Deaf-Blindness Benefits in New Jersey

• Deaf-blindness is a recognized disability for Social Security programs if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently.
• To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and meet Social Security’s definition of disability.
• SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and now have a qualifying disability.
• Both programs require medical proof of your condition and its impact on daily life.
• You must apply through the Social Security Administration and provide detailed medical records.
• Eligibility is reviewed regularly, and you must report changes in your situation.

Source: Social Security Administration

• In New Jersey, people with deaf-blindness may qualify for Medicaid waivers that cover home care, assistive devices, and support services.
• The state’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) programs provide income support if you cannot work due to your disability.
• To qualify for TDI, you must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned $15,200 in the base year before your disability.
• For FLI, you must meet similar work requirements and need leave to care for yourself or a family member.
• New Jersey also offers vocational rehabilitation services to help with job training and employment.
• Eligibility for state programs is based on income, assets, and medical need.

Source: NJ Division of Disability Services

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact NJ Division of Disability Services for state benefits and Medicaid waivers.
• Report changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.
• Use the NJ benefits portal for state programs.

• Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis and documentation from your healthcare provider.
• Step 2: Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• Step 3: Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services for information on state programs and Medicaid waivers.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid waivers through the NJ FamilyCare portal or by phone.
• Step 5: Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to both federal and state agencies.
• Step 6: Use the NJ benefits portal to apply for Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance if needed.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records.
• Step 8: Follow up regularly to check the status of your applications.

Source: NJ Division of Disability Services Source: NJ FamilyCare

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefits for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and now have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Job training and employment support for people with disabilities.

Source: Social Security Administration Source: Medicaid.gov Source: Medicare.gov

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including deaf-blindness. Covers personal care, assistive devices, and support services.
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Income support for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related disability.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Income support for up to 12 weeks to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training, employment support, and assistive technology for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

Source: NJ Division of Disability Services Source: NJ FamilyCare Source: NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Source: NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid.
• You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
• New Jersey offers the NJ ABLE program, which is easy to open and manage online.
• There are annual contribution limits and account balance limits.
• Contact NJ ABLE for more information and to open an account.

Source: NJ ABLE

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must be unable to work due to your disability.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
• ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits of $18,000 in 2025.
• Reporting changes in income is important to avoid overpayments.

Source: Social Security Administration Source: NJ FamilyCare

• You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to both federal and state agencies.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options.
• Keep detailed records of all income and expenses.
• Use the SSA and NJ benefits portals to report changes online.

Source: Social Security Administration Source: NJ Division of Disability Services Source: NJ FamilyCare

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

  TTY: 1-800-852-7899

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  For questions about state disability benefits and services.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about SSI and SSDI.

• What is deaf-blindness?

  Deaf-blindness is a combination of hearing and vision loss that makes communication, mobility, and daily living challenging. It can be present from birth or develop later in life.

• How do I qualify for SSI with deaf-blindness?

  You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, have limited income and resources, and provide medical proof of your condition and its impact on daily life.

• What state programs are available for deaf-blindness in New Jersey?

  New Jersey offers Medicaid waivers, Temporary Disability Insurance, Family Leave Insurance, vocational rehabilitation, and ABLE accounts for people with deaf-blindness.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in New Jersey?

  Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services or apply through the NJ FamilyCare portal. You will need to provide medical and financial information.

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

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. It helps people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid.

• What is the income limit for SSI in New Jersey?

  In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.

• How do I report changes in my situation?