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New Jersey • Mental Health
People with Anxiety Disorders in New Jersey may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and state programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Eligibility depends on medical severity, work history, and income. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in New Jersey, your Anxiety Disorder must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs that paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the 10 years before disability. For SSI, you must have low income and limited resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including anxiety disorders, to decide if your condition meets the medical criteria[1].
In New Jersey, people with Anxiety Disorders may also qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if their condition prevents them from working for a short time. To get 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. TDI covers up to 26 weeks and pays up to $1,081 per week in 2025. Workers pay a 0.23% contribution on wages up to $165,400. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period[3].
The main federal programs for Anxiety Disorders are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources. Both programs require that your anxiety disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You can learn more about SSI vs SSDI and work incentives on our guides[1].
New Jersey offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for people who cannot work due to a serious health condition, including Anxiety Disorders. TDI pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks. To qualify, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year. Workers pay a 0.23% contribution on wages up to $165,400. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) may also help if you need time off to care for yourself or a family member[3][4][5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account if your Anxiety Disorder started before age 26. You can save up to $16,000 per year, and the account can help pay for housing, education, and other needs. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one[1].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is about $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month from work (Substantial Gainful Activity limit). For TDI in New Jersey, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year to qualify[1][3].
If your income or work status changes, you must report it to SSA or NJ Division of Temporary Disability. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes to keep your benefits safe[1][3].
Contact the New Jersey Division of Disability Services or your local Social Security office for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, if your Anxiety Disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in New Jersey. You need medical proof and must meet work or income rules[1][3].
For TDI in 2025, you can get up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks. For SSDI, the amount depends on your work history. For SSI, the federal limit is about $943 per month[1][3].
You need records from your doctor showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your Anxiety Disorder limits your daily activities and work. SSA and NJ TDI both require this proof[1][3].
For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, you do not need work history but must have low income. For TDI, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year[1][3].
SSA reviews can take 3–6 months or longer. NJ TDI decisions are usually faster, often within a few weeks. Delays can happen if more information is needed[1][3].
You can try to work, but if you earn more than $1,550 per month (SSDI) or $943 per month (SSI), you may lose benefits. SSA has work incentives to help you test your ability to work[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require that your anxiety disorder is severe enough to stop you from working[1].
Yes, if you get SSI or have low income, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid can help pay for therapy, medication, and other care for Anxiety Disorders[1].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one in New Jersey if your Anxiety Disorder started before age 26[1].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA or NJ Division of Temporary Disability. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[1][3].
