Low Vision Benefits in New Jersey: 2025 Guide

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].

• Check if you meet SSDI/SSI work or income rules.
• Gather medical records showing your low vision diagnosis and how it affects your work.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For TDI, apply through your employer or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the NJ Division of Disability Services.

• Step 1: Get a full medical exam. Your doctor must document your low vision and how it limits your daily activities and work.
• Step 2: Collect work history and pay stubs. For SSDI, you need proof of covered employment and work credits. For TDI, you need proof of earnings in the base year.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Fill out all forms and submit medical evidence.
• Step 4: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for a reconsideration, then a hearing if needed.
• Step 5: For TDI, your employer or you must file a claim with the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. You will need a medical certificate from your doctor.
• Step 6: For Medicaid waivers, contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. They will help you apply for programs like the Community Care Waiver or the Supported Employment Waiver.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments[1][3][4].

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Pays monthly benefits if you can’t work due to low vision.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with low income and resources. Pays monthly benefits for low vision if you meet the disability rules.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disability. Can help pay for vision aids and care.
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI. Covers vision care and aids.
• ABLE Accounts: Lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1].

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks if you can’t work due to low vision. Funded by worker and employer contributions.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 12 weeks to care for a family member or bond with a new child. Funded by worker contributions.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Community Care Waiver and Supported Employment Waiver help people with low vision get long-term care and support services in the community.
• Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI): Offers vocational rehab, training, and support for people with low vision[1][3][4].

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].

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

  TTY: 1-800-833-7303

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and long-term care support.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

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

  Website

  For SSDI/SSI applications and questions.
• NJ Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired
  Phone: 1-800-235-7213

  TTY: 1-800-833-7303

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  For vision-specific services and support.

• Can low vision qualify for SSDI or SSI in New Jersey?

  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].

• How much can I get from New Jersey TDI for low vision?

  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].

• Do I need to pay into TDI to get benefits?

  Yes, workers in New Jersey pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025. This is taken from your paycheck[3][4].

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

  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].

• Can I get Medicaid if I have low vision?

  Yes, if you meet the income and disability rules. Medicaid can help pay for vision aids, therapy, and care[1].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  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].

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

  Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. They will help you apply for waivers like the Community Care Waiver or Supported Employment Waiver[1].