Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How does New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (NJ TDI) work?

Here's how New Jersey's disability benefits can support you

 

Quick answer
 NJ TDI applies to employers with at least one qualifying employee working in New Jersey. Eligible employees can receive up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement, plus job protection, for their own physical or mental condition, high-risk COVID-19 exposure, communicable disease diagnosis/exposure during a declared public health emergency, or bone marrow/organ donation.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

  • Employees who work in New Jersey and meet base-year earnings requirements (the first four of the last five completed quarters). For 2026: either worked 20 weeks and earned at least $310/week, or earned a total of $15,500.

Key facts

  1. NJ TDI provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement and job protection for: the employee's own physical or mental condition, including pregnancy/childbirth; an underlying health condition putting the employee at high risk for COVID-19 and unable to work; diagnosis of or suspected exposure to a communicable disease during a declared public health emergency; or bone marrow or organ donation.
  2. Employees receive up to 85% of their average weekly wages, depending on income. For 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,119.
  3. NJ TDI can be used on a reduced schedule basis: employees can receive partial benefits on a reduced schedule for up to 8 weeks (unless a healthcare provider certifies more time is needed), but no employee may receive reduced-schedule partial benefits for more than 12 weeks total.
  4. There's a 7-day waiting period, which may be waived during a Governor-declared state of emergency if the leave reason is COVID. If a disability lasts 22 days or more, the employee may be retroactively paid for the initial unpaid 7 days. There is no waiting period for bone marrow or organ donation leave.
  5. NJ TDI is funded through payroll tax deductions; employers report quarterly earnings to the state and contribute a percentage of employee earnings.
  6. Employees apply directly through the state of New Jersey, or through an insurance carrier or HR if the employer has an approved private plan.
  7. NJ TDI runs concurrently with federal FMLA when applicable.

What if it doesn't work

  • My disability lasted 22 days or more: You may be retroactively paid for the first 7 unpaid days — contact your Leave Success Manager.
  • I need reduced schedule leave beyond 8 weeks: Your healthcare provider can certify additional time, up to the 12-week reduced-schedule maximum.
  • If none of these apply, contact your Leave Success Manager (employees) or Customer Success Manager (HR teams).

Limits and exceptions

  • Reduced schedule partial benefits are capped at 8 weeks without additional certification, and 12 weeks maximum in any case.
  • The 7-day waiting period is waived only during a declared state of emergency for COVID-related leave, or does not apply to bone marrow/organ donation leave.
  • The $310/week, $15,500, and $1,119 figures are specific to 2026 and may change in future years.

Related questions

  • How does the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJ FLA) work?
  • How does New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (NJ FLI) work?