Amputation Benefits in New Jersey: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your amputation must meet Social Security’s definition of disability.
• You must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing substantial work.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources; SSDI is for those who paid into Social Security.
• You must provide medical records showing your amputation and how it affects your ability to work.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict list of qualifying conditions, including certain amputations.

For more details, see the SSA’s Blue Book listing for amputations [citation 1].

• In New Jersey, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you cannot work due to your amputation.
• To qualify for TDI, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned $15,200 in the base year before your disability started [citation 2].
• You must be unable to work for at least 8 days due to your amputation.
• TDI covers up to 26 weeks of lost wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,081 in 2025 [citation 2].
• You must apply through your employer or directly with the state if self-employed.
• Medicaid waivers may help pay for home care, equipment, and other support services if you meet income and functional criteria [citation 3].

• Gather your medical records showing your amputation.
• Contact your employer’s HR to start a TDI claim.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov.
• Check if you qualify for Medicaid waivers through NJ FamilyCare.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for disability savings.

• Step 1: Get a doctor’s note confirming your amputation and inability to work.
• Step 2: Ask your employer for a TDI claim form. If self-employed, download the form from the NJ Division of Disability Benefits website.
• Step 3: Fill out the claim form and attach your doctor’s note. Submit it to your employer or the state.
• Step 4: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov. You’ll need your Social Security number, medical records, and work history.
• Step 5: If you need long-term care or support, apply for Medicaid waivers through NJ FamilyCare. You can apply online or by phone.
• Step 6: Open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. You can do this online through NJ ABLE.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all forms and follow up on your applications.
• Step 8: Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.

For more help, contact the NJ Division of Disability Benefits or a local benefits counselor [citation 2].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash payments for people who paid into Social Security and have a qualifying disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

These programs can help cover medical bills, daily living costs, and more [citation 1].

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to your amputation. Workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025 [citation 2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help pay for home care, equipment, and support services if you meet income and functional criteria. These waivers let you get care in your home instead of a nursing home [citation 3].
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 12 weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition, including after an amputation [citation 4].
• NJ ABLE Account: Lets you save for disability expenses tax-free. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and more [citation 5].

These programs can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and daily living costs.

• NJ ABLE accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses.
• You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and more.
• The account does not affect your SSI or Medicaid eligibility if you stay under the limit.
• To open an account, visit the NJ ABLE website and fill out the application [citation 5].

• For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $914 per month for an individual.
• For Medicaid waivers, the income limit varies by program but is often around 300% of the SSI limit.
• For TDI, there is no income limit, but your benefit is based on your past earnings.
• For ABLE accounts, you can save up to $17,000 per year without losing benefits.

Check each program’s rules for exact limits [citation 1, 2, 5].

• If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you get benefits you don’t qualify for.
• Report changes to SSA, Medicaid, and the NJ Division of Disability Benefits.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.

For more details, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [citation 6].

• NJ Division of Disability Benefits
  Phone: 1-888-795-2677

  TTY: 1-800-833-7302

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For TDI and FLI claims and questions.
• NJ FamilyCare
  Phone: 1-800-701-0716

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and HCBS.
• NJ ABLE Account
  Phone: 1-855-652-2530

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For ABLE account questions.

• What is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in New Jersey?

  TDI pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to your amputation. Workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025. You must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability started [citation 2].

• How do I apply for TDI after an amputation?

  Ask your employer for a TDI claim form. Fill it out and attach a doctor’s note. Submit it to your employer or the state if self-employed. You can also apply online through the NJ Division of Disability Benefits website [citation 2].

• What are Medicaid waivers for amputation in New Jersey?

  Medicaid waivers help pay for home care, equipment, and support services if you meet income and functional criteria. These waivers let you get care in your home instead of a nursing home. Apply through NJ FamilyCare [citation 3].

• Can I get SSI or SSDI after an amputation?

  Yes, if your amputation meets Social Security’s definition of disability. SSI is for people with limited income and resources; SSDI is for those who paid into Social Security. You must provide medical records showing your amputation and how it affects your ability to work [citation 1].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  An ABLE account lets you save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses. The funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more. The account does not affect your SSI or Medicaid eligibility if you stay under the limit [citation 5].