If you have chronic pain in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as Medicaid and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your chronic pain must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months. You must also meet financial requirements. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be below set limits. Both programs use the same strict definition of disability, which means partial or short-term disabilities do not qualify. Medical evidence is required to prove your condition meets these standards.
Source: Social Security Administration
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal programs like SSI and SSDI. For Medicaid, New Hampshire has specific income and asset limits. As of 2025, the income limit for Medicaid long-term care is $2,901 per month for a single person, and the asset limit is $2,500 (but with an asset disregard, you may have up to $7,500 in assets). For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981 per month for a single person, and the asset limit is $1,500. Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services follow the same limits as long-term care Medicaid.
If your income is over the limit, New Hampshire has a Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program that allows you to qualify by spending down excess income on medical costs.
Source: Social Security Administration, Medicaid Planning Assistance
Source: Social Security Administration
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal programs like SSI and SSDI are available. However, New Hampshire does offer Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These programs can help cover medical costs and long-term care for people with chronic pain. The income and asset limits for Medicaid are strict, but New Hampshire has a Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program for those who exceed the income limit. Medicaid waivers can provide services like home health aides, personal care, and respite care.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center
For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month in 2025. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. For Medicaid, the income limit is $2,901 per month for long-term care and $981 per month for regular Medicaid. The asset limit is $2,500 for long-term care Medicaid and $1,500 for regular Medicaid (with an asset disregard up to $7,500).
Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Keep all records and report changes promptly to avoid problems.
Most disability applications in New Hampshire are denied at first. Don’t give up—appeal your decision and consider getting help from a disability advocate.
If your income is over the Medicaid limit, you may still qualify through the Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program by spending down excess income on medical costs.
Yes, chronic pain can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence to prove your condition meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability.
SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs use the same definition of disability, but eligibility and payment amounts differ.
No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal programs like SSI and SSDI are available. Residents must apply for these programs through the Social Security Administration.
You can apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire online, by mail, or in person through the Department of Health and Human Services. You must meet income and asset limits and provide documentation of your medical condition.
Medicaid waivers in New Hampshire provide home and community-based services for people who need long-term care. These waivers can help cover services like home health aides, personal care, and respite care.
The Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program allows people with income over the Medicaid limit to qualify by spending down excess income on medical costs. This can help those with high medical expenses qualify for Medicaid.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The average time for an initial decision on a disability application in New Hampshire is about 6 months. If you appeal, the process can take up to two years.
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to try working without losing benefits. If your earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity level, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.
You need detailed medical records, doctor’s notes, test results, and statements from healthcare providers that document your chronic pain and its impact on your ability to work.
If your application is denied, you can file for reconsideration within 60 days. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most applicants need to appeal at least once.
