Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in New Hampshire

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from doing substantial work, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years).
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including children and adults with disabilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify if it severely limits daily activities.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing any substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA’s childhood disability criteria and family income/resources are low enough.
• Both programs require medical evidence showing how autism affects daily life and ability to work or function independently.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications

• New Hampshire does not have its own state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI.
• For Medicaid, New Hampshire follows federal rules. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for Medicaid if their family meets income and asset limits.
• Medicaid waivers (HCBS) are available for children and adults with autism who need home or community-based services. These waivers help pay for therapies, respite care, and other supports.
• Income and asset limits for Medicaid in 2025 are $2,901/month and $2,500 in assets for a single adult applicant. For children, limits are based on family size and income.
• New Hampshire applies an asset disregard, allowing up to $7,500 in assets for Medicaid eligibility.
• Medicaid waivers require a nursing home level of care, but many children and adults with autism qualify for these services.

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH

• Gather medical records and proof of income/resources.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) online or in person.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the NH DHHS or a local Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
• Submit all required forms and follow up regularly.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, school reports, and proof of income and assets.
• Step 2: Complete the Adult Disability Report (for adults) or Child Disability Report (for children) on SSA.gov.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: For Medicaid, apply online at NH DHHS or in person at a local office. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers at the same time.
• Step 5: If applying for a Medicaid waiver, contact the NH DHHS or your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability for help with the application.
• Step 6: Submit all forms and supporting documents. Keep copies of everything.
• Step 7: Follow up regularly with SSA and DHHS. Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
• Step 8: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Most people need to appeal at least once.
• Step 9: If approved, report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA Disability Application, NH DHHS Medicaid Application

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults who have worked and paid into Social Security. Average payment in NH is about $1,400/month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Average payment in NH is about $586/month.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, therapies, and more.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help pay for home and community-based services like respite care, therapies, and personal care.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months.

Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov

• New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. All disability benefits are federal.
• Medicaid in New Hampshire covers children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder if they meet income and asset limits.
• Medicaid waivers (HCBS) are available for children and adults with autism who need home or community-based services. These waivers help pay for therapies, respite care, and other supports.
• The Granite Advantage Health Care Program is a Medicaid expansion for low-income adults, but does not cover people with disabilities who qualify for SSI or SSDI.
• New Hampshire applies an asset disregard, allowing up to $7,500 in assets for Medicaid eligibility.
• Local Area Agencies on Aging and Disability can help with applications and finding services.

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH, NH DHHS Medicaid

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $16,000 per year in an ABLE account in 2025.
• Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
• New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE United program or another state’s program.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914/month for an individual and $1,371/month for a couple.
• For Medicaid in NH, the income limit is $2,901/month for a single adult applicant and $5,802/month for a married couple.
• Asset limits for Medicaid are $2,500 for a single adult and $5,000 for a married couple. New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard.
• For children, Medicaid income and asset limits are based on family size and income.

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH

• Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and DHHS as soon as possible.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact SSA or DHHS to set up a repayment plan.
• Keep records of all reports and communications.

Source: SSA Overpayments, NH DHHS Reporting Changes

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with disability benefits.
• NH Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-852-3345

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with state benefits.

• Can children with Autism Spectrum Disorder get SSI in New Hampshire?

  Yes, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA’s childhood disability criteria and their family’s income and resources are low enough. Medical evidence is required.

• Is there a state disability program in New Hampshire?

  No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI for disability benefits.

• How do I apply for Medicaid for a child with autism in New Hampshire?

  Apply for Medicaid through the NH Department of Health and Human Services online or in person. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers at the same time.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how can it help with autism?

  A Medicaid waiver (HCBS) helps pay for home and community-based services like therapies, respite care, and personal care for people with autism who need a nursing home level of care.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account if I have autism in New Hampshire?

  Yes, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New Hampshire residents can use national or other state programs.

• What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  The income limit for Medicaid in NH is $2,901/month for a single adult applicant and $5,802/month for a married couple in 2025.