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New Jersey • Rare/Genetic
People with Prader-Willi Syndrome in New Jersey can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and Temporary Disability Insurance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Prader-Willi Syndrome often meets these criteria due to its severe physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for Prader-Willi Syndrome (Listing 10.08) to help decide eligibility[1].
In New Jersey, people with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services like personal care, respite care, and supported employment. These waivers are for those who would otherwise need institutional care. To qualify, you must be a New Jersey resident, meet Medicaid financial limits, and have a qualifying disability. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) manages these waivers[1].
New Jersey also offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term disabilities. To qualify, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning $303/week or $15,200 total in the base year before your disability began. TDI pays up to $1,081/week for up to 26 weeks[3].
Family Leave Insurance (FLI) is available for caregivers, providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave at 85% of average weekly wage (up to $1,081/week)[5].
New Jersey offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and the account can grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free[1].
You must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly[1].
Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at 1-888-285-3036 for help with Medicaid waivers and other disability services.
Always report changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Yes, people with Prader-Willi Syndrome often qualify for SSI due to severe physical and cognitive impairments. You must meet income and resource limits and provide medical documentation[1].
New Jersey offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with developmental disabilities. These waivers help pay for personal care, respite care, and supported employment[1].
Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at 1-888-285-3036 or visit their website. You will need to complete an application and provide medical documentation[1].
The maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Disability Insurance in New Jersey is $1,081 in 2025[3].
Yes, New Jersey's Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for caregivers of family members with serious health conditions, including Prader-Willi Syndrome[5].
The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Income limits change yearly. Contact Social Security for current limits[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open one if you became disabled before age 26[1].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits[1].
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). SSI has work incentives and special rules[1].
You will need medical records, proof of income, Social Security number, and proof of residency. For Medicaid waivers, you may also need additional documentation from your doctor[1].
