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New Jersey • Neurological/Developmental
People with Cerebral Palsy in New Jersey can access federal and state benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waivers, Temporary Disability Insurance, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Cerebral Palsy is generally considered a qualifying condition if it severely limits your ability to work or function independently [^1].
Children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. Adults with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSDI if they have a sufficient work history, or for SSI if they have limited income and resources [^1].
In New Jersey, people with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services (HCBS) for those who would otherwise need institutional care. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the state. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) manages these waivers for adults and children with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy [^2].
New Jersey also offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term income replacement due to disability. Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400 in 2025, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,081 [^3]. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides benefits for family care or bonding, with a 2025 employee contribution rate of 0.33% [^4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account through the NJ ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free [^5].
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. New Jersey may supplement this amount. Medicaid waiver income limits vary by program and household size. Check with the Division of Developmental Disabilities for current limits [^2].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report the overpayment and may need to repay it. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid, report changes to the Division of Developmental Disabilities [^7].
Contact the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities or your local Social Security office for help with applications and eligibility questions.
The maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Disability Insurance in New Jersey in 2025 is $1,081. This benefit is available for up to 26 weeks for qualifying disabilities [^3].
To apply for Medicaid waivers in New Jersey, contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Submit medical documentation and financial information to determine eligibility. The division manages waivers for people with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy [^2].
Yes, if you qualify for SSI in New Jersey, you are generally eligible for Medicaid. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities [^1].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. New Jersey offers the NJ ABLE program [^5].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid, report changes to the Division of Developmental Disabilities [^7].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.
The employee contribution rate for Temporary Disability Insurance in New Jersey in 2025 is 0.23% of wages up to $165,400. The maximum employee contribution is $380.42 [^3].
Yes, children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. They may also qualify for Medicaid waivers and other state programs for developmental disabilities [^2].
SSI provides monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI provides benefits for those with a qualifying work history and disability. Both programs are available in New Jersey [^1].
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in New Jersey offers employment support and training for people with disabilities. Contact them for help with job placement, skills training, and workplace accommodations [^6].
Family Leave Insurance in New Jersey provides income replacement for up to 12 weeks to bond with a new child or care for a family member with a serious health condition. The employee contribution rate is 0.33% in 2025 [^4].
