People with Muscular Dystrophy in New Jersey can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and have earned enough work credits. 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 last 10 years before becoming disabled. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) usually means you do not qualify for SSDI, but special circumstances may apply[1].
In New Jersey, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides short-term cash benefits if you cannot work due to a serious health condition like Muscular Dystrophy. To qualify, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned a combined total of $15,200 in the four quarters before your disability began. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400, with a maximum contribution of $380.42 for 2025. There is a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits start[3][4][5].
Federal programs for Muscular Dystrophy in New Jersey include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. SSI provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs require a medical determination of disability[1].
New Jersey offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for people who cannot work due to a serious health condition like Muscular Dystrophy. TDI provides up to 26 weeks of benefits, with a maximum weekly payment of $1,081 in 2025. Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides up to 12 weeks of benefits for family care or bonding with a new child. Medicaid waivers help cover home and community-based services for people with disabilities[3][4][5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account through the NJ ABLE Program. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free[5].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025) and still qualify. For TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week for 20 weeks or $15,200 in the base year[1][5].
If your income, work status, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and NJ agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly to avoid problems[1][5].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services for help with Medicaid waivers and other state programs. For federal benefits, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
People with Muscular Dystrophy in New Jersey can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both require a medical determination of disability[1].
You can apply for TDI online at MyLeaveBenefits.nj.gov. You will need your employer’s information and a medical certification from your doctor. Benefits are paid weekly, up to 26 weeks, with a maximum of $1,081 per week in 2025[3][4][5].
To qualify for TDI, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned a combined total of $15,200 in the four quarters before your disability began. You must have a serious health condition that prevents you from working[3][4][5].
Yes, New Jersey offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy. These waivers help cover home and community-based services like home care and assistive technology. Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services for more information[5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account through the NJ ABLE Program. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free[5].
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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In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month (the Substantial Gainful Activity limit) and still qualify for SSDI. Special circumstances may allow for higher earnings, but generally, earning above this limit means you do not qualify[1].
The maximum weekly benefit for TDI in New Jersey in 2025 is $1,081. This amount is based on your earnings in the base year and is paid for up to 26 weeks[3][4][5].
Yes, workers in New Jersey contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400 to the TDI program in 2025. The maximum contribution is $380.42. Employers also contribute, but the amount varies[3][4][5].
If your income, work status, or living situation changes, report it to Social Security and NJ agencies promptly. Keep records of all changes and report them to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay[1][5].
For more information, visit the NJ Division of Disability Services, SSA.gov, and the NJ ABLE Program website. These sites provide detailed guides and application forms for disability benefits in New Jersey[1][3][5].
