Stuttering Benefits in New Jersey: 2025 Guide

• To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, up to four per year. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability starts. The exact number depends on your age when you became disabled[1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must meet strict income and asset limits set by Social Security[1].
• For both SSI and SSDI, your stuttering must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions and medical evidence to decide if you qualify[1].

• New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) helps if you cannot work due to a serious health condition, including speech disorders like stuttering, for up to 26 weeks. You must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned $15,200 total in the base year before your disability[3][5].
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI) covers time off to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health issue. FLI pays up to 12 weeks of benefits at 85% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,081 per week in 2025[5].
• New Jersey Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, can help pay for therapy, assistive devices, and other supports for people with speech disabilities[1].

• Check if you meet federal or state eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records showing how stuttering affects your daily life and work.
• Apply online for SSDI or SSI at SSA.gov.
• For TDI or FLI, apply through your employer or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the NJ Department of Human Services.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a speech-language pathologist or doctor. Keep all medical records.
• Step 2: For SSDI/SSI, visit SSA.gov and fill out the online application. You will need your Social Security number, medical records, work history, and financial info[1].
• Step 3: For TDI, ask your employer for the claim form or apply online at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. You must provide a doctor’s statement confirming your disability[3].
• Step 4: For FLI, apply the same way as TDI if your stuttering requires care or therapy[5].
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers, call the NJ Department of Human Services or visit their website to learn about HCBS and other programs[1].
• Step 6: Track your applications and respond to any requests for more info. Keep copies of everything you submit.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability[1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older[1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. SSI recipients often qualify automatically[1].

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a serious health condition, including stuttering[3][5].
• Family Leave Insurance (FLI): Pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 12 weeks to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health issue[5].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help pay for therapy, assistive devices, and other supports for people with speech disabilities[1].
• ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1].

New Jersey offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for therapy, education, housing, and more[1].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month from work (Substantial Gainful Activity limit)[1].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or NJ benefits agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Always keep records of what you report[1].

• NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
  Phone: 1-888-795-2677

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For TDI and FLI claims and questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

• Can stuttering qualify for disability benefits in New Jersey?

  Yes, if stuttering is severe and stops you from working or doing daily activities, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state programs like TDI[1][3].

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

  Apply online for SSI/SSDI at SSA.gov. For TDI or FLI, apply through your employer or the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance[3][5].

• What medical proof do I need for stuttering disability benefits?

  You need a diagnosis and treatment plan from a speech-language pathologist or doctor. Medical records should show how stuttering affects your life and work[1][3].

• How much money can I get from New Jersey disability programs for stuttering?

  TDI pays up to $1,081 per week for up to 26 weeks. SSI pays up to $914 per month in 2025. SSDI amounts vary based on work history[1][3][5].

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

  Yes, if you meet income and disability rules. Medicaid can help pay for speech therapy and other supports[1].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help with stuttering?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for therapy, education, or other needs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1].

• Do I need to report changes if I get disability benefits for stuttering?