Losing income from an illness or injury not related to your job can be a financial burden. New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program provides short-term wage replacement to eligible workers, offering support during recovery. This guide covers the main aspects of the TDI program, from eligibility to the claims process.
Basic Eligibility
Eligibility for New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance depends on your work and wage history. You must have worked at least 20 calendar weeks in covered New Jersey employment during your base year, earning at least $283 per week.1Department of Labor and Workforce Development. NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development Announces New Benefit Rates for 2025 The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your disability began. Alternatively, you can qualify by earning a combined total of $14,200 or more in covered employment during the base year. These amounts can change, so it’s good to check current figures.
Your disability must be a medically certified physical or mental condition, not related to your job, that stops you from doing your regular work. Work-related conditions are usually covered by New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation program. A licensed medical practitioner must certify your inability to work.2Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Approved Medical Practitioners and Healthcare Providers
Your employment status when your disability starts also matters. If you are employed or were recently employed, you can file a claim. If you become disabled while unemployed and are not receiving or eligible for Unemployment Insurance, you might still qualify if your disability begins within 14 days of your last day of New Jersey covered employment.
Filing Requirements
Filing a TDI claim in New Jersey needs to be done on time and with all necessary documents. You can apply online through the Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance website, which is the fastest way. Alternatively, you can mail or fax Form DS-1, Claim for Disability Benefits.3Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Claim for Disability Benefits (Form DS-1) Make sure all communications include your name and Social Security number.
You must file your claim within 30 days from the first day of your disability.4Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. N.J. Admin. Code § 12:18-3.2 – Notice and Proof of Disability If you file late, you’ll need to provide a good cause explanation, usually a letter with your claim, to avoid reduced or denied benefits. For planned medical leaves, like childbirth or surgery, you can start an online application up to 60 days beforehand. However, medical certification is still needed within 14 days of when your disability actually begins, or the draft application will be deleted.
The application, whether online or on paper, has three parts: Part A completed by you (the claimant), Part B completed by your medical practitioner, and Part C completed by your most recent employer. You are responsible for ensuring all parts are completed. For Part A, you’ll need to provide:
- Personal details
- Social Security number
- Contact information
- Disability start date
- Medical treatment details
- Employment history for the past 18 months (including employer contacts, work locations, and employment dates)
Part B, the medical certification, confirms your disability period and must be completed by your licensed medical practitioner. Medical providers cannot charge a fee for completing this part.5Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. When You’re Sick, Injured, or Post-Surgery Part C, from your employer, provides details about your work and wages. If you file online, you’ll get a claim identification number; keep this number for your records.
Payment Calculations
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance payments are based on your earnings during your base year. The state calculates your average weekly wage from employer-reported earnings in this period to determine your weekly benefit rate.
Your weekly benefit rate is 85% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that is updated each year. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,090.6Division of Employer Accounts. TDI & FLI Contribution Rates and Benefit Amounts These benefits are subject to federal income tax, and you can choose to have taxes withheld.
The total amount of benefits you can receive is capped. It’s the lesser of either one-third of your total base year earnings or 26 times your weekly benefit rate.7Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. FAQ: Temporary Disability Insurance For example, if you earned $30,000 in your base year, your maximum total benefit would be $10,000, as long as this amount is less than 26 times your weekly rate.
Receiving other income, such as employer-paid sick leave or benefits from a private disability plan, can reduce your New Jersey TDI payments.
Claim Denials and Appeals
If your Temporary Disability Insurance claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Denials can happen if your condition is not considered disabling, if you don’t meet the earnings or work requirements, or if you filed late without a good reason. Your denial notice will explain the reasons and how to appeal.
The first step is to file a written request for a hearing with the Appeal Tribunal. This must be done within seven days of receiving the denial notice or ten days from its mailing date.8Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Appealing a Decision Your appeal letter should state your intent to appeal and include your full name, Social Security number, and claim identification number.
If your appeal is timely, the Appeal Tribunal will schedule a telephonic hearing. You’ll receive a Notice of Hearing by mail with the date, time, call-in details, and deadlines for submitting evidence. An Appeal Tribunal Examiner will conduct the hearing, where you can present your case, provide documents, and have witnesses speak. Your employer and representatives from the Division may also participate. The examiner will then issue a written decision.
If the Appeal Tribunal’s decision is unfavorable, you can appeal to the Board of Review within 15 days of the decision’s mailing date, as explained in the decision. The Board reviews the existing case record and written arguments, and does not hold a new hearing. If the denial is still upheld, a final appeal can be made to the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court within 45 days of the Board’s decision. It’s a good idea to keep detailed records throughout this process.
Returning to Work
When medically cleared for work, inform the Division of Temporary Disability Insurance to stop benefits and prevent overpayments. This can be done by phone or form.9Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. Want to Extend or End Your Claim?
New Jersey’s TDI program may allow a part-time return to work with partial benefits if your employer agrees and you meet specific requirements. These benefits supplement part-time wages and can last up to eight weeks, extendable to 12 with medical approval. If your employer cannot offer part-time work and you’re not cleared for full duties, full benefits might continue with medical certification.
The New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits Law doesn’t guarantee job protection. Other laws, like the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), might offer this.10U.S. Department of Labor. Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
If your disability returns after working, you might file a new claim or reopen a previous one. A new disabling condition resets the 26-week maximum benefit. For a recurring disability soon after a prior claim, benefits might resume without a new waiting period.