NJWINS

New Jersey Work Incentives Network Support

Helping individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in New Jersey understand how working affects their benefits, so they can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Connect with a Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) to explore employment options, understand your benefits, and take steps toward greater financial independence.

Eligibility

Individuals in New Jersey receiving Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI), ages 14 through retirement age, who are considering work or are currently employed.

Service Location

Available to residents across New Jersey, with services offered in most counties. except residents of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union

Contact

[email protected]

What the Program Offers for SSI and SSDI Beneficiaries

NJWINS provides benefits counseling and work incentives planning to help individuals in New Jersey understand how employment affects Social Security benefits.

Individualized benefits counseling for SSI and SSDI recipients
Guidance on how employment impacts Social Security and healthcare benefits
Work incentives planning to support a transition from benefits to earned income
Support in maintaining Medicaid, Medicare, and other health coverage
Strategies to increase income while protecting essential benefits

Who Can Participate in NJWINS Supported Employment Services

This program is designed for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries in New Jersey who are exploring work or currently employed.

NJWINS serves individuals ages 14 through retirement age.

Services are prioritized for individuals who are:

Working, self-employed, or preparing to start full-time employment
Working, self-employed, or preparing to start part-time employment
Considering or recently receiving a job offer
Scheduled for or recently attending a job interview (within 30 days)
Actively engaged with State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Ticket to Work Employment Networks (EN), or other employment programs, or who have a clear goal of entering the workforce

Why NJWINS

NJWINS is a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance program funded by the Social Security Administration. Our goal is to help people who receive SSI or SSDI make informed choices about work, and to support people who are working to increase their financial independence.

NJWINS services are free for eligible individuals and do not require a referral.

Understanding the Trial Work Period

The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows individuals receiving SSDI to test their ability to work without losing their benefits.

During this period, you can work and earn income for up to 9 months while still receiving your full SSDI benefits, regardless of how much you earn. These months do not have to be consecutive, giving you flexibility as you explore employment.

The goal of the Trial Work Period is simple: give you the opportunity to try working, build confidence, and understand what is possible, without the risk of immediately losing your benefits.

NJWINS can help you track your Trial Work Period months, understand how your earnings are counted, and plan your next steps so you can move forward with clarity.

How It Works

Step 1: Contact

Complete the Referral Form and email it to [email protected]
Or contact the Ticket to Work Helpline to be screened for services: 866-968-7842 or (TTY) 866-833-2967

Essex, Bergen, Union and Hudson are served by Goodwill of Greater NY/NJ. To connect for services, contact the Ticket to Work Helpline at 866-968-7842 or (TTY) 866-833-2967

Step 2: Intake & Consent

Gather any relevant work or SSA related paperwork if applicable.
Discuss work goals.
Sign release of information request.

Step 3: Benefits Summary & Analysis

Receive a review of current work or work goal and the impact to benefits.
Learn of identified work incentives available for individual circumstances
Review the intensive individualized report.
Collaborate to develop a work incentive plan, which provides timelines and next steps.

Step 4: Follow Along and Support

Work with CWIC to track changes in employment, income or benefits.
Receive an adjusted Benefit Analysis & Assessment report (BS&A) with each change is applicable.
Request support and guidance with reporting wages, employment related changes, and resolving issues related to SSA benefits as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

SSI beneficiaries will learn that working to their fullest ability generally increases their total monthly income, and that losing an SSI cash benefit does not necessarily mean losing Medicaid coverage. They will also be taught how to use the following Work Incentives:

1619a Earnings Formula
1619b Medicaid
Student Earned Income Exclusion
Impairment Related Work Expenses
Blind Work Expense (BWE)
Plans for Achieving Self Support

SSDI Beneficiaries will learn that only work can create an SSDI account and only work can change or stop the receipt of SSDI benefits. SSDI Beneficiaries will be taught to use the following Work Incentives:

Trial Work Period
Extended Period of Eligibility
Impairment Related Work Expenses
Subsidies
3 Month Grace Period
Extended Medicare
Expedited Reinstatement
Initial Reinstatement Period

Both SSI and SSDI Beneficiaries will be taught about the following:

NJ WorkAbility Medicaid Buy-In Program
Continuing Disability Reviews
Ticket Usage
Employment Networks

What work incentives are available for SSI?

Many individuals who receive SSI find that working increases their total monthly income. Even if SSI cash benefits are reduced or stop, you may still be eligible for Medicaid coverage. SSI beneficiaries may qualify for several work incentives designed to support employment, including: 1619(a) Earnings Formula 1619(b) Continued Medicaid Coverage Student Earned Income Exclusion Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) Blind Work Expenses (BWE) Plans for Achieving Self Support (PASS)

What work incentives are available for SSI?

SSI beneficiaries may qualify for several work incentives designed to support employment, including the 1619(a) Earnings Formula, 1619(b) continued Medicaid coverage, the Student Earned Income Exclusion, Impairment Related Work Expenses, Blind Work Expenses, and Plans for Achieving Self Support. These programs are designed to help you work while maintaining essential benefits.

How does working affect SSDI benefits?

SSDI works differently than SSI. Work activity can impact your eligibility over time, but there are protections in place to help you test your ability to work. Programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility allow you to explore employment while maintaining access to benefits as you transition.

What work incentives are available for SSDI?

SSDI beneficiaries may be eligible for several work incentives, including the Trial Work Period, Extended Period of Eligibility, Impairment Related Work Expenses, subsidies and special conditions, the three-month grace period, extended Medicare coverage, and Expedited Reinstatement. These supports are designed to reduce risk as you begin working or increase your hours.

What programs support both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries?

NJWINS provides guidance on programs that support both SSI and SSDI recipients, including the NJ WorkAbility Medicaid Buy-In Program, Continuing Disability Reviews, the Ticket to Work Program, and Employment Networks. These programs help individuals maintain benefits while working and building long-term independence.

How can NJWINS help me get started?

NJWINS connects you with a Certified Work Incentives Counselor who can explain how working affects your benefits, help you use available work incentives, and guide you through your next steps with clarity and confidence.

Stories of Our Impact

When Kimberley was offered a full-time job, she turned to NJWINS for guidance on how working would affect her SSDI and Medicare benefits. She learned she was in her Extended Period of Eligibility, meaning her SSDI could be quickly reinstated if her earnings drop. She also qualified for Extended Medicare Coverage, allowing her to keep her healthcare even after SSDI payments stop. With this support, Kimberley is starting her new job with confidence, knowing she can build her career while keeping the safety net she relies on.

At 22, Steve reached out to NJWINS after starting a job that paused his SSI payments. He was proud to be working but worried about losing his Medicaid. Through NJWINS, he learned about Section 1619(b), which allows people to keep Medicaid while earning income within set limits. He also qualified for the Student Earned Income Exclusion, letting him exclude part of his earnings while in school. With this support, Steve continues working and studying with confidence, knowing his healthcare and benefits remain secure.