Dyscalculia Benefits in New Jersey: 2025 Guide

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects math skills. To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities. For SSI, you must have low income and limited resources. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs require medical proof of your disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to decide if a learning disability is disabling[1].

• SSI: For adults, you must have limited income and resources. For children, parents' income and resources are considered.
• SSDI: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The number of work credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled[1].
• Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

In New Jersey, people with dyscalculia may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they meet income and disability criteria. These waivers can help pay for services like therapy, job training, and support at home. New Jersey also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify for a Medicaid waiver, you must have a qualifying disability and meet income limits. ABLE accounts are open to anyone with a disability that started before age 26. State programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) may also be available if your disability affects your ability to work[2][3][4].

• Medicaid Waivers: You must have a qualifying disability and meet income and asset limits.
• ABLE Accounts: You must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria.
• TDI/FLI: You must have worked a certain number of weeks and earned a minimum amount in the base year before your disability began[2][3][4].

• Gather medical records and proof of disability.
• Check if you meet income and work history requirements for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the NJ Division of Disability Services.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the NJ ABLE program website.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical documentation from a qualified professional.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts.
• Step 3: For SSI/SSDI, apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records[1].
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. You will need to provide proof of disability, income, and assets[2].
• Step 5: For ABLE accounts, apply through the NJ ABLE program website. You will need proof of disability and a Social Security number[3].
• Step 6: For TDI/FLI, apply through your employer or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. You will need to provide medical documentation and proof of employment[4].
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and follow up regularly. If denied, you can appeal the decision.

• 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 a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities[1].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): New Jersey offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including learning disabilities. These waivers can help pay for services like therapy, job training, and support at home. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability and meet income and asset limits[2].
• ABLE Accounts: New Jersey offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria[3].
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides income replacement for up to 26 weeks for employees who cannot work due to a serious health condition. To qualify, you must have worked a certain number of weeks and earned a minimum amount in the base year before your disability began[4].
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Provides income replacement for up to 12 weeks for employees who need to care for a family member with a serious health condition. To qualify, you must have worked a certain number of weeks and earned a minimum amount in the base year before your disability began[4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account if you have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria. The account can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and health care. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free[3].

For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. For Medicaid waivers, income and asset limits vary by program and household size[1][2].

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid waivers, report changes to the NJ Division of Disability Services. For ABLE accounts, report changes to the NJ ABLE program[1][2][3].

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

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and disability services.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.

• Can dyscalculia qualify for SSI or SSDI in New Jersey?

  Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical proof and must meet income or work history requirements[1].

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

  In 2025, the SSI income limit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple. These limits may change each year[1].

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

  Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. You will need to provide proof of disability, income, and assets. They will help you apply and determine eligibility[2].

• What is an ABLE account and how do I get one in New Jersey?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can apply through the NJ ABLE program website if you have a disability that started before age 26[3].

• Can I get Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for dyscalculia in New Jersey?

  TDI is for short-term disabilities due to physical or mental health conditions. If dyscalculia is part of a broader mental health condition, you may qualify. Check with your employer or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance[4].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly cash payments[1].