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New Hampshire • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI, SSDI), Medicaid, and other support programs. This guide explains eligibility rules, application steps, and how to get help managing your medical and financial needs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, your condition must be severe enough that you cannot work at the "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) level, and your COPD must be expected to last at least one year or result in death[4]. SSDI requires enough work credits, while SSI is based on financial need. No benefits are available for short-term or partial disability—only total disability counts[4]. If you are turned down, you can appeal, and most people win at hearings, but the process can take over a year[3].
SSI pays an average of $586.25/month in New Hampshire, while SSDI averages $1,400.88/month, depending on your work history and income[3].
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program—residents with COPD must apply for federal SSI or SSDI[3]. For Medicaid, eligibility depends on your income, assets, and level of care needed. For nursing home or home-and-community-based services, the 2025 income limit is $2,901/month for a single applicant, with an asset limit of $2,500 (though an asset disregard may allow up to $7,500)[1]. For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981/month for a single person or $1,451/month for a couple, with a $1,500 asset limit[1]. If your income is too high for Medicaid, New Hampshire offers a "spend-down" program for seniors and people with disabilities to still qualify[1].
There are no state-specific disability rules for COPD—your eligibility for benefits is based on federal criteria and state Medicaid income/asset rules.
If you have COPD and can’t work, start by applying for SSI and SSDI online or by calling Social Security. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial information. For Medicaid, contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Expect the process to take several months, and be ready to appeal if your first application is denied[3].
1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, test results, work history, and income/asset information. 2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Answer all questions truthfully and include all medical evidence. For SSDI, you need enough work credits; for SSI, your income and assets must be very low[3][4]. 3. Medicaid Application: Visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website or local office to apply for Medicaid. You may need to complete a separate application and provide proof of income, assets, and disability. 4. Wait for a Decision: Initial decisions for SSI/SSDI can take over 6 months; most applications are denied at first. If denied, request reconsideration or appeal within 60 days[3]. 5. Appeal if Denied: If your application is denied, file an appeal and consider getting help from a legal aid organization or disability advocate. Most people who appeal and go to a hearing win benefits, but the process can take up to two years[3]. 6. Report Changes: If your income, living situation, or health changes, report it immediately to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with enough work credits—monthly payments based on your earnings record. COPD must prevent you from working for at least 12 months[4]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income people with limited assets—monthly cash benefit plus Medicaid eligibility in most states. No work credits required, but strict income and asset limits apply[3][4]. Medicare: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare, which covers hospital, doctor, and prescription drug costs. Work Incentives: Federal programs like Ticket to Work offer support if you want to return to work while keeping benefits. Learn more in our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and some long-term care for eligible residents. New Hampshire offers nursing home, home- and community-based services, and regular Medicaid. Each program has different income and asset limits. If your income is too high, you may use the "spend-down" program to qualify[1]. Medicaid Waiver Programs: New Hampshire waivers (Home and Community Based Services) provide extra help for people who need nursing home-level care but want to live at home. These waivers have the same income/asset limits as Medicaid but may offer more services. See Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for details. No State Disability Program: Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not offer a separate state disability program. People with COPD must rely on federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs[3]. Granite Advantage Health Care Program: This expanded Medicaid program helps low-income adults, but specific rules and covered services may change as federal and state policies evolve[2].
ABLE Accounts: New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Funds in an ABLE account do not count against SSI and Medicaid asset limits, allowing you to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
2025 Income & Asset Limits (NH Medicaid): Nursing Home & HCBS Waiver: $2,901/month income, $2,500 assets (with a $7,500 disregard possible) per applicant[1]. Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance): $981/month income, $1,500 assets for one person; $1,451/month income, $1,500 assets for a couple[1]. SSI: Strict federal limits apply; use our SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility.
If your income or household changes, you must report it right away to avoid owing money back to Social Security or Medicaid. These agencies can reduce or stop your benefits if you do not report changes promptly. Visit our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for detailed steps and advice.
Most initial disability applications are denied. If you are turned down, file an appeal as soon as possible—most people who appeal and go to a hearing eventually win benefits[3]. The process can take over a year, but don’t give up. Get help from a lawyer or advocate if you can.
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. If you have COPD and cannot work, you must apply for federal SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid based on federal and state rules[3][1]. For local help or questions about Medicaid, contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. There is no separate state disability program in New Hampshire[3][4]. You may also be eligible for Medicaid if you meet income and asset limits[1].
The average SSDI payment in New Hampshire is $1,400.88/month, while SSI averages $586.25/month. Actual amounts depend on your work history (SSDI) or income/assets (SSI)[3].
For nursing home or HCBS waiver programs, the 2025 income limit is $2,901/month for a single person (with possible asset up to $7,500)[1]. For regular Medicaid, the limit is $981/month income and $1,500 assets for one person[1].
No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. All disability benefits come from federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid[3].
Apply online for SSI or SSDI at the Social Security website, or call 1-800-772-1213. For Medicaid, contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Gather medical records and financial information before you start[3].
Most people are denied at first. You can appeal within 60 days, and most people who appeal and go to a hearing eventually win benefits. The process can take over a year[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Program rules can change. Always confirm details with official agencies.
Yes, federal work incentives allow you to try working without immediately losing benefits. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for more details.
After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare. Medicaid may cover hospital, doctor, and prescription costs, depending on your eligibility[1]. See [Medicaid vs Medicare](/guides/medicaid-vs-medicare) for differences.
A Medicaid waiver offers extra services so people who would otherwise need a nursing home can live at home. Waivers have specific eligibility rules—see [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)](/guides/medicaid-waivers) for details.
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for more.
