What you need to know before you start

New Jersey has two separate disability programs, and which one you use depends on whether you worked and paid into Social Security. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is federal and based on your work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also federal but based on financial need, not work history. New Jersey does not run its own disability program — both are administered by the Social Security Administration, though you file through a local Social Security office or online.

The process starts the same way for both: you gather documents, contact Social Security, and submit information about your medical condition and work history. The main difference is what Social Security looks for when they review your case. If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI is usually the faster route. If you have little or no work history, or very low income and assets, SSI may be your only option.

New Jersey also has a state program called Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), but that covers short-term disabilities — usually injuries or illnesses lasting a few weeks to a few months — not permanent disability. This article focuses on the federal programs that handle long-term disability.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for federal disability through the Social Security Administration, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in New Jersey.
  • SSDI requires a work history and Social Security contributions; SSI requires low income and assets but no work history.
  • You will need medical records, a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, proof of income, and documentation of your assets if you are explore for SSI.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though you can request a hearing if Social Security denies your claim.
  • New Jersey has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that offers free help understanding how work affects your benefits.

How to file: the three ways to start

You can begin the process online, by phone, or in person. Online filing through ssa.gov is the fastest option — you can start an process anytime and save your progress. The form is called the process for Disability Benefits (Form SSA-16 for SSDI, Form SSA-8 for SSI). You do not need to complete it all at once.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). Social Security staff can answer questions and schedule an appointment for you. Wait times are usually shorter in the morning and earlier in the week.

You can also visit a Social Security office in person. New Jersey has offices in most cities — search for the one nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. An in-person appointment lets you ask questions and hand over documents when ready, but you will need to schedule ahead.

Documents you will need to gather

Social Security will ask for the same basic information whether you file online, by phone, or in person. Start collecting these before you contact them — having everything ready speeds up the process.

For both SSDI and SSI: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and a list of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have visited in the past year. Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them. You will also need to list all medications you currently take.

For SSDI only: proof of your work history. Bring W-2 forms or tax returns from the past year. Social Security has your earnings record on file, but having recent documents helps speed verification.

For SSI only: proof of your income (pay stubs, bank statements, or letters from benefits programs you receive), proof of your assets (bank account statements, property deeds, vehicle registration), and proof of your living situation (lease, mortgage, or a letter from your landlord).

What happens after you file

Once you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in New Jersey. This is a state agency that works with Social Security to review medical evidence and make the initial decision. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the decision — approval, denial, or a request for more information.

The review usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs to request medical records from your doctors. You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov if you created an account when you filed, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If Social Security approves your claim, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. SSDI payments usually start the month after approval. SSI payments may start sooner if you are in urgent financial need.

What to do if Social Security denies your claim

A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. You have the right to appeal, and many people who are denied the first time succeed on appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request an appeal. The first step is called Reconsideration, where a different Social Security examiner reviews your case. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage — recent test results, updated doctor's notes, or records from specialists you have seen since your first process.

If Reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people succeed, because you can present evidence in person and answer questions about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. You do not need a lawyer, but many people find one helpful at this stage.

Free help understanding your benefits

New Jersey has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that offers free, confidential help if you are receiving or thinking about explore for disability benefits. WIPA staff can answer questions about how returning to work affects your benefits, whether you can do part-time work, and what happens to your health insurance if you start earning income.

Contact the New Jersey WIPA project through the Disability Rights New Jersey office. They can explain the difference between trial work periods, extended may be able to access, and other work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready.

You can also contact Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS), another free program that helps people understand their rights and navigate the benefits system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while I wait for a decision on my disability claim?

Yes. Working while your claim is pending does not hurt your case, and it does not disqualify you. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may conclude you can work and deny your claim. Keep records of your earnings and any work limitations you experience.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security contributions. SSI is based on financial need — you must have low income and few assets. You can receive both at the same time if you meet the requirements for each. SSDI payments are usually higher, but SSI includes Medicaid in most states, while SSDI includes Medicare after two years.

How much will I receive each month?

SSDI payments depend on your lifetime earnings — the higher your average earnings, the higher your benefit. SSI payments are set by federal law and vary slightly by state. In 2024, the maximum SSI payment is around $943 per month, but most people receive less. Social Security will tell you the exact amount when you file.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability?

No. You can file and appeal on your own. However, a lawyer or representative can help gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case to a judge. If you win at the hearing stage, your lawyer is paid from your back pay, not out of pocket.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can file for SSDI or SSI if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have another may have access to immigration status. Bring your green card or immigration documents when you file. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for these federal programs.