If you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in New Jersey, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), state temporary disability, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with a traumatic brain injury, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your injury must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. SSDI requires enough work credits based on your age and work history. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical evidence, including doctor reports, imaging, and functional limitations, to decide if your TBI meets their criteria[1].
In New Jersey, you may also qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if your TBI prevents you from working for a short period. To be eligible, you must have worked at least 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned a total of $15,200 in the base year before your disability began. TDI covers up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement for non-work-related injuries, including TBI. You must be under a doctor’s care and unable to work due to your condition[3]. New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care needs, which can help with home and community-based services for those with TBI[3].
Federal programs for TBI include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly payments to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI provides payments to those with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical evidence that your TBI prevents substantial work for at least 12 months[1].
New Jersey offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term needs due to TBI. TDI provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement for non-work-related injuries. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,081. Workers and employers contribute to TDI through payroll deductions. New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care, which can help with home and community-based services for those with TBI. These waivers can cover services like personal care, respite care, and supported employment[3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid. In New Jersey, you can open an ABLE account if your TBI onset was before age 26. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing[3].
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 must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. For TDI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability began[1][3].
If your income or work status changes, you must report it to Social Security and the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Always keep records of your earnings and medical status, and report changes promptly to avoid issues[1][3].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services for help with Medicaid waivers and other state programs. For federal benefits, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, if your TBI prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you have enough work credits. Social Security reviews medical evidence to decide eligibility[1].
The maximum weekly TDI benefit in 2025 is $1,081. You can receive this for up to 26 weeks if your TBI prevents work[3].
Contact the NJ Division of Disability Services. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and financial information to apply for Medicaid waivers[3].
You can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA threshold ($1,550/month in 2025) for SSDI. For SSI, there are strict income limits. Always report changes to avoid overpayments[1].
You need doctor’s reports, imaging results, and documentation of functional limitations. Social Security and NJ agencies review this evidence to decide eligibility[1][3].
Yes, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability began to qualify for TDI[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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Yes, you can get both if you meet the eligibility requirements for each program. SSDI is federal, TDI is state, and they serve different purposes[1][3].
Report changes to Social Security and the NJ Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Keep records and report promptly to avoid overpayments[1][3].
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You can use funds for medical care, education, and housing[3].
Yes, New Jersey offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care needs. These can cover services like personal care and supported employment[3].
