Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in New Jersey

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a mental health condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including OCD, to decide if your condition is severe enough.
• You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how OCD affects your daily life and ability to work.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who paid Social Security taxes through work.
• Both programs require regular reporting of changes in your health or income.
• You can learn more about SSI vs SSDI and work incentives on our guides.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI Learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives

• New Jersey offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for people who cannot work due to a serious health condition, including OCD.
• To qualify for TDI, you must be unable to work for at least 8 days and have a doctor certify your disability.
• You must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned a total of $15,200 in the base year before your disability started.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI) is also available if you need time off to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition.
• Both TDI and FLI require payroll contributions from workers and employers.
• The maximum weekly benefit for both TDI and FLI in 2025 is $1,081.
• Workers contribute 0.23% of their wages up to $165,400 for TDI, and 0.33% for FLI.

Learn more about New Jersey TDI Learn more about New Jersey FLI

• Gather your medical records and proof of income.
• Fill out the application for the program you want (SSI, SSDI, TDI, or FLI).
• Submit your application online, by mail, or in person.
• Wait for a decision and respond to any requests for more information.
• If approved, you will start receiving benefits.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure your records clearly show how OCD affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Decide which program(s) you want to apply for (SSI, SSDI, TDI, FLI).
• Step 3: For federal programs (SSI/SSDI), apply online at the Social Security website, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
• Step 4: For state programs (TDI/FLI), apply online at the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website. You will need to provide your employer information, wage details, and a medical certification.
• Step 5: Submit all required forms and documents. Keep copies for your records.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. The agency may contact you for more information or to schedule a review.
• Step 7: If approved, benefits will be paid according to the program rules. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 8: Report any changes in your health, income, or employment to avoid overpayments.

Apply for SSI/SSDI Apply for New Jersey TDI/FLI

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. You can use these funds for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to a disability. Payments are based on your work history.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who receive SSI or have low income. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) Learn about Medicaid vs Medicare

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides short-term income replacement for people who cannot work due to a serious health condition, including OCD. Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks.
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Provides income replacement for people who need time off to care for themselves or a family member with a serious health condition. Benefits are paid for up to 12 weeks.
• Medicaid: New Jersey offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. You may qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
• ABLE Accounts: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.

| Program | Benefit Type | Maximum Weekly Benefit (2025) | Duration | |---------|-------------|-------------------------------|----------| | TDI | Short-term disability | $1,081 | Up to 26 weeks | | FLI | Family leave | $1,081 | Up to 12 weeks |

Learn more about New Jersey Medicaid Waivers Learn about New Jersey ABLE Accounts

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
• You can deposit up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free.
• Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related costs.
• New Jersey offers the NJ ABLE program.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual.
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month in 2025.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program.
• For TDI and FLI, benefits are based on your average weekly wage, up to $1,081 per week.

Learn more about SSI Income Estimator

• You must report any changes in your health, income, or employment to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
• Keep records of all communications with benefit agencies.

Learn more about Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
  Phone: 1-800-499-3999

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For state disability and family leave benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in New Jersey?

  Yes, OCD is a recognized mental health disability. You may qualify for federal programs like SSI or SSDI, or state programs like TDI or FLI if your condition stops you from working.

• How do I prove my OCD is disabling?

  You need medical records from a licensed provider showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how OCD affects your daily life and ability to work. The Social Security Administration uses these records to decide eligibility.

• What is the maximum disability benefit in New Jersey for 2025?

  The maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance in New Jersey is $1,081 per week in 2025. Federal SSI and SSDI benefits have different limits.

• Do I need to work to qualify for disability benefits in New Jersey?

  For state programs like TDI and FLI, you must have worked a certain amount in the past year. For federal programs, SSDI requires work history, but SSI does not.

• How long does it take to get disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Processing times vary. Federal programs can take several months. State programs like TDI and FLI may pay benefits within a few weeks after approval.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Yes, but there are limits. SSI and SSDI have rules about how much you can earn. State programs like TDI and FLI are for short-term disability and may allow part-time work.