Where to start: Social Security's online process

To file for disability in New Jersey, you submit your process to Social Security, not to the state. Social Security handles all disability claims under the federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, regardless of which state you live in. You can start your process online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The online process is usually the fastest route. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and you can save your progress and return to it later. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and information about your medical conditions and doctors. Social Security will contact you if they need anything else.

If you prefer to explore by phone or in person, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment. New Jersey has Social Security offices in Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Atlantic City, and other cities. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone or face-to-face.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with Social Security, not with New Jersey, and you can start online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office.
  • You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years, and your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records from your doctors and may send you to a doctor they choose to examine you at no cost to you.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, and most people who are denied benefit from having a lawyer or advocate review their case before appealing.

What Social Security needs to know about your work history

Social Security checks whether you have worked long enough and paid enough in Social Security taxes to be covered under SSDI. The amount of work history you need depends on your age. If you are under 24, you may need as little as one and a half years of work in the three years before you became disabled. If you are 31 or older, you typically need to have worked at least five of the last ten years.

When you explore, Social Security already has a record of your earnings from your tax returns. You do not need to gather pay stubs or W-2 forms unless you worked recently and your employer has not yet reported your wages. If you are self-employed, bring records of your income for the past two years.

Social Security also looks at whether you have worked since you became disabled. If you have been working and earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly), Social Security may conclude you are not disabled. The exact threshold varies, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you call.

Medical evidence: what doctors and records you will need

Social Security's decision rests almost entirely on medical evidence. You will need to list all the doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for your condition. Include their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Social Security will contact them directly to request your medical records—you do not have to collect them yourself, though you can speed up the process by asking your doctors to send them in.

Bring records that show when your condition started, what tests or imaging you have had, what medications you take, and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. If you see a therapist or psychiatrist, those records are important too. If you have had surgery, hospitalizations, or emergency room visits related to your condition, include those dates.

Social Security may also send you to a doctor they choose, called a consultative examiner. This examination is free to you. The doctor will examine you and send a report to Social Security. You do not have to pay for this visit, and you can bring someone with you if you wish.

How to describe your condition and its impact on work

When you explore, Social Security asks you to describe what your condition prevents you from doing. Be specific about your daily life: Can you sit for eight hours? Can you lift more than ten pounds? Can you concentrate on tasks? Do you have pain, fatigue, or memory problems that interrupt your work? Do you need frequent breaks or time off for medical appointments?

Social Security is not asking whether you can do your old job. They are asking whether you can do any job that exists in the economy, taking into account your age, education, and work experience. This is a high bar. You must show that your condition prevents you from working at all, not just that it makes work difficult or that you cannot do the job you used to do.

Write down specific examples. Instead of "I have back pain," write "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe pain, and I cannot lift anything heavier than five pounds." Instead of "I have depression," write "I have missed work 15 days in the past three months due to depressive episodes, and I have difficulty concentrating for more than an hour at a time." Social Security uses these details to evaluate your case.

The timeline: how long the decision takes

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to Disability information Services (DDS), which is a state agency that works with Social Security. In New Jersey, DDS reviews your medical evidence and makes the initial decision. This process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors or if they request a consultative examination.

Social Security will contact you by mail if they need additional information. If you do not respond within ten days, they may deny your claim. Check your mail regularly, and if you move, tell Social Security your new address right away.

You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have created a my Social Security account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will send you a letter with their decision. If they approve your claim, the letter will say when your benefits start. If they deny it, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

What happens if Social Security denies your claim

Most people are denied on their first process. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have the right to appeal, and you have 60 days from the date on Social Security's denial letter to request reconsideration. Do not wait—if you miss the 60-day window, you will have to start over with a new process.

When you request reconsideration, Social Security sends your case to a different reviewer at DDS. This is your chance to submit new medical evidence, such as recent test results or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition prevents you from working. Many people who are denied benefit from having a lawyer or advocate review their case before they appeal, because a lawyer can identify what evidence Social Security is missing and help you gather it.

If Social Security denies reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. You can represent yourself, but most people hire a lawyer at this stage. Lawyers who handle disability cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent) only if you win. They do not charge you upfront.

New Jersey resources and legal help

New Jersey has several organizations that offer free or low-cost help with disability applications and appeals. The New Jersey Disability Rights office provides advocacy and legal information to people with disabilities. You can reach them at 609-292-9742 or visit their website.

The Legal Aid Society of New Jersey offers free legal help to people who cannot afford a lawyer. They have offices throughout the state and handle disability cases. Call 1-888-529-2643 to find the office nearest you.

You can also contact your local Social Security office directly. The office in Newark is at 970 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, phone 1-800-772-1213. Social Security staff can answer questions about your process and help you understand what evidence you need to submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability process is being reviewed?

Yes, you can work while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. If you do work, tell Social Security about your earnings when you explore, and be honest about how much you earn and how often you work.

What if I do not have a regular doctor?

Social Security can still review your case using hospital records, emergency room visits, or records from clinics. If you have no medical evidence at all, Social Security will likely send you to a consultative examiner. It is better to see a doctor before you explore if you can, because medical records from your own doctor carry more weight than a one-time examination.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for disability?

You do not need a lawyer to explore or to request reconsideration. Many people explore on their own and are approved. However, if Social Security denies your claim and you plan to appeal, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Most disability lawyers work for free upfront and take a percentage of your back pay only if you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. In New Jersey, you may be able to receive both if you may have access to for SSDI but your benefit is low. Ask Social Security which program you may have access to for when you explore.

How much will I receive in disability benefits?

Your SSDI benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record. The average benefit in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower depending on how much you earned. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter. You can also create a my Social Security account to see an estimate before you explore.