Asthma Benefits in New Jersey: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), asthma must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how asthma affects your ability to do basic work tasks.
• You must meet income and resource limits for SSI, but not for SSDI.
• Medical records showing your asthma diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily life are required.
• If you are approved, you may get monthly cash payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare.
• For more details, visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213.

Source: ssa.gov

• In New Jersey, asthma may qualify you for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if it causes a short-term inability to work.
• 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.
• The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081.
• Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400, with a maximum contribution of $380.42.
• You must have a doctor confirm your disability and submit medical records.
• TDI does not cover job-related injuries; those are handled by workers’ compensation.

Source: myleavebenefits.nj.gov

• Gather medical records showing your asthma diagnosis and how it limits your work.
• Check if you meet the work and earnings requirements for New Jersey TDI.
• Fill out the TDI application online or by mail.
• Submit your application and medical records to the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.
• Wait for a decision and follow up if needed.

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that show your asthma diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for New Jersey 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.
• Step 3: Fill out the TDI application form. You can do this online at the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website or by mail.
• Step 4: Submit your application and medical records to the Division. You can upload documents online or mail them to the address provided.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. The Division will review your application and may ask for more information.
• Step 6: If approved, you will start receiving benefits. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

Source: myleavebenefits.nj.gov

• 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 with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities work and keep their benefits.

Source: ssa.gov

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Short-term cash benefits for people who cannot work due to a non-job-related disability, including severe asthma.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Cash benefits for people who need to take time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• Workforce Development Programs: Services to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

Source: myleavebenefits.nj.gov

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use ABLE account funds for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, education, and housing.
• To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26.
• New Jersey offers the NJ ABLE program.

Source: njable.org

• For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.
• For TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability.

Source: ssa.gov

• You must report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
• You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail.

Source: ssa.gov

• New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
  Phone: 1-888-795-2677

  Website

  For TDI and FLI applications and information.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI eligibility and application.
• New Jersey Medicaid
  Phone: 1-800-356-1561

  Website

  For Medicaid eligibility and application.

• Can asthma qualify for disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSI/SSDI or New Jersey TDI. You need medical records showing how asthma limits your work.

• How do I apply for Temporary Disability Insurance in New Jersey?

  Gather medical records, check eligibility, fill out the TDI application online or by mail, and submit it with your medical records to the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.

• What is the maximum weekly benefit for TDI in New Jersey in 2025?

  The maximum weekly benefit for TDI in New Jersey in 2025 is $1,081. This is for people who cannot work due to a non-job-related disability, including severe asthma.

• Do I need to pay into TDI in New Jersey?

  Yes, in 2025, workers in New Jersey pay 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400 into TDI. The maximum contribution is $380.42 per year.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have asthma in New Jersey?

  Yes, if you have asthma and meet income and resource limits, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid covers medical costs for people with disabilities.

• What is an ABLE account and can I open one in New Jersey?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can open one in New Jersey if your disability started before age 26.