certification. You may also want to explore whether you may have access to for other programs, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which covers longer-term disabilities.

How do I check the status of my claim?

Visit the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website and use the claim status tool. You will need your claim number, which was included in the confirmation notice you received after filing. You can also call the department's claims line, though wait times are often long.

What if my employer says they did not receive my form?

Ask your employer in writing (email is fine) to confirm receipt and submission of your claim. If they say they never received it, file a new form and ask them to sign a statement confirming the date they received it. If your employer is uncooperative, contact the Department of Labor — they can investigate whether your employer is complying with the law.

Do I have to repay benefits if I return to work sooner than expected?

No. If your condition improves and you return to work before your expected end date, you straightforward stop receiving payments. You do not owe the state any money back. However, you must report your return to work when ready so the state stops processing payments.