If you have low vision in New Jersey, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, your low vision must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, up to four per year. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the 10 years before disability. For SSI, you must have low income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. The monthly income limit for SSI is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. Earning above $1,550 per month (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind) usually means you are not disabled for SSDI purposes[1].
In New Jersey, you can also get Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if your low vision stops you from working for a short time. To qualify, you must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned $15,200 in the base year before your disability. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,,081 in 2025. Workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400, capped at $380.42 per year. TDI covers up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities, including serious health conditions like vision loss[3][4]. New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care and support services for people with low vision[1].
An ABLE account lets you save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like vision aids, therapy, and transportation. New Jersey residents can open an ABLE account through the NJ ABLE program[1].
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, earning more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind) usually means you are not disabled. For TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability[1][3][4].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how to keep benefits while working[1].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services or your local Social Security office for help with applications and appeals.
Open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Yes, if your low vision is severe enough to stop you from working and meets Social Security’s disability rules. You need enough work credits for SSDI or low income/resources for SSI[1].
The maximum weekly benefit is $1,081 in 2025. You can get this for up to 26 weeks if your low vision stops you from working[3][4].
Yes, workers in New Jersey pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025. This is taken from your paycheck[3][4].
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. This can change if you have other income or resources[1].
Yes, if you meet the income and disability rules. Medicaid can help pay for vision aids, therapy, and care[1].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for vision aids, therapy, and more[1].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. They will help you apply for waivers like the Community Care Waiver or Supported Employment Waiver[1].
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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Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments[1].
You need a doctor’s report showing your diagnosis, how it affects your vision, and how it limits your daily activities and work[1].
SSDI/SSI can take 3–6 months. TDI claims are usually processed in a few weeks. Waiver applications can take longer[1][3].
