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New Jersey • Learning
People with dysgraphia in New Jersey may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). Eligibility depends on work history, income, and how dysgraphia affects daily life. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. Dysgraphia may qualify if it severely limits your ability to do substantial work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. In 2025, most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, but even if dysgraphia isn’t listed, you can still qualify if it’s severe enough to stop you from working [1].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually can’t get SSDI, but there are exceptions for work attempts or special circumstances [1].
In New Jersey, you may also qualify for state disability programs. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides short-term income if you can’t work due to a serious health condition, including learning disabilities like dysgraphia if they are severe enough to stop you from working. To qualify for TDI in 2025, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning $303 per week, or a total of $15,200 in the base year. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) helps if you need time off to care for a family member with a disability, including dysgraphia [4].
New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, often based on income, assets, and level of need [5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation [5].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must earn less than $1,550 per month (SGA limit) to qualify. For TDI/FLI in New Jersey, you must have earned at least $303 per week for 20 weeks or $15,200 in the base year [1][4].
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security or the NJ Department of Labor right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits safe. If you get an overpayment notice, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan [5].
Contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor for free help with disability benefits and work incentives. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 [5].
If you get SSI or SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. These programs help pay for healthcare, therapy, and other services [5].
Yes, dysgraphia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must show medical proof and meet income or work credit requirements. State programs like TDI may also help if your dysgraphia is severe enough to stop you from working [1][4].
Apply for SSDI/SSI through Social Security online, by phone, or in person. For TDI/FLI, apply through the NJ Department of Labor. You’ll need medical records and work history. Follow up on your application and appeal if denied [1][4].
The maximum weekly benefit for TDI and FLI in New Jersey is $1,081 in 2025. SSDI and SSI amounts depend on your work history and income. SSI is $943 per month for an individual in 2025 [1][2][3][4].
For SSDI, yes—you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, no—SSI is based on income and assets, not work history. For TDI/FLI, you need to have worked enough to meet wage requirements [1][4].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (SGA limit) in 2025. For SSI, you can earn some income without losing benefits. Report any changes to Social Security [1][5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information.
You need medical records, school records, or evaluations that show how dysgraphia affects your ability to work. This may include doctor’s notes, psychological evaluations, or special education plans [1][4].
Yes, if you qualify for SSI or meet Medicaid income and asset limits. Medicaid can help pay for healthcare, therapy, and other services. Medicaid waivers may also help with home and community-based care [5].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can get one if you became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses and won’t affect SSI or Medicaid benefits [5].
It can take 3–6 months to get a decision on SSDI/SSI. TDI/FLI decisions are usually faster, often within a few weeks. If you appeal, it may take longer [1][4].
Yes, students with dysgraphia may qualify for SSI if they meet income and disability requirements. SSDI is for adults who have worked. TDI/FLI are for workers who can’t work due to disability [1][4].
