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New Hampshire • Mental Health
People with depression in New Hampshire can qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as Medicaid for health coverage. There is no state disability program, but Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts may help with long-term care and savings.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) for depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for at least 12 months. Social Security does not pay for partial or short-term disabilities. You must be unable to do your previous work or adjust to other work because of your depression. For SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have enough work credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be very low. Both programs use the same strict definition of disability.
Depression is considered a mental health condition, and Social Security reviews medical records, treatment history, and how your symptoms affect daily life and work.
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for adults. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI. However, New Hampshire Medicaid covers mental health services for those who qualify based on income and assets. For long-term care, Medicaid waivers may help pay for home and community-based services if you meet the nursing home level of care requirement. The asset limit for Medicaid is $2,500 for a single applicant, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 due to an asset disregard. Income limits vary by program and household size.
Step 1: Collect all medical records, treatment notes, and proof of income and assets.
Step 2: Fill out the Adult Disability Report and submit it with your application.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through New Hampshire’s online portal or by contacting your local Department of Health and Human Services office.
Step 5: If denied, file for reconsideration within 60 days. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal.
Step 6: If your appeal is denied, request a disability hearing before an administrative law judge.
Step 7: For Medicaid waivers, contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for information on available programs.
Step 8: Keep all records and report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.
Social Security Disability Application (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06)
New Hampshire Medicaid Application (NH DHHS, 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are unable to work due to depression.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits to people with very low income and assets who are disabled, including those with depression.
Medicare: Available after 24 months of receiving SSDI.
Medicaid: Covers health care for low-income people with disabilities, including mental health services.
SSDI and SSI Overview (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06)
Medicare for People with Disabilities (Medicare.gov, 2025-11-06)
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for adults. However, the state offers Medicaid for health coverage, including mental health services, for those who qualify. Medicaid waivers may help pay for home and community-based services if you meet the nursing home level of care requirement. The asset limit for Medicaid is $2,500 for a single applicant, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 due to an asset disregard. Income limits vary by program and household size. There is no state-specific cash benefit for depression, but federal programs and Medicaid are available.
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. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and health care. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits.
| Program | Single (Monthly) | Married (Monthly) | |---------|------------------|-------------------| | SSI | $914 | $1,371 | | SSDI | No strict limit (based on work history) | No strict limit (based on work history) | | Medicaid (Regular) | $981 | $1,451 | | Medicaid (Long-Term Care) | $2,901 | $5,802 |
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands and loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability attorney for help with your application. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal.
Yes, depression can qualify for federal SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet Social Security's strict definition of disability and provide medical evidence.
No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for adults. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI for cash benefits.
You can apply for Medicaid online or at your local Department of Health and Human Services office. You must meet income and asset limits and provide proof of your disability.
For regular Medicaid, the limit is $981 per month for a single person. For long-term care Medicaid, it is $2,901 per month. Married couples have higher limits.
Yes, Medicaid waivers may help pay for home and community-based services if you meet the nursing home level of care requirement and qualify for Medicaid.
It takes about 6 months for an initial decision. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal, which can take up to 2 years.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. New Hampshire residents can open an account through the national ABLE program.
Yes, you must report any changes in income or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Social Security has special rules for people with disabilities.
You need treatment records, doctor's notes, and any psychological evaluations that show how depression affects your daily life and ability to work.
