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Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in New Jersey

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI).

What is New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)?

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides cash benefits to New Jersey workers who must stop working because of a physical or mental health condition or other non-work-related disability or planned procedure. Most New Jersey employers are required to carry Temporary Disability Insurance for their employees, either through the state plan or an approved private plan. For disability-related claims, you must be under the care of a medical provider within 10 days of the date you first became disabled. That provider will certify how long you need to recover, up to a maximum of 26 weeks. 

Am I eligible for TDI?

Eligibility is based on working in New Jersey and contributing to the program — not on where you live, your age, or your immigration status.

  • Where you work, not where you live: You can be eligible if you work in New Jersey, regardless of which state you live in. There is no residency requirement.
  • Employment / contribution requirement: You need to have paid into the state program through your New Jersey employment and meet the minimum gross earnings requirements. 
  • Minimum earnings: The state looks at your earnings in the five completed quarters before your disability began (the first four are your "base year"). To qualify, you must have worked a set number of weeks at or above a weekly earnings minimum, or reached a combined base-year earnings total. These thresholds are set each calendar year and change annually — see the current figures on the TDI worker page.
  • Who is generally not covered: federal government employees; local government and school district employees (coverage is optional for them); people employed outside New Jersey; faith-based organizations; and workers who aren't technically employees, such as properly classified independent contractors.
    • Note that "employed outside New Jersey" refers to where the job is located — it does not mean a New Jersey worker loses eligibility by living in another state.

How do I apply to Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)?

You can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance online, by mail, or by fax. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible after your first day of disability, as you have a 30-day window from the start of your leave to file.

To apply for TDI, you can use the following methods:

  1. Online:
     Visit the My Leave Benefits portal at myleavebenefits.nj.gov. You will need to create an account and follow the online application process.

  2. By Mail:
     Download the Disability Benefits Application (DS-1), fill it out, and send it to the Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, P.O. Box 387, Trenton, NJ 08625-0387.

  3. By Fax:
     You can also fax your application to 609-984-4138.

Be sure to complete Parts A and B of the application yourself, and have your healthcare provider complete Part C.

Timing: You have 30 days after the first day of your disability to file. Late applications must include a reason, and benefits may be reduced or denied if filed late. For a planned procedure or pregnancy, you can start your online application up to 60 days in advance, but you can't file it until on or after your first day of disability.

How long does it take to receive funds from Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)?

Applications are processed in the order received; missing information (yours or your provider's) is the most common cause of delay.
  • Waiting week: Benefits start on the eighth consecutive day of disability because of a seven-day waiting week. You're only paid for that first week if your disability continues for three or more consecutive weeks.
  • Payment cadence: After the initial payment, benefits are usually issued every two weeks, with a one-week lag for processing. Once a payment posts, funds should be available on your debit card within three business days.
  • How you're paid: Benefits are issued on a prepaid Money Network/My Banking Direct debit card, mailed in a plain, unmarked envelope. If you had a card from a prior TDI, Family Leave, or Unemployment claim, that same account is reused.

Check status anytime at the claim status tool.

What to expect after applying to TDI

  • Forms you may receive: a C-05 confirming receipt; a D-10 if approved; a D-30 if denied; and a P-30 when it's time to extend or end benefits. You may also get a C-10 (request for missing or conflicting information) or an M-10 (request for medical information).
    • Transitioning to Family Leave Insurance (FLI): If you took TDI for pregnancy and recovery, you can move to FLI for bonding after your recovery period ends — but how you do that depends on your TDI plan:
      • If you received a state plan TDI benefits: Don't file a new application. After you or your provider confirm your delivery date, the state mails you an FL-2 (New Mother Bonding Notice) with a unique Claim ID number; you enter that number online to claim bonding benefits. Notify the state of your delivery by completing the P-30 form, and don't submit an FLI application (FL-1) before you receive the FL-2 — doing so significantly delays payment.
      • If you received private plan TDI benefits, no disability benefits, or resumed work after your TDI benefits ended: You must submit a new Family Leave Insurance application to claim bonding benefits.
  • Possible medical exam: You may be asked to attend an impartial medical exam with a state-appointed doctor. It's a routine procedure at no charge, scheduled close to your home, and missing it could stop your payments. There is no in-person or phone interview required as a standard step beyond this.
  • Extending your claim: Before your last authorized payment, you'll get a P-30 form with instructions to submit proof of continuing disability online.
  • How to appeal a denial: Read the decision notice carefully and follow its instructions. Appeals must be filed within 21 calendar days of the mailing date. You can appeal online via the appeal form, or in writing — including your name, Social Security number, address, and signature — faxed to 609-984-4138 or mailed to Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, PO Box 387, Trenton, NJ 08625-0387. 

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Notify your employer of your disability and intent to claim TDI benefits.

  2. Start your application:
    • Create an account on myleavebenefits.nj.gov if applying online.
    • Download and print the application (Form DS-1) from this link. Read all the instructions on the form carefully before filling it out. Complete Parts A and B of the application with your information, including the disability onset date and employment history.

  3. Medical certification: Have your healthcare provider complete Part C, documenting your diagnosis, treatment, and expected recovery date.
    • If applying online: After submitting your part, you will receive a unique Online Form ID number. You must give this to your healthcare provider so they can complete the medical certification section online.

  4. Submit your application:
    • If applying online, submit your application once all parts are completed.
    • If applying via mail or fax, ensure all required documents are sent to the Division of Temporary Disability Insurance. Only submit your form once, through either fax or mail.

  5. Identity Verification: If prompted, you may need to verify your identity through ID.me after submitting your application.

  6. Monitor your claim status: You can track your application through your online account on the My Leave Benefits portal.

  7. Receive Decision: Once all parts (yours, your doctor's, and your employer's) are received, a decision will be made and you will be notified via mail.

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

When filling out your application, you will need the following documentation:

  • From you:
    • Social Security number
    • Contact information
    • Date of birth
    • Disability onset date
    • Contact details for your healthcare provider who treated you within 10 days of your first day unable to work
    • Dates of any emergency care or hospitalization
    • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
    • Employment History: Dates and contact information for all employers you worked for in the last 18 months.
    • Other Benefit Info: Documentation of any other benefits you are receiving, such as paid time off or Social Security.

  • From your medical provider:
    • Certification of your disability, including diagnosis, treatment dates, and recovery expectations as per Part C.

Common FAQs

  • What if my claim is denied?
    • If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Details on how to appeal can be found at myleavebenefits.nj.gov.

  • Can I work while receiving benefits?

    • No, you cannot work while receiving TDI benefits; doing so may result in the loss of benefits.

  • Can I apply more than once a year?
    • Yes — there's no limit, but you must meet eligibility and provide medical documentation for each new claim.
  • Can I apply before I stop working? 
    • No, you must wait until your first day of disability to start the application.
  • Can I receive TDI for pregnancy? 
    • Yes. Benefits are usually payable up to four weeks before the expected delivery date and six to eight weeks after birth, depending on the delivery type.
  • Are gender-affirming procedures covered?
    • Yes. TDI explicitly covers gender-affirming procedures, including medical transition. 
  • What if I am unemployed when I become disabled?

Who do I contact about my application status?

The New Jersey Division of Temporary Disability Insurance

If you have a private plan through your employer, please contact your employer’s insurance carrier directly for updates on your claim.