Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in New Jersey

• To get federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) for PTSD, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months.
• You must provide medical proof from a doctor or mental health professional.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions called the “Blue Book.” PTSD is listed under mental disorders (12.15).
• If your PTSD is not on the list, you may still qualify if it causes serious limitations in daily life and work.
• You must apply and provide all required documents, including medical records and work history.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Citations:

• Social Security Blue Book: Mental Disorders (accessed 2025-11-06)
• Social Security Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) can help if PTSD stops you from working for a short time (up to 26 weeks).
• To qualify for TDI, 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.
• The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081.
• Workers pay a 0.23% contribution on the first $165,400 of wages, up to $380.42 per year.
• Employers also pay a small contribution.
• You must be unable to work due to a serious health condition, including PTSD, as certified by a healthcare provider.
• TDI does not cover job-related injuries (those go through workers’ compensation).

Citations:

• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)
• NJ TDI 2025 Rates (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a mental health professional.
• Step 2: Gather medical records, work history, and personal documents.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• Step 4: Apply for NJ TDI through your employer or online at the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid if you need help with medical costs.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: See a doctor or mental health professional for a PTSD diagnosis and treatment plan. Keep all records.
• Step 2: Collect documents: medical records, proof of income, work history, Social Security number, and ID.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI:
  • Online: ssa.gov/disability
  • By phone: 1-800-772-1213
  • In person: Visit your local SSA office.
• Step 4: Apply for NJ TDI:
  • Your employer may help you start the process.
  • You can also apply online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov.
  • You will need a medical certification from your provider.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid:
  • Online: njfamilycare.nj.gov
  • By phone: 1-800-356-1561
  • In person: Visit your county social services office.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to SSA and NJ agencies to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Follow the instructions in the denial letter.

Citations:

• Social Security Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have low income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who get SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Citations:

• Social Security Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
• Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-06)
• Medicare (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Short-term income support for up to 26 weeks if PTSD stops you from working. Maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help with home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training and support for people with disabilities.
• Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Support for people with hearing loss.
• Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Support for people with vision loss.

Citations:

• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)
• NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2025-11-06)
• NJ Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use the money for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
• To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26.
• You can open an account online at njable.org.

Citations:

• NJ ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06)

• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.
• For NJ TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year.

Citations:

• Social Security SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06)
• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)

• You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to SSA and NJ agencies.
• If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.
• You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.

Citations:

• Social Security Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)
• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
  Phone: 1-888-795-2677

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  For NJ TDI questions and applications.
• NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid Call Center
  Phone: 1-800-356-1561

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid questions and applications.

• Can PTSD qualify for disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Yes, PTSD can qualify for federal SSI/SSDI and New Jersey TDI if it is severe enough to stop you from working. You must provide medical proof and meet income and work requirements.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for PTSD in New Jersey?

  You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. For NJ TDI, apply through your employer or online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov.

• What is the maximum weekly benefit for NJ TDI in 2025?

  The maximum weekly benefit for NJ TDI in 2025 is $1,081. This is for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to PTSD or another serious health condition.

• Do I need to pay into NJ TDI for PTSD benefits?

  Yes, workers in New Jersey pay a 0.23% contribution on the first $165,400 of wages for TDI in 2025. The maximum annual contribution is $380.42.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have PTSD in New Jersey?

  Yes, if you have PTSD and low income, you may qualify for Medicaid in New Jersey. Medicaid covers medical costs and some support services.

• What is an ABLE account and can I open one for PTSD?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can open one if your PTSD started before age 26 and you meet other requirements.

• How long does it take to get disability benefits for PTSD?