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New Jersey • Neurological/Developmental
New Jersey offers a range of state and federal benefits for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Medicaid waivers for in-home support, SSI/SSDI for income, and temporary disability insurance. Eligibility and application steps vary—this guide explains how to access the programs you need.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you need a work history with enough credits. Medical evidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder must be well-documented. These programs do not depend on state-specific rules—they are available nationwide if you meet the federal criteria. For more, see the SSI vs SSDI comparison guide.
New Jersey offers extra help through Medicaid, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). For Medicaid, income and resource limits apply, but some waivers expand eligibility for Autism-related services. For TDI and FLI, you must have worked and earned enough in the past year, with specific weekly wage minimums and base-year requirements. Eligibility for state programs may be stricter than federal SSI/SSDI—always check both. If you have limited income, NJ’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) can help cover in-home supports and therapies not covered by standard Medicaid.
To apply for Autism Spectrum Disorder benefits in New Jersey:
1. Prepare your documents Collect medical records, proof of Autism diagnosis, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of New Jersey residency.
2. Apply for federal benefits Go to the Social Security Administration website for SSI or SSDI forms. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local SSA office.
3. Apply for New Jersey Medicaid Complete the application at NJ FamilyCare. If you need Autism-specific services, ask about applying for a Medicaid waiver (HCBS) through the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
4. Explore state disability and family leave benefits If you work but can’t due to your disability, check eligibility for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) or Family Leave Insurance (FLI) through NJ Department of Labor. You must have worked enough hours and earned minimum wages in the last year.
5. Set up an ABLE Account If eligible, create an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting your benefits.
6. Report changes and prevent overpayments Always update agencies about changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid losing benefits or facing overpayments.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides a monthly check to people with disabilities and limited income/resources. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require documented proof of disability. Medicare helps with medical costs for those on SSDI after a waiting period; Medicaid covers more services and has no waiting period for those who qualify.
New Jersey Medicaid offers comprehensive health coverage, including for Autism therapies and supports. The Medicaid Waiver (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS) provides extra services for individuals with developmental disabilities to live at home instead of in institutions. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) pays short-term cash benefits if you cannot work due to a disability—up to $1,081 weekly in 2025, with eligibility based on recent earnings[1][2]. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) supports caregivers, including those assisting family members with Autism. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested programs. For a full list of state programs, visit the state benefits hub.
New Jersey offers ABLE accounts, letting individuals with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025) tax-free without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other benefit eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, housing, and therapy. Learn more in the ABLE Accounts guide.
Income limits for SSI and Medicaid are strict—for 2025, SSI’s federal benefit rate is $943/month for individuals. New Jersey Medicaid has higher limits for children and uses waivers to cover more services for Autism. TDI and FLI require a minimum income in the base year, not just current income[2][5]. Always check the latest guidelines.
Always report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and NJ Medicaid. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you must pay back. See the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for steps to take and how to appeal if you disagree with a decision.
New Jersey has reintroduced employee contributions for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) at 0.23% for 2025, after a two-year pause. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,081, and you must have worked and earned enough in the last year to qualify[1][2]. Be sure to check your pay stubs for the new deductions if you are covered.
If you or your child have Autism Spectrum Disorder, New Jersey’s Medicaid waivers can help pay for in-home services, therapies, and supports that standard Medicaid does not cover. The application is separate—contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities as soon as possible.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability. SSI is managed by SSA, and SSDI depends on your work credits. See the SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
Yes, New Jersey offers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can cover in-home supports, therapies, and respite care for individuals with Autism. These waivers have different eligibility rules than regular Medicaid—ask the Division of Developmental Disabilities for details.
The maximum weekly TDI benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Actual benefits depend on your earnings in the base year before your disability began[1][2]. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period, and you must have worked enough to qualify.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without immediately losing all benefits. Check the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details on how earnings affect your payments.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualifying disabilities, including Autism. You can save up to $18,000/year (2025), and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for assistance with your individual situation.
FLI supports those who need to care for a seriously ill family member, including a child with Autism. You must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303/week or earned $15,200 in the base year. Benefits are up to $1,081/week for 12 weeks per year[4][5].
If your SSI, SSDI, or NJ disability claim is denied, you can file an appeal. Each decision notice includes instructions. For SSI/SSDI, appeal online or contact your local SSA office. For NJ Medicaid or waivers, contact the Division of Medical Assistance or Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Yes, Medicaid has income and resource limits, but these are higher for children and can be expanded with waivers. Always check current guidelines, as limits change yearly and vary by program.
Report all changes in income, living situation, or household size to SSA and NJ Medicaid right away. Failing to report can result in overpayments that must be repaid. See the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
Begin with the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities for state programs and Medicaid waivers. For SSI/SSDI, start at ssa.gov. Use the state benefits hub to explore all options and find contact information for more help.
