Arthritis Benefits in New Jersey

• To qualify for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough to earn work credits and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Arthritis can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Arthritis may qualify if it meets the medical criteria and your income is low.
• Both programs require medical proof of your condition and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you might qualify for SSI.

Citations: ssa.gov/disability, ssa.gov/ssi

• New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) pays benefits if you cannot work due to a serious health condition like arthritis. 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.
• The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Workers contribute 0.23% of wages up to $165,400, with a max contribution of $380.42.
• You must be unable to work for at least eight consecutive days, and there is a one-week unpaid waiting period.
• NJ Medicaid waivers may help with long-term care if arthritis limits your independence.

Citations: myleavebenefits.nj.gov/worker/tdi, nj.gov/humanservices/medicaid

• Gather medical records showing how arthritis affects your ability to work.
• Check if you meet the work history requirements for NJ TDI or federal SSDI/SSI.
• Apply online for NJ TDI at myleavebenefits.nj.gov.
• Apply for federal SSDI/SSI at ssa.gov.
• Apply for Medicaid at njhelps.org.

• Step 1: Get a doctor’s note or medical records that detail your arthritis diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: For NJ TDI, make sure you meet the work history requirement (20 weeks at $303/week or $15,200 total in the base year).
• Step 3: Apply for NJ TDI online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. You will need your Social Security number, employer information, and medical provider details.
• Step 4: For federal SSDI/SSI, apply online at ssa.gov. You will need to provide detailed medical and work history.
• Step 5: For Medicaid, apply at njhelps.org. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Citations: myleavebenefits.nj.gov/worker/tdi, ssa.gov/disability, njhelps.org

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays monthly benefits if you have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. Arthritis can qualify if it meets the medical criteria.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of receiving SSDI.
• Medicaid: Can be available with SSI or if you meet income and disability requirements.

Citations: ssa.gov/disability, medicaid.gov

• New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to arthritis or another serious health condition.
• New Jersey Medicaid Waivers: Help with long-term care needs if arthritis limits your ability to live independently.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Pays benefits if you need to take time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
• ABLE Accounts: Let you save for disability-related costs without losing benefits.

Citations: myleavebenefits.nj.gov/worker/tdi, nj.gov/humanservices/medicaid, nj.gov/treasury/able

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) in an ABLE account.
• Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
• To open an account, visit njable.org.

Citations: njable.org

• For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual.
• For NJ TDI, there is no income limit, but you must meet the work history requirement.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program.

Citations: ssa.gov/ssi, njhelps.org

• You must report changes in income, employment, or health to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes to Social Security, NJ TDI, and Medicaid as soon as possible.

Citations: ssa.gov/disability, myleavebenefits.nj.gov/worker/tdi, njhelps.org

• NJ Division of Disability Services
  Phone: 1-888-285-3036

  Website

  State agency for disability services and benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Federal agency for SSDI/SSI.
• NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid Call Center
  Phone: 1-800-356-1561

  Website

  State agency for Medicaid.

• Can arthritis qualify for disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Yes, arthritis can qualify for NJ Temporary Disability Insurance and federal SSDI/SSI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical proof of your condition and how it affects your daily life.

• How much can I get from NJ Temporary Disability Insurance for arthritis?

  In 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,081. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to arthritis or another serious health condition.

• What are the work requirements for NJ 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. This applies to all qualifying conditions, including arthritis.

• Do I need to pay into NJ TDI?

  Yes, in 2025, workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400, with a maximum contribution of $380.42. This is deducted from your paycheck.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have arthritis?

  Yes, if your income is low and arthritis limits your ability to work, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid can help with medical costs and long-term care.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for housing, education, transportation, and other needs related to arthritis.