If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in New Jersey, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs can help with medical costs, income, and daily living.
To get federal disability benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. This means your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. The SSA looks at medical records, work history, and how your symptoms affect daily life. If approved, you can get monthly cash payments and possibly Medicaid or Medicare.
For more details, visit the SSA website or talk to a local Social Security office.
In New Jersey, you may also qualify for state disability programs if you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The main programs are Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). TDI gives short-term income if you cannot work due to a serious health condition. FLI helps if you need time off to care for yourself or a family member.
New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care and ABLE accounts for savings. These can help if your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome causes lasting disability or need for support.
Get Medical Proof: Ask your doctor for a detailed letter or report about your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Include symptoms, treatments, and how it affects your ability to work or do daily tasks.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Go to SSA.gov and fill out the SSI or SSDI application. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Submit all medical and work records.
Apply for NJ TDI/FLI: If you need short-term income, ask your employer for the TDI/FLI forms. Or, apply online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. You will need to provide medical proof and earnings information.
Apply for Medicaid Waivers: Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. Ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. You may need to prove income, disability, and need for care.
Open an ABLE Account: Visit NJ ABLE or a participating bank. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Report Changes: Always tell SSA, NJ TDI, and Medicaid if your income, work, or health changes. This helps avoid overpayments.
Appeal if Needed: If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Follow the instructions in your denial letter.
These programs can help with medical costs, daily living, and work incentives. You may qualify for more than one.
Learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives
These programs can help with medical costs, income, and daily living. You may qualify for more than one.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Jersey, you can save up to $17,000 per year. The account can pay for housing, education, health care, and more. To open an account, visit NJ ABLE or a participating bank. You must have a qualifying disability and a Social Security number.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work. For Medicaid, limits vary by program and household size. For NJ TDI/FLI, you must have earned at least $15,200 in the base year or worked 20 weeks earning $303 per week. Always check with SSA or NJ for the latest rules.
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to SSA, NJ TDI, and Medicaid. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Always keep records of your reports and updates.
Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get a notice.
Contact your local Social Security office or the NJ Division of Disability Services for help with applications and forms.
Yes, if your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state disability programs. You must meet federal and state rules and provide medical proof.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records, work history, and proof of income.
The maximum weekly benefit for NJ Temporary Disability Insurance in 2025 is $1,081. This is for up to 26 weeks per year if you cannot work due to a serious health condition.
Yes, in 2025, workers in New Jersey pay 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400. The maximum worker contribution is $380.42 per year. Employers also pay a contribution.
Yes, if you have low income and meet other rules, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, therapy, and long-term support. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers for extra services.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Jersey, you can save up to $17,000 per year. The account can pay for housing, education, health care, and more.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA, NJ TDI, and Medicaid. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. Always keep records of your reports and updates.
Yes, you can get both SSI and NJ Temporary Disability Insurance if you meet the rules for each program. SSI is for long-term disability, while TDI is for short-term needs.
You need a detailed letter or report from your doctor about your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Include symptoms, treatments, and how it affects your ability to work or do daily tasks. The SSA and NJ programs require this proof.
It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision on SSI or SSDI. For NJ Temporary Disability Insurance, it may take a few weeks after you apply and provide medical proof. Always follow up if you do not hear back.
