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New Jersey • Speech/Language
People with aphasia in New Jersey may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Family Leave Insurance (FLI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, your aphasia must be severe enough to prevent 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 limited income and resources, and meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Earning more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) usually disqualifies you from SSDI, but special circumstances may apply[1].
In New Jersey, you can also get Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you cannot work due to a serious health condition like aphasia. To qualify for TDI, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning $303 per week, or earned $15,200 in the base year before your disability. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) is available for up to 12 weeks to care for yourself or a family member with a serious condition. Both TDI and FLI require employee contributions: 0.23% for TDI and 0.33% for FLI on wages up to $165,400 in 2025[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 through the state’s program. The account can be used for disability-related expenses like therapy, assistive devices, and housing. Contributions are limited each year, but the total account balance does not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits[2].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) from work. For TDI, benefits are based on your average weekly wage, up to $1,081 per week. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size[1][3][4][5].
You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to Social Security and NJ state agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Contact the agency right away if your situation changes[2].
Contact your local Social Security office or NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSDI, SSI, TDI, and Medicaid waivers if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently. You’ll need medical proof and may need to meet income or work history requirements[1][3][4][5].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need medical records showing how aphasia affects your daily life and ability to work. The Social Security Administration will review your case and decide if you qualify[1].
The maximum weekly TDI benefit in New Jersey for 2025 is $1,081. This is for up to 26 weeks if you can’t work due to a serious health condition like aphasia[3][4][5].
Yes, in 2025, employees pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 for TDI and 0.33% for FLI. These are deducted from your paycheck. Employers also contribute to TDI[3][4][5].
Yes, Medicaid waivers can help with home and community-based services for people with aphasia who need long-term care. Contact the NJ Department of Human Services for details and eligibility[2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for disability-related expenses like therapy, assistive devices, and housing[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional for advice on your specific situation.
SSDI/SSI decisions can take several months. TDI/FLI claims are usually processed faster, often within a few weeks. Processing times depend on how complete your application is and the agency’s workload[1][3][4][5].
Yes, you must report any changes to Social Security and NJ state agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Contact the agency right away if your situation changes[2].
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month from work. For SSI, you can work but your benefits may be reduced. TDI/FLI are for when you cannot work due to disability[1][3][4][5].
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Each notice includes instructions for filing an appeal. You have 60 days to appeal after you get the notice[3].
