People with short stature in New Jersey may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Temporary Disability Insurance and Medicaid waivers. Eligibility depends on medical criteria, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. In 2025, most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Short stature alone may not qualify unless it causes severe limitations. The Social Security Administration uses a medical guide (Listing 100.00) to decide if a condition is disabling. If you don’t meet the listing, you may still qualify if you can’t do past work or any other job. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind people[1].
In New Jersey, people with short stature may qualify for state disability programs if their condition limits work or daily activities. The main state program is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), which pays benefits if you can’t work due to a serious health condition. To get TDI, 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 in 2025 is $1,081. Workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400, capped at $380.42 per year. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) is also available for family care needs. Medicaid waivers may help with long-term care if you meet income and disability rules[3][5][6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. New Jersey residents can open an ABLE account through the state program[1].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (SGA limit). For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year[1][3][5][6].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office to report changes. For state programs, report changes to the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance[1][3][5][6].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services or a local legal aid office for help with applications and appeals.
Short stature may qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes severe limitations in work or daily activities. You must meet SSA medical criteria and work or income rules. State programs like TDI may also be available if your condition limits work[1][3][5][6].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records, proof of income, and work history. The process may take several months[1].
The maximum weekly TDI benefit in New Jersey is $1,081 in 2025. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks if you meet eligibility rules[3][5][6].
Yes, workers pay 0.23% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025, capped at $380.42 per year. Employers also contribute to the program[3][5][6].
Yes, if you meet income and disability rules. Medicaid may include waivers for home and community-based services. Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services for details[3][5][6].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses. New Jersey residents can open an account through the state program[1].
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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Report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA online portal or local office. For state programs, report changes to the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance[1][3][5][6].
Yes, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (SGA limit) for SSDI. SSI has lower income limits. Work incentives may help you keep benefits while working[1].
You can appeal a denial. Get help from a disability advocate or legal aid. The process may take several months and may require a hearing[1].
Yes, Family Leave Insurance (FLI) pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 12 weeks to care for a new child or seriously ill family member. Workers pay 0.33% of wages up to $165,400 in 2025[5][6].
