New Hampshire Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options

Find out about New Hampshire's state supplemental payments to SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.

By , Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

If you live in New Hampshire and you meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disabled, you may be eligible for either Social Security disability (called SSD or SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Even though these are federal programs, the individual states are responsible for helping the SSA administer some portions of the programs. States also set the SSI payment, since most states, including New Hampshire, supplement the federal SSI payment with a small state payment.

How Do I Apply for Disability in New Hampshire?

Your options for applying for disability depend on whether you are eligible for SSI or SSDI.

You can apply online for SSDI. If you are eligible for SSDI, you have the option of applying online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/. When you start your application, you will be assigned an application number. Keep it, since you need this number to return to your application or to track the status of your application.

You can apply in person. You can apply in person at your local field office for either SSI or SSDI. This is a good option if you need help filling out or understanding the paperwork. However, you should call the SSA before you go in because some field offices require an appointment. The SSA's phone number is 800-772-1213. Be sure to bring your Social Security number and medical and personal information when you go for your appointment.

You can apply by telephone. The SSA also allows people to apply on the telephone. This option is available to either SSI or SSDI applicants. To apply call 800-772-1213 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). If you are deaf or hearing impaired, call 800-325-0778.

New Hampshire Disability Determination Services (DDS)

New Hampshire's Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a state agency that makes the initial decisions for the SSA about whether a New Hampshire disability applicant is disabled. New Hampshire's Department of Education administers DDS. Here is DDS's contact information:

21 South Fruit St., Suite 30
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-271-3341
Fax: 800-266-8096

You can also visit the DDS's webpage for more information.

What Will My SSI Payments Be in New Hampshire?

The federal government will pay you up to $771 per month in SSI benefits. Depending on your living arrangements, you may also be eligible for a state supplement in New Hampshire.

Living Arrangement State Supplement
Living independently or in the household of another $41.00
Residential care facility for adults $221.00
Enhanced family care facility $221.00
Nonsubsidized community residence $162.00
Subsidized community residence $102.00
Medicaid facility $35.00

To apply for the supplement, or for more information, visit your local Bureau of Family Assistance, a division of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services.

Am I Eligible for Medicaid In New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, you do not automatically become eligible for Medicaid when you are approved for SSI. New Hampshire makes its own determination of whether you are disabled and whether your income and assets are low enough to qualify for Medicaid. You may be eligible for Medicaid in New Hampshire if:

  • you are a resident of the state (and don't receive medical assistance in another state)
  • you are a citizen or qualified alien
  • you have proof of a valid Social Security number, and
  • you meet the asset and income requirements.

The income and asset limit to be eligible for Medicaid depends on the size of your household. SSI is not counted as income. The asset limit is similar to the resource limit in the SSI program, but allows you to have more assets if you have a larger family.

Household Size Income Limit Asset Limit
1 $591.00 $2,500
2 $675.00 $3,000
3 $683.00 $4,100
4 $691.00 $4,200

If your income exceeds these amounts, you may still be eligible for partial coverage under the "In & Out" program. Severely disabled children and adults may also be eligible for Medicaid even though these requirements aren't met. You can learn more about the program on the DHHS's Medicaid webpage or go to nheasy.nh.gov to see if you are eligible.

If You Want to Talk to an Attorney

A disability attorney can give you an idea of how strong your case is and the likelihood that you'll win benefits, and can also represent you on appeal if you are denied. If you decide to talk to an attorney about your case, you can find an experienced disability attorney in your area by arranging a free consultation with a New Hampshire disability attorney.

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