New Jersey residents with Spina Bifida may access federal, state, and local benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waivers, NJ Temporary Disability Insurance, Family Leave Insurance, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help for adults and children.
Spina Bifida is a physical disability that likely meets federal disability definitions for both SSDI (if you have enough work history) and SSI (if you have low income and resources). SSDI requires work credits based on age and a recent work history; the Social Security Administration considers SSDI claims even if you’ve attempted to work with accommodations[1]. SSI is for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold for 2025 is $1,550/month (non-blind; higher for blind). If you earn above SGA, you generally do not qualify for SSDI or SSI, though special rules apply for work incentives and unsuccessful work attempts[1].
New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) can provide short-term income support for eligible workers with Spina Bifida. For TDI, you must be employed in NJ and have earned at least $303/week for 20 weeks or $15,200 total in your base year[3][6]. TDI benefits can be up to $1,081/week for up to 26 weeks[3]. FLI, at up to $1,081/week for up to 12 weeks, is for bonding with a child (birth, adoption, foster) or caring for a seriously ill family member[4][5]. Both programs have employee payroll deductions (TDI: 0.23%, FLI: 0.33% up to wage caps)[3][4]. For Medicaid, Spina Bifida may be covered under standard Medicaid, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), or specific HCBS waivers for those needing home and community-based services instead of institutional care.
SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, contact your local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213. NJ TDI/FLI: File online at MyLeaveBenefits.nj.gov within 30 days of the start of your disability or leave event. Medicaid: Apply online at NJ FamilyCare, by phone, or at your county board of social services. Medicaid waivers: Contact your case manager or county office for intake.
SSI/SSDI Application:
NJ TDI/FLI Application:
Medicaid & Waivers:
ABLE Account: Open an ABLE account at a participating financial institution if you became disabled before age 26. Use the account to save without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. See our guide on ABLE accounts for more.
The federal government provides Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for eligible adults and children with Spina Bifida. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs consider Spina Bifida a qualifying physical disability if it meets severity criteria. Medicaid (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and Medicare may also be available, depending on your situation. SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after 24 months of benefits. ABLE accounts allow tax-advantaged savings without jeopardizing means-tested benefits.
New Jersey offers several state-specific programs for people with Spina Bifida:
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $18,000/year (2025) without affecting SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. NJ ABLE accounts are available through the national ABLE program—consider opening one if you receive federal or state benefits.
Income limits for SSI in NJ follow federal rules: $943/month (individual) and $1,415/month (couple) in 2025. NJ Medicaid limits depend on the program category: some waivers have higher limits. SSDI has no income limit, but if you earn above $1,550/month (non-blind), you generally do not meet SGA for new claims[1]. NJ TDI/FLI require a minimum base year earnings of $15,200 or 20 weeks at $303+/week[3][6].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, TDI, FLI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, resources, employment, or living situation, as overpayments can occur and must be repaid. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for step-by-step tips. Always keep records of your communications with these agencies.
If you receive SSI and Medicaid, your eligibility can be affected by changes in income, resources, or living situation. Always report changes right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
New Jersey’s TDI program does not pay for the first 7 days of your disability. Benefits are available for weeks 2 through 27, if you qualify.
Yes, children with Spina Bifida may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are below federal limits. The disability must meet SSA’s medical criteria for severity.
Apply online at NJ FamilyCare, by phone, or at your county social services office. For HCBS waivers, ask your case manager or county office about eligibility and application steps.
NJ TDI pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks in 2025, based on your earnings in the base year. There is a 7-day unpaid waiting period[3].
You can work and receive SSDI or SSI, but your monthly earnings cannot exceed the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). Work incentives and exceptions may apply—see our guide on SSI & SSDI work incentives.
ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money without losing benefits. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses and are not counted for SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Your denial notice will include instructions for filing an appeal. Typically, you must request an appeal in writing and provide additional documentation to support your claim[3].
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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NJ Medicaid HCBS waivers and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) may offer respite, caregiver support, and other services. Contact DDD or your case manager to learn about available programs.
Report changes immediately to your local Social Security office for SSI and to your county social services office for Medicaid. See our guide on preventing overpayments for detailed steps.
SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI requires a recent work history and Social Security credits. Learn more in our SSI vs SSDI guide.
