If you live in New Hampshire and you are disabled and can’t work you can apply for disability benefits in New Hampshire. If your application for disability benefits in New Hampshire is approved you can use the money you receive to help pay for any living expenses.
The money that you receive can help pay for your housing, medical expenses, utilities, food, or anything else that you need. And, if you are approved for disability benefits you may automatically qualify for other assistance programs too.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In New Hampshire
The definition of disability in New Hampshire is that to be considered disabled you must have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity.
Substantial gainful activity is just another way of saying work. If you can prove that you can’t do any kind of work that you could get paid for then you may be approved for Social Security disability benefits.
If your application for disability benefits is approved you may also be able to get other types of aid from New Hampshire and the Federal government like housing assistance, WIC or SNAP, help with utility bills, or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In New Hampshire?
The Social Security Administration considers both mental health conditions and physical health conditions to be disabling. The SSA has a book called the Blue Book that has more than 200 medical conditions in it that qualify for disability benefits.
To find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to read through the Blue Book there.
It’s very important that you include as much medical documentation of your condition as you can when you’re filling out your application. You must submit evidence showing that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements, or your application will be denied.
Another requirement that you have to meet is that you must have work credits to qualify for SSDI. You don’t need work credits for SSI.
You can earn up to 4 credits per year. The number of work credits you will need to qualify for disability benefits in New Hampshire depends on your age and how many years you worked.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in New Hampshire
There are two different types of disability benefits available in New Hampshire: SSDI or SSI. SSDI is for people who became disabled after they were adults, and SSI is for people who have been disabled all their lives.
New Hampshire Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is the SSA’s disability benefit for people who have worked, but have become disabled because of a physical or mental illness that they expect to last at least a year.
In order to qualify for SSDI in New Hampshire you must show that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book, and that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. You will also need to show that you have earned the required amount of work credits for your age. The average monthly SSDI payment in New Hampshire in 2024 is $1548.22
New Hampshire Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a disability benefit for children who are disabled and have low-income parents, and for adults who have always been disabled.
If you’re a parent and you’re not disabled, but you have a child that is, you may apply for SSI for your child. If you are granted SSI for your child you will need to submit proof that the money is paying for the child’s expenses each month.
There is an income cap because SSI is only supposed to go to parents who really need it for their child. You will have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
If you are 18 or older and you have always had a disability so you have never worked you can also apply for SSI.
State of New Hampshire Disability Programs
New Hampshire doesn’t have a state-sponsored short-term disability program for state residents. But, many employers offer private short-term disability and long-term disability benefit plans.
Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period for short-term disability coverage. And, if you become disabled, you can apply for benefits after you have been disabled for seven days.
If your previous employer offers long-term disability coverage and you opted in to that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI.
The combined total of your benefits can’t be more than your pre-disability salary, according to the regulations. So if you are receiving long-term disability benefits and SSDI the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in order to keep your total benefit amount under the amount of your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In New Hampshire
Applying for disability benefits in New Hampshire can be frustrating and overwhelming. Working with a New Hampshire disability lawyer is the best way to make sure that your application is completed properly and on time. Your New Hampshire disability lawyer can help you do things like:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations.
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
If you’re ready to talk with a New Hampshire disability lawyer you can do so right now. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a New Hampshire disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire residents who are approved for disability benefits can receive up to a maximum payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a New Hampshire Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
