New Jersey residents who are struggling to make ends meet because they have a disability and can’t work can apply for SSI in New Jersey. SSI, also called Supplemental Security Income, gives money to people who can’t work because they are disabled to help them pay for necessary living expenses.
When you apply for SSI in New Jersey you will need to show that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements for SSI. If your application for SSI is approved, you may also qualify for other assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for SSI in New Jersey
SSI is different from SSDI. SSI is a benefit program to help people who have never been able to work because they are disabled. SSDI is for people who used to work before they became disabled.
If you’re a parent of a child who has a disability, you can apply for SSI on behalf of your child if you meet the SSA’s income requirement.
Income/Resource Requirements
The Social Security Administration has income and resource limits that you must show you meet before your claim for SSI can be approved. If you apply for SSI in New Jersey you can’t have assets that exceed these requirements.
The income limit for SSI in New Jersey is set at $914 for a single person. If you’re part of a couple where both people are disabled the income limit is $1,371 for both of you combined.
But, there are some exceptions. The first $20 of income per month doesn’t count towards the requirement. And the first $65 of earned income doesn’t count towards that requirement. Also, half of the remaining earned income after that $65 doesn’t count towards the requirement cap.
The SSA also sets an asset or resource limit for anyone applying for SSI. An individual can’t have more than $2,000 in assets or resources, and a couple can’t have more than $3,000 in assets. Assets, or resources, are things like pensions, savings accounts, stocks, and real estate, but not your primary home. Your actual home you live in doesn’t count towards the asset limit.
Medical Criteria
The SSA has strict medical criteria that you must prove you meet if you are applying for SSI in New Jersey. You must be blind, over the age of 65, or have a proven disability to qualify for SSI if you’re an adult. If you’re applying on behalf of your child you must be able to prove your child is blind or otherwise disabled.
Not all medical conditions are considered disabling. You, or your child, must be diagnosed with a condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. There are more than 200 medical conditions that are in the SSA’s Blue Book. Every listing in the Blue Book has its own set of requirements that you must prove you meet.
With your application, you should submit a letter of diagnosis from a doctor and medical records, test results, and other documents that prove your medical condition meets the requirements listed for that condition in the Blue Book. You will also have to submit financial information like your tax information, bank records, and other financial documents.
Before making a decision about your claim the SSA will consider the medical records you submit, your financial information, your education, and other criteria to see if there’s any work you can do. If there is absolutely no type of paid work you can do with your disability then your application for SSI in New Jersey will likely be approved.
Parents who are applying for SSI on behalf of a child will need to submit the child’s medical records and their own financial information. You will need to submit a W-2 or Federal tax return for every adult in the house who works full-time. The total combined income for the household can’t exceed the SSA’s income cap.
State-Specific Programs
People in New Jersey who receive SSI or other SSA benefits may also be eligible for other assistance like:
Food Assistance Program (SNAP): SSI recipients in New Jersey can apply for food stamps to help pay for food and essentials. Your SSI income will be considered when determining eligibility and benefit amounts.
Medicaid: Being eligible for SSI typically qualifies you for Medicaid in New Jersey, which helps cover medical costs.
State Supplementation: New Jersey provides a state supplement to SSI benefits to give people more cash to spend on essentials like rent or mortgage, utilities, clothing, and medicine.
Housing Support: While SSI itself does not provide direct housing support, your SSI benefits may help you qualify for other housing assistance programs, such as public housing or Section 8 vouchers.
SSI Benefits in New Jersey
The amount of money that you receive each month for SSI in New Jersey is determined by the SSA, not by the state of New Jersey.
Federal Benefit Rate
The Social Security Administration has set the maximum benefit amount for an individual receiving SSI at $943 in 2024. That means if you’re a single person the most money you will receive for SSI in New Jersey is $943.
If you are married or have a partner that also receives SSI the highest benefit payment that the two of you can receive is $1,415.
State Supplements
New Jersey is one of a handful of states that provides extra money to people who qualify for SSI. If you are receiving SSI in New Jersey as an individual you could receive an extra $10-100 per month in addition to the money you receive from the SSA.
Healthcare Coverage
If you are receiving SSI in New Jersey you can also qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income people that is administered by the state.
Applying for SSI in New Jersey
When you apply for SSI in New Jersey you must prove that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements, including the medical requirements in the Blue Book. You will need to submit as much medical evidence as you can including your letter of diagnosis, medical tests, and other medical records.
After you have the application filled out and your documents gathered you can apply online, over the phone, or in a local SSA office in New Jersey.
Documents Needed for Application
When you apply for SSI you will need to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Medical records
- Financial Records
- Social Security numbers
Application Timeline
After you submit your application for SSI in New Jersey you could be waiting for a long time. The average wait time to get a decision on your SSI application is 3-6 months, but it can take longer.
Things like mistakes in your application, how many applications there are, and other factors can affect how long it takes for your application to either be approved or denied.
Appeals Process for Denied SSI Applications in New Jersey
If your application for SSI in New Jersey is denied you can appeal that decision.
Steps to Take if Denied
If your application for SSI in New Jersey is denied, you will receive a form that you can file to ask for reconsideration. Reconsideration just means asking the SSA to look at your application again.
If the SSA rejects the application during reconsideration you can ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge. And if the judge rejects your application, you can ask for further appeals.
How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?
The appeals process can take anywhere from 1-3 months for a reconsideration to over a year for a hearing with a judge. To shorten the time it takes to have your appeal heard it’s very important that you meet all deadlines for sending in documents.
Resources and Support for SSI Applicants in New Jersey
Some resources and agencies that can help you apply for SSI in New Jersey are:
- New Jersey Division of Disability Services
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Local Offices
- New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
- The Arc of New Jersey
- Disability Rights New Jersey
Working with a New Jersey SSI Lawyer
You should consider getting help from a lawyer with your SSI application. Having a Social Security lawyer from New Jersey help you fill out the application and gather evidence can increase your chances of having the application approved. A New Jersey SSI lawyer can also help you with:
- Meeting deadlines
- Understanding the application
- Gathering medical evidence
- Filling out the application
- Filing appeals
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a New Jersey SSI lawyer who can help you with your New Jersey SSI application.
