The LSNJ SSI Project

The mission of the SSI Project is to secure SSI and SSDI for disabled people who are on General Assistance (GA) or on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). We try to get these benefits as soon as possible after our clients have applied. Our advocates represent clients from initial application, before Administrative Law Judges and up to Federal Court if necessary and appropriate.

To reach the LSNJ SSI Project call 1-877-576-5774.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, or SSDI for short, is a monthly insurance benefit paid to individuals who are too disabled to work, and who have worked and paid enough into the system over the years. Children of such disabled workers, and their disabled widows or widowers may also collect benefits if they meet certain requirements. If you become eligible for SSDI, you will also become eligible for health benefits though Medicare 24 months after you become eligible for SSDI payments.

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI for short, pays monthly benefits to people with limited resources and income who are blind, or disabled, or aged 65 or older. You have to be a US citizen or meet certain immigration requirements. SSI benefits can go to disabled and blind children, too.

People who get SSI may qualify for food stamps. Once eligible for SSI, you will receive health benefits through Medicaid, including prescription medications.

The SSI benefit rate goes up each year, based on a cost of living adjustment. See Supplemental Security Income (SSI) In New Jersey for the current SSI benefit rates.

Contacting the Social Security Administration

To speak with a Social Security representative, you can call Social Security’s toll-free number that operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday: 1-800-772-1213. If you have a touch-tone phone, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. You should have your social security number available when you call.

More Online Information

• Online Social Security Handbook - Social Security’s online handbook for benefits and programs.
  
  
• Qualify and Apply for Disability - information on applying for SSDI or SSI online.
  
  
• Choose a Benefit Calculator - calculate and estimate what your Social Security benefits might be.
  
  
• Local Office Search - find your local Social Security office by zip code.
  
  
• Disability Benefits - information about SSDI.
  
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - information on SSI.
  
  
• How We Decide If You Are Disabled - information on the legal standard used to evaluate whether a claimant is entitled to SSD or SSI.
  
  
• Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) - view site to see what kind of social security benefits you might qualify for.
  
  
• The Appeals Process - information on the appeal process involved if you are denied SSI or SSDI.
  
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens - information about non-citizens and SSI.
  
  
• Working While Disabled -- A Guide To Plans For Achieving Self-Support - information about working while on SSI.
  
  
• How Workers' Compensation And Other Disability Payments May Affect Your Benefits - information about how Worker’s Compensation Claim can affect your SSDI.
  
  
• Representative Payee Program