Social Security Disability NJ – Benefit Program For Individuals
According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in the State of New Jersey, there are two types of programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or simply Social Security Disability) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs together grant benefits to those who are disabled as per the SSA Definition of Disability. The Social Security Disability NJ is a long term benefit program for individuals who are too disabled (as defined by the SSA) to be able to find gainful employment and support themselves.
How can I apply for Social Security Disability NJ?
You may call the SSA office at their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 and schedule an appointment; the staff at the office can help you fill in the required forms and guide you through the entire submission process.
If you are hard of hearing or deaf, you may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 any time between 7am and 7pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
If you prefer to, you can also apply online for Social Security Disability benefits.
Disability Starter Kit
The Disability Starter Kit will help you complete your online application and prepare you for your interview with the SSA. These kits are available separately for adults and children (those under the age of 18).
This kits is a repository of information that you will need to be able to fill in your application form and answer questions appropriately during your disability assessment interview. It tells you which kinds of documents you will need as well as what kind of information will the SSA ask of you.
The Disability Starter Kit also gives you information about how the approval process works and what types of disability programs are offered by the SSA.
Each kit contains –
- A Fact Sheet which is a FAQ list for people to refer to
- A Checklist that will help you organize all the documents that will be required from you
- A Worksheet that will help you collate all the information you may need for your application as well as your interview.
The Social Security Disability NJ – Challenging the Decision
If you do not agree with the decision taken by the Social Security Disability NJ team, then you have the right to appeal. There are four levels of this process.
- Reconsideration
This is the first part of the process. If your application for SSD benefits is declined, then you can file for a reconsideration. A complete review of your case will be done by another officer who will re-evaluate everything you have presented.
- Hearing
If your Request for Reconsideration is declined, then you can ask for a Hearing. The hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will evaluate your case and give a decision. At this stage, you may bring your lawyer/advocate/attorney to represent your case.
- Appeals Council
If your application for Social Security Disability has still be denied, then you can proceed to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can give a fresh decision, return the case back to the ALJ or stand by the ALJ’s decision.
- Federal Court Review
If your application is still denied then you can go to the Federal Court and file a civil suit against the SSA.
If it happens that your claim is denied, it is better for you to hire the services of an experience advocate who specializes in Social Security Claims in the State of New Jersey. The advocate gets paid only if you win your case, so you don’t need to worry about payments.