Filing for Disability in New Jersey
When disability claims are medically reviewed in New Jersey, 35.0% are approved — below the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. The 10 prototype states are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. Learn how prototype states differ →
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
New Jersey approves 35.0% of initial disability claims. That’s 2.0 percentage points below the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for New Jersey vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
New Jersey's medical approval rate has fallen from 43.3% to 35.0% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
35.0%
Claims Filed
5,857
Determinations
5,474
Pending Claims
13,703
If Your Claim Is Denied
Hearing
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Jersey City
Hearing OfficeJersey City · 10 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,736 pending
approval
Newark
Hearing OfficeNewark · 10 judges · 9.0 months wait · 2,842 pending
approval
South Jersey
Hearing OfficePennsauken · 8 judges · 8.5 months wait · 2,445 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 21.7%
- Disabled Child
- 59.6%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,528
- Approved
- 919
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,809
- Approved
- 752
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,137
- Approved
- 247
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 616
- Approved
- 367
What to Do Next
Review New Jersey's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in New Jersey. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in New Jersey?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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