New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance program provides partial wage replacement to eligible workers when a non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy, prevents them from working. This state-mandated program helps bridge the income gap so a medical condition does not lead to immediate financial hardship. The program is funded through contributions from both employees and employers. For 2025, employees contribute 0.23% on the first $165,400 in covered wages, for a maximum annual contribution of $380.42.
Eligibility Requirements for NJ Temporary Disability
To qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in New Jersey, you must meet specific work history and earnings requirements. For a 2025 claim, you must have either worked at least 20 weeks earning a minimum of $303 per week, or earned a combined total of $15,200 during your base year.1Justia. New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 43:21-41 (2024) – Entitlement for Disability Benefits. The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your disability began.2Justia. New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 43:21-19 (2024) – Definitions. These earnings thresholds are subject to change annually.
Your disability must prevent you from performing your regular job duties, and this includes conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. A licensed medical provider, such as a doctor, chiropractor, or certified nurse midwife, must certify that you are unable to work. You cannot be receiving Unemployment Insurance or Workers’ Compensation benefits for the same period. You are also ineligible if your disability was caused by the commission of a crime.
Calculating Your Benefit Amount
Your weekly benefit rate is 85% of your average weekly wage, up to a legal maximum. Your average weekly wage is calculated by dividing your total base year earnings by the number of base weeks you worked. In 2025, a base week is any week you earned $303 or more.
The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $1,081, a figure that is adjusted annually. Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks for a single disability.3Justia. New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 43:21-38 (2024) – Duration of Benefits. There is an unpaid seven-day waiting period before benefits begin; however, if your disability lasts more than three weeks, you will be paid for this initial period.4Justia. New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 43:21-39 (2024) – Limitation of Benefits. These benefits are subject to federal income tax, and you can choose to have taxes withheld.
Information and Documents Needed to Apply
To apply, you will need to gather specific personal and employment information. This includes:
- Your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth
- Your complete mailing address
- The name, address, and phone number of your most recent employer
- Your dates of employment
- The reason you stopped working
You must also provide medical information from your healthcare provider, including their contact details, the date your disability began, a diagnosis, and your expected return-to-work date. All of this information is collected on Form DS-1, the Application for Temporary Disability Benefits, which is available on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website, from your employer, or from your doctor’s office.
The DS-1 application has three parts: Part A (Claimant’s Statement), Part B (Medical Certificate), and Part C (Employer’s Statement). It is your responsibility to ensure all three parts are completed and submitted; your medical provider and employer can submit their parts separately.
The Application Process
The most efficient way to submit your claim is online through the NJ Department of Labor’s portal. You can also mail the completed paper application to the Division of Temporary Disability Insurance in Trenton or send it by fax.
You must file your claim within 30 days of the first day your disability prevents you from working to avoid a reduction or loss of benefits.5Justia. New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 43:21-49 (2024) – Postings, Notice and Claims for Disability Benefits. After submitting, you can track the status of your claim online. The division will notify you of its decision on your eligibility and benefit amount once the review is finished.
What Happens if Your Claim is Denied
If your application for Temporary Disability benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice will explain the specific reason for the determination, such as not meeting earnings requirements or providing insufficient medical evidence. It is important to read this notice carefully to understand the basis for the denial.
You must file a written appeal within 21 calendar days of the date the determination was mailed. Your request should clearly state why you disagree with the decision and can be submitted online, by mail, or by fax to the Appeal Tribunal.
After your appeal is filed, you may be scheduled for a telephone hearing with an Appeal Tribunal examiner. This allows you to present your case, provide additional evidence, and have witnesses speak on your behalf. The tribunal will issue a written decision after the hearing, which will outline any further appeal options if the outcome is not in your favor.