If you have a spinal cord injury in New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal disability programs (SSI, SSDI) and state programs (Medicaid, ABLE accounts, Medicaid waivers). This guide shows you how to apply, explains eligibility, and lists state-specific supports for people with physical and mobility disabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security, but can no longer work due to a severe long-term disability (such as a spinal cord injury). You must have enough work credits—younger workers need fewer. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,730 in earnings, up to four per year. Most adults need 40 credits total and 20 in the last 10 years before disability[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI is based on financial need, not work credits. Both SSI and SSDI require your disability to be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
For both, you must not be earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025)[1].
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides short-term cash benefits (up to $1,081/week in 2025) for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related injury, including a spinal cord injury[2][3]. You must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303/week, or earned $15,200 total in the last year[5][6]. TDI is funded through paycheck deductions and is separate from SSI/SSDI.
New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) may also help if you need to care for a family member with a disability, but FLI does not cover your own disability[4][5].
New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) is available to low-income individuals, including those on SSI, and offers HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers for people with significant disabilities who wish to remain at home. Eligibility for Medicaid waivers may include additional health and care needs assessments.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities (whose onset was before age 26) to save up to $17,000/year without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefit eligibility.
Start your application online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or contact your local Social Security office. For New Jersey TDI, apply online via the New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. For Medicaid or waivers, apply online at NJ FamilyCare or visit your county welfare agency. Keep medical records and proof of income handy.
For SSI/SSDI:
For New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI):
For Medicaid and HCBS Waivers:
For ABLE Accounts:
SSI and SSDI are the main federal programs for people with spinal cord injuries. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both provide monthly cash benefits, but SSI also automatically qualifies you for Medicaid in most states. Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI benefits.
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) replaces a portion of your income if you cannot work due to a non-work-related disability, such as a spinal cord injury, for up to 26 weeks[2][3]. New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) helps workers take paid time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition, but does not cover your own disability[4][5]. Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) covers health care for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, and offers HCBS waivers for home-based care. New Jersey ABLE accounts allow tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses. TDI and FLI are funded through payroll deductions; Medicaid and ABLE accounts are income- and asset-based programs.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In New Jersey, you can open an account if your disability began before age 26. Contributions up to $17,000/year (2023 limit) won't affect means-tested programs. Funds can be used for housing, transportation, education, and more.
SSI has strict income and resource limits (in 2025, $943/month for individuals, $1,415 for couples). SSDI has no income limit after approval, but you must not earn above the SGA threshold ($1,550/month) during application. Medicaid limits vary by program; some waivers have higher income caps.
You must report changes in income, work, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid office promptly to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more details.
Most disability programs—including SSDI and New Jersey TDI—have waiting periods before payments start (5 months for SSDI, 1 week for TDI). Apply as soon as you become disabled to avoid delays[3].
If you have a spinal cord injury and need help with daily activities, New Jersey’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover personal care, home modifications, and other services so you can live independently instead of in a facility. Ask your case manager about waiver options.
In 2025, the maximum weekly TDI benefit is $1,081, based on your earnings. Benefits last up to 26 weeks. Actual payments depend on your income during your base year[2][3].
Yes, SSI recipients in New Jersey usually qualify automatically for Medicaid. Contact NJ FamilyCare for details.
SSI and SSDI allow some work, but earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. New Jersey TDI is for when you cannot work at all due to disability[1][3].
You have the right to appeal. Many people are approved after appealing. Consider contacting legal aid for help.
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy so you can live at home instead of a nursing facility. Eligibility depends on your care needs and income.
Open an account through the NJ ABLE program online. You’ll need proof of disability onset before age 26. Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses.
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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SSDI has a 5-month waiting period after disability onset. TDI has a 1-week unpaid waiting period before benefits start[3].
Some people qualify for both, but total payments cannot exceed SSI’s maximum benefit. This is called
Chronic spinal cord injury means your condition is permanent and severe, which is generally required to qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. Documentation from your doctor is key.
Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid immediately. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
