What a New Jersey Temporary Disability Number Is and Why You Need It

A New Jersey Temporary Disability (TD) number is an identification code issued by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. It tracks your claim for temporary disability benefits — the state program that replaces part of your wages if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, or during pregnancy and recovery from childbirth.

You receive this number when you file a TD claim. You use it to check your claim status, request documents, and communicate with the state about your benefits. The number appears on all official correspondence from the state about your claim.

New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program is mandatory for most private-sector employers. If you work for a covered employer and lose income because you are temporarily unable to work, you may receive partial wage replacement while you recover.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TD number is issued by the New Jersey Department of Labor when you file a claim and serves as your identifier for all future correspondence about that claim.
  • You can find your TD number on the claim confirmation letter you receive by mail after filing, or by logging into your online account at nj.gov/labor.
  • Keep your TD number handy when you call the Department of Labor, request claim status updates, or need to submit additional documents.
  • Each new TD claim receives a separate number, so if you file multiple claims over time, you will have multiple TD numbers.
  • The TD number is different from your Social Security number and is used only for New Jersey temporary disability purposes.

How to Find Your TD Number After You File

When you file a TD claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor, the state mails you a claim confirmation letter within 7 to 10 business days. This letter contains your TD number, the date your claim was filed, and the date your benefits are expected to begin. Keep this letter in a safe place — you will need the number for future reference.

If you filed your claim online through the Department of Labor's website, you can also log into your account at nj.gov/labor using your username and password. Your TD number appears on your claim summary page. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your Social Security number and email address.

If you filed by mail or in person and have not received your confirmation letter, or if you have lost it, you can call the Department of Labor's Temporary Disability Insurance unit at 609-292-7060. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The staff can look up your claim and provide your TD number over the phone.

What Information Your TD Number Connects To

Your TD number links to your claim file, which includes the dates you reported as unable to work, your employer's name and address, your average weekly wage calculation, and the weekly benefit amount you are may have access to to receive. The state uses this number to process your weekly benefit payments and to track any changes to your claim status.

When you certify for benefits — the weekly or bi-weekly process where you confirm you remained unable to work — you may be asked to provide your TD number. This helps the state match your certification to the correct claim file, especially if you have filed multiple claims over several years.

Your TD number is also used if you need to request a information of Ineligibility or appeal a claim denial. If the state denies your claim, the denial letter will reference your TD number so you know exactly which claim is being addressed.

When You Receive Multiple TD Numbers

Each time you file a new TD claim, you receive a new TD number. This happens because each claim covers a specific period of disability. If you are unable to work in 2024 and then again in 2025, those are two separate claims with two separate numbers.

The state does not automatically combine claims or transfer benefits from one number to another. If you have worked for multiple employers during the same period of disability, you may need to file separate claims for each employer, and each will have its own TD number.

Keep records of all your TD numbers if you have filed more than once. This helps you track which claim covers which period and makes it easier to follow up on any specific claim if questions arise later.

Using Your TD Number to Check Claim Status

You can check the status of your TD claim online at nj.gov/labor by logging into your account and selecting the claim associated with your TD number. The online portal shows whether your claim is pending, approved, or denied, and displays the dates your benefits are scheduled to be paid.

If you prefer to call, have your TD number ready when you contact the Department of Labor at 609-292-7060. Providing your number helps the staff locate your claim quickly and answer questions about payment dates, benefit amounts, or any missing documentation.

You can also request a Claim Status Letter from the Department of Labor by mail or online. This letter summarizes your claim and is sometimes needed for other purposes, such as proving you received benefits during a specific period.

What to Do If You Cannot Locate Your TD Number

If you have lost your confirmation letter and cannot access your online account, the fastest way to recover your TD number is to call the Department of Labor's Temporary Disability Insurance unit at 609-292-7060. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The staff can look up all claims filed under your name and give you the TD numbers for each one.

If you filed your claim more than a few years ago, the state may have archived the file. In that case, you can request historical claim information by submitting a written request to the Department of Labor, Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, at the address listed on the nj.gov/labor website. Include your name, Social Security number, and the approximate year you filed.

Do not assume you do not have a TD number if you do not remember filing. If your employer withheld temporary disability insurance contributions from your paycheck, you may have been covered and may have a claim on file even if you did not remember filing it.

How Your TD Number Differs From Other Identification Numbers

Your TD number is specific to New Jersey's temporary disability program and is not the same as your Social Security number, your driver's license number, or any federal identification number. It is used only by the New Jersey Department of Labor to track your temporary disability claim.

If you also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those programs use different identification numbers and are administered by the federal Social Security Administration, not by New Jersey. TD benefits and federal disability benefits are separate programs with separate process processes.

Some people receive both TD and SSDI at the same time, but the programs do not share identification numbers. Your TD number appears only on New Jersey state documents related to temporary disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TD number to check my claim status online without creating an account?

No. You must create an account at nj.gov/labor using your email address and Social Security number to access your claim information online. Once logged in, you can view all claims associated with your Social Security number and their corresponding TD numbers.

What if I filed a TD claim but never received a confirmation letter with my TD number?

Call the Department of Labor at 609-292-7060 with your Social Security number and date of birth. The staff can confirm whether a claim was filed and provide your TD number. If mail was lost, they can also mail a replacement confirmation letter.

Do I need my TD number every time I certify for weekly benefits?

Not always. If you certify online, the system recognizes your account and pulls up your claim automatically. If you certify by phone or mail, having your TD number on hand speeds up the process, but you can also provide your Social Security number and the state will locate your claim.

If I appeal a TD claim denial, do I use the same TD number?

Yes. Your appeal is tied to the same TD number as your original claim. Include your TD number on all appeal documents and correspondence so the Department of Labor routes your appeal to the correct file.

Can my employer look up my TD number?

No. Your TD number is confidential and belongs to you. Your employer cannot access your claim information or TD number through the state system. However, you may choose to share your TD number with your employer if you need to provide proof of your claim for payroll or other purposes.