NJ Temporary Disability Benefits Law

Under the New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits Law, cash benefits are payable when you cannot work because of sickness or injury NOT caused by your job. New Jersey is one of only five states which provides compulsory temporary disability insurance for workers.

Workers whose employment is covered by the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law are also protected by a mandatory disability insurance system. Coverage is also extended to employees of the State of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University, the College of Medicine and Dentistry and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. County and municipal governments as well as other governmental entities may elect coverage for their employees.

Most workers who become disabled within 14 days of their last day of work in covered New Jersey employment may be covered for disability insurance under the State Plan or an approved Private Plan. Inquiries concerning your own coverage may be directed to your employer.

There is a third program for those whose disabilities begin more than 14 days after the last day of work. This program is known as "Disability During Unemployment"

Note: The NJ Temporary Disability Benefits Program is not a “covered entity” under the Federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All medical records of the Division, except to the extent necessary for the proper administration of the Temporary Disability Benefits Law are confidential and are not open to public inspection. The Division protects all records that may reveal the identity of the claimant, or the nature or cause of the disability and the records may only be used in proceedings arising under the Law.

Under N.J.A.C. 12:18-1.6, medical practitioners are prohibited from charging a fee for completing forms issued by the Division of Temporary Disability Insurance or any private insurance carrier requesting medical information associated with any initial or continued claim for benefits under the New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits Law.