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New Jersey • Chronic Illness
People with diabetes in New Jersey can access state and federal benefits for income support, healthcare, and financial planning. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for diabetes management.
People with diabetes may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition severely limits their ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is for low-income individuals, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify, you must provide medical records showing how diabetes affects your daily life and ability to work. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability, so not everyone with diabetes will qualify. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI.
For more details, visit the SSA website or use the SSI Income Estimator tool.
In New Jersey, people with diabetes may qualify for state disability benefits if their condition prevents them from working for at least 26 weeks. The state’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program provides short-term income support for up to 26 weeks. To qualify, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or have earned a combined total of $15,200 in the base year before your disability began. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400, with a maximum annual contribution of $380.42. Employers also contribute, but the rates are different.
New Jersey also offers Family Leave Insurance (FLI) for up to 12 weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition, including diabetes. FLI benefits are 85% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,081 per week. The employee contribution rate for FLI is 0.33% of wages up to $165,400, with a maximum annual contribution of $545.82.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website.
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor. These should detail how diabetes limits your daily activities and ability to work.
Step 2: Collect proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, and employment history.
Step 3: For state benefits, visit the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website. Fill out the application form and submit your medical records and proof of income.
Step 4: For federal benefits, apply online at the SSA website or visit a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and employment history.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly cash benefits. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local county office or visit the NJ FamilyCare website.
Step 6: For ABLE accounts, visit the NJ ABLE website to open an account and start saving for disability-related expenses.
For more information, visit the SSA website or use the SSI Income Estimator tool.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website.
ABLE accounts allow people with diabetes 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. The annual contribution limit is $18,000 in 2025. For more information, visit the NJ ABLE website.
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For TDI, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,081, and the maximum annual employee contribution is $380.42. For FLI, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,081, and the maximum annual employee contribution is $545.82.
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report the overpayment to the agency. Overpayments can happen if your income or employment status changes. To avoid overpayments, report any changes in income, employment, or living situation to the agency as soon as possible. For more information, visit the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Contact your local county social services office or visit the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website for help with your application.
Yes, if your diabetes severely limits your ability to work, you may qualify for state or federal disability benefits. You must provide medical records and meet income and asset limits.
The maximum weekly benefit for TDI in 2025 is $1,081. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks if you qualify.
The employee contribution rate for TDI in 2025 is 0.23% of wages up to $165,400, with a maximum annual contribution of $380.42.
Yes, FLI provides income support for up to 12 weeks to care for a family member with diabetes. Benefits are 85% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,081 per week.
The employee contribution rate for FLI in 2025 is 0.33% of wages up to $165,400, with a maximum annual contribution of $545.82.
Contact your local county office or visit the NJ FamilyCare website to apply for Medicaid waivers. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. Always consult with a professional for specific situations.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, employment, or living situation to the agency as soon as possible to avoid overpayments and ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.
Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month without losing benefits.
You can get help from a local Social Security office, a county social services office, or a nonprofit organization that specializes in disability benefits.
