Blindness Benefits in New Hampshire

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) due to blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration's strict definition: you cannot do substantial work because of your condition, and it must last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid.
• There is no separate federal benefit just for blindness, but being blind can make it easier to meet the medical criteria for disability.
• The SSA uses the same definition of disability for adults and children, but the rules for children are different.
• If you are blind, you may also qualify for other federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your situation.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

• New Hampshire does not have its own state disability insurance program for short-term or long-term disability. Only five states do.
• However, New Hampshire residents who receive federal SSI benefits get a small monthly state supplement: $27 for single, non-married individuals and $21 for married individuals.
• Medicaid is available for people who are blind and meet income and asset requirements. The Granite Advantage Health Care Program (Medicaid expansion) covers many services, but recent federal reviews have changed some eligibility rules.
• State-specific programs for the blind are limited, but local nonprofits and agencies offer support services, including job training, independent living skills, and advocacy.
• If you are blind and need help with daily living, you may also qualify for other state or local programs, such as home care or transportation services.

Source: Atticus.com (2025-11-06), DisabilityCareCenter.org (2025-11-06), MACPAC.gov (2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records and proof of income.
• Contact your local Social Security office or apply online at SSA.gov.
• Ask about New Hampshire's SSI state supplement when you apply.
• If you need help, contact a local nonprofit or disability advocate.
• Be prepared for a long process; most applications are denied at first and require appeals.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Get your medical records. You need detailed documentation from your doctors showing your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Fill out the Adult Disability Report online or at your local Social Security office. This form asks about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities.
• Step 3: Submit your application. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information.
• Step 4: Wait for a decision. The initial decision takes about 6 months on average. If you are denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• Step 5: If your appeal is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process can take up to two years.
• Step 6: If approved, you will start receiving benefits. You may also qualify for Medicaid and other programs.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06), Atticus.com (2025-11-06), DisabilityCareCenter.org (2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Average payment in NH is about $1,400.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Average payment in NH is about $586, plus a small state supplement.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those who are blind and receive SSI.
• Other federal programs: Vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and food stamps may also be available.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

• SSI State Supplement: New Hampshire adds $27/month for single, non-married SSI recipients and $21/month for married recipients.
• Medicaid (Granite Advantage Health Care Program): Covers medical, behavioral health, and long-term care services for eligible low-income adults, including those who are blind. Recent federal reviews have changed some eligibility rules.
• Easterseals NH: Nonprofit that provides services for people with disabilities, including job training, independent living skills, and advocacy for people who are blind.
• NH Disability and Health Program: Offers resources, training, and support for people with disabilities, including those who are blind.
• Other local programs: Some cities and towns offer transportation, home care, and other support services for people who are blind.

Source: DisabilityCareCenter.org (2025-11-06), EastersealsNH.org (2025-11-06), IOD.UNH.edu (2025-11-06), MACPAC.gov (2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program.
• You can save up to $16,000 per year in an ABLE account, and the first $100,000 is not counted as a resource for SSI.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

• For SSI, the federal income limit is $733/month for an individual in 2025. New Hampshire adds a small supplement.
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,470/month in 2025 for most people, $2,460/month if blind).
• Medicaid income limits vary based on your situation, but are generally higher for people who are blind.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

• You must report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA to avoid overpayments.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can ask for a waiver if it was not your fault.
• Reporting changes promptly can help you avoid penalties and keep your benefits.

Source: SSA.gov (2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSI, SSDI, or applying for disability benefits.
• Easterseals NH
  Phone: 603-668-4111

  Email: info@eastersealsnh.org

  Website

  For support services and advocacy for people with disabilities.
• NH Disability and Health Program
  Phone: 603-862-4678

  Email: dh@unh.edu

  Website

  For resources and training for people with disabilities.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for blindness in New Hampshire?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is based on your work history. Both programs are federal, but New Hampshire adds a small monthly supplement to SSI payments. Both can help people who are blind.

• How much money can I get from SSI if I am blind in New Hampshire?

  The federal SSI payment is about $733/month in 2025. New Hampshire adds $27/month for single, non-married recipients and $21/month for married recipients. Your actual payment may be less if you have other income.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for blindness in New Hampshire?

  Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $2,460/month in 2025 if you are blind. For SSI, any income can reduce your payment. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while you try to work.

• How do I apply for blindness benefits in New Hampshire?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income. The process can take several months.

• What medical evidence do I need to prove blindness for disability benefits?

  You need detailed medical records from your doctor showing your diagnosis, vision tests, and how your blindness affects your daily life and ability to work.

• Does New Hampshire have a state disability insurance program for blindness?

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