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New Jersey • Chronic Illness
New Jersey offers a range of state and federal benefits for people with HIV/AIDS, including disability insurance, Medicaid, and work support programs. Learn eligibility steps, how to apply, and connect with local resources to maximize your support.
Federal benefits for people with HIV/AIDS include SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid. SSDI requires a work history and recent credits based on your age—most adults need 40 total credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, including inability to do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025[1].
Medicaid covers low-income individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS who meet income and asset limits. For Medicare, you usually become eligible after receiving SSDI for 24 months. If you’re unsure about eligibility, use our SSI Income Estimator tool for personalized guidance.
For more on the differences, review SSI vs SSDI. To avoid overpayments, promptly report any income or life changes—see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
New Jersey offers several state programs for people with HIV/AIDS. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is available if you’ve worked and paid into the state plan—typically, you need 20 weeks earning at least $303/week, or $15,200 total in your base year. The 2025 maximum weekly TDI benefit is $1,081. Both employees and employers contribute, with a 0.23% employee deduction up to $165,400 in wages[2][3].
Family Leave Insurance (FLI) lets you care for a seriously ill family member, including someone with HIV/AIDS, for up to 12 weeks. Eligibility is similar to TDI, but the weekly benefit is 85% of your average wage (max $1,081/week)[4][5]. You must have worked 20 weeks at $303+/week or earned $15,200+ in your base year[5][6].
New Jersey Medicaid may have expanded access and special waivers for people with chronic illnesses. For details, contact the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
Start here:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Step 2: Collect your documents
Step 3: Apply for federal benefits
Step 4: Apply for state benefits
Step 5: Connect with local resources
Step 6: Stay compliant
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefit if you have a sufficient work history and your HIV/AIDS meets Social Security’s disability criteria[1]. Must have enough work credits for your age; benefits continue as long as you remain disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payment for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Income and assets must be very low.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people, including those with HIV/AIDS. Covers doctor visits, medications, hospital care, and, in some cases, home and community-based services (HCBS) through waivers (see Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)).
Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease. Covers hospital, medical, and prescription drug costs.
ABLE Accounts: Save up to $18,000/year (2025) tax-free without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility (see ABLE Accounts).
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement if you cannot work due to HIV/AIDS. The 2025 maximum weekly benefit is $1,081. You must have worked and contributed to the state plan—typically 20 weeks at $303+/week or $15,200+ in your base year. Apply online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov[3].
Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Provides up to 12 weeks (or 8 weeks intermittently) to care for a seriously ill family member, including someone with HIV/AIDS. Weekly benefit is 85% of your average wage (max $1,081/week)[4][5]. Eligibility is similar to TDI. Apply online at the same portal[7].
Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare): New Jersey Medicaid covers low-income residents, including those with chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS. Special Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may be available for extra home care. Apply through NJFamilyCare or your county welfare office.
New Jersey HIV/AIDS Services: State and local agencies offer case management, medical care, housing, and support services. Contact your local health department for programs tailored to HIV/AIDS.
No state SSI supplement exists in New Jersey. All SSI recipients receive the federal base rate.
State-specific information is limited for HIV/AIDS. For details, reach out to the New Jersey Department of Health or explore .
ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000/year (2025) without counting against SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Earnings grow tax-free. Open an ABLE account through a participating bank or the NJ ABLE program. For more, see ABLE Accounts.
SSI income limits are strict—in 2025, single applicants cannot exceed $943/month in countable income. Couples: $1,415. SSDI has no income limit, but you cannot engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,550/month in 2025[1]. Medicaid income limits vary; in New Jersey, expanded Medicaid covers adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Check NJFamilyCare for current thresholds.
If you receive too much in benefits, you must repay the overpayment. Report changes promptly—like income, work, address, or living situation—to Social Security and NJ TDI/FLI. Delays can lead to penalties. For SSI/SSDI, use your online account or call the SSA. For TDI/FLI, update your status at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. For more, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
If you are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, contact your local health department for free case management and support services. These teams can help you apply for benefits and connect you with medical care.
Even if your HIV/AIDS is well-controlled, you may qualify for disability benefits if your condition—or its treatments—severely limits your ability to work. Always include detailed medical records and a doctor’s statement with your application.
Combine federal (SSDI/SSI), state (TDI/FLI), and Medicaid benefits for the fullest support. Use an ABLE account to save for future needs without losing eligibility for critical programs.
You can try working while receiving benefits, but earnings over $1,550/month (2025) may affect SSDI eligibility. SSI has stricter income limits. Always report earnings. Explore **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** for programs that support employment without losing benefits.
Apply online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. You’ll need proof of employment, medical certification, and details about your disability. Benefits are based on your earnings in your base year[3].
Submit lab results, treatment records, doctor’s notes, and a statement describing how HIV/AIDS limits your daily activities. The more detailed your records, the stronger your claim.
New Jersey offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which may help people with HIV/AIDS stay at home. Contact your county Medicaid office or see **Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)** for details.
SSDI benefits depend on your past earnings. SSI pays up to $943/month (2025) for individuals. Actual amounts vary based on income and living situation.
TDI provides up to 26 weeks of benefits per claim, based on your medical need. The weekly maximum is $1,081 in 2025[2][3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Benefit rules change frequently. Always confirm details with official agencies and consult a qualified professional for your situation.
Yes, FLI provides up to 12 weeks to care for a seriously ill family member. You must meet work and wage requirements[4][5].
Always report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and NJ TDI/FLI. Use the **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** guide for step-by-step help.
Yes, New Jersey has HIV/AIDS service organizations and legal aid groups that assist with applications and appeals. Contact your county health department for referrals.
Yes, an ABLE account lets you save up to $18,000/year (2025) tax-free without affecting SSI or Medicaid. See **ABLE Accounts** for details.
