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.
Individuals in New Jersey receiving Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI), ages 14 through retirement age, who are considering work or are currently employed.
Available to residents across New Jersey, with services offered in most counties. except residents of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union
NJWINS provides benefits counseling and work incentives planning to help individuals in New Jersey understand how employment affects Social Security benefits.
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:
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.
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.
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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:
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:
Both SSI and SSDI Beneficiaries will be taught about the following:
