Filing for Social Security Disability and SSI in New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey and have a disability, you can apply for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), for long-term disabilities, or state temporary disability insurance (TDI) benefits, for short-term conditions. If you don't have a strong work history and have low income and assets, you can also apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

While the application process for Social Security disability benefits is uniform across the United States, each state processes their applications, and provides other related services, differently. Below is an overview of how Social Security disability insurance claims are processed in New Jersey.

How Can I Apply for Social Security Disability in New Jersey?

Social Security disability is for those who are disabled and unable to work for one year or longer. To apply, you can:

• Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA's field office locator can help you find the location nearest to you.
• Telephone the SSA at (800)772-1213. A customer service representative can make an appointment for you to apply in person or by telephone. If you file in person, you'll fill out a paper version of the application for Social Security disability.
• Visit www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability and apply for disability benefits online.

How Hard Is It to Get on Disability in New Jersey?

Your chance of getting approved for Social Security disability benefits in New Jersey is somewhat higher than the national average approval rate, both at the initial application stage and at a disability hearing. Your chances of getting approved after your hearing are even higher if you are represented by a disability lawyer or nonattorney representative at the hearing.

Below is a comparison of the approval rates for New Jersey and the national averages.

Stage of Process	New Jersey	Nationally
Initial Application	40% approval	36% approval
Reconsideration	13% approval	13% approval
Appeal Hearing	56% approval	51% approval

How Long Does It Take to Get a Disability Hearing in New Jersey?

The wait time for disability hearings (the time from when you first request a hearing until you have your hearing) is two months shorter, on average, than the national wait time.

Below is a comparison of the wait times for the New Jersey hearing offices.

City	Average Wait Time
United States	10 months
New Jersey overall	8 months
Newark	7 months
Jersey City	7 months
South Jersey	10 months

How Much Is the Monthly SSI Payment in New Jersey?

SSI is a federal program for low-income disabled individuals that pays out a specific monthly amount to all who qualify. As of 2022, the maximum federal monthly payment for individuals who have no other income is $841; the payment for couples is $1,261 per month. But the average payment is usually lower, because Social Security subtracts income and the value of free rent and food from the payment.

The State of New Jersey chooses to pay an additional monthly payment to supplement the monthly federal payment. Below is a chart outlining the supplemental payments available in New Jersey, which depend on your living situation.

	New Jersey Monthly Supplement
Living Alone or With Others
Single	$31.25
Couple	$25.35
Living Alone with an Ineligible Spouse
Single	n/a
Couple	$152.99
Living in the Household of Another
Single	$44.31
Couple	$93.09
Congregate Care Facility
Single	$150.05
Couple	$618.36
Residential Health Care Facility
Single	$210.05
Couple	$738.35
Living in a Medicaid-Approved Facility
Single	$20.00
Couple	$40.00

Where Are New Jersey's Disability Determination Offices?

The Division of Disability Services (DDS) is the New Jersey office that makes the decision on initial applications after they are reviewed by your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. All questions regarding initial disability applications should be directed to the DDS.

New Jersey has three main DDS offices in the state. You can call DDS with any questions through its toll-free number. Addresses for the three offices in New Jersey are listed below.

Division of Disability Services
Phone: (866) 920-6997

Newark DDS Office
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102

New Brunswick DDS Office
550 Jersey Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Trenton DDS Office
1 John Fitch Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625

Where Are the Social Security Hearing Offices in New Jersey?

The Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) deals with all appeals for hearings. New Jersey has three Social Security hearing offices:

Jersey City OHO

325 West Side Avenue, Second Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Telephone: (877) 773-7451
Fax: (833) 721-0877

Services the Social Security field offices in Clifton, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Paterson.

Newark OHO

1100 Raymond Blvd, 3rd Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Telephone: (877) 405-9798
Fax: (833) 779-0460

Services the following field offices: East Orange, Neptune, New Brunswick, Newark, Newton, Parsippany, Somerville, Springfield Ave, Trenton, Union Township, and Woodbridge.

South Jersey OHO

2475 McClellan Blvd
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109
Telephone: (866) 964-5769
Fax: (833) 942-2183

Services the following field offices: Brick, Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Egg Harbor Township, Glassboro, Mount Holly, Rio Grande, and Toms River.

What Vocational Rehabilitation Services Are Available in New Jersey?

After individuals become disabled, some can benefit from receiving services that will help them to prepare to work again and make a successful return to work. New Jersey provides these services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).

There is a central office located in Trenton and 18 additional offices located throughout the state to services individuals. Below is the contact information for the central office; call this office for information about a local office near you.

DVRS Central Office

1 John Fitch Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625-0398
Telephone: (609) 292-5987
Toll-free: (866) 871-7867

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 398
Trenton, NJ 08625-0398

Does New Jersey Have Temporary Disability Benefits?

Qualified employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury can receive temporary disability benefits for up to six months in New Jersey. These temporary benefits are through a special state-funded program, which pays two-thirds of your average wages. For more information, see our article on New Jersey TDI Benefits.

_{Updated May 26, 2022}