Diabetes Benefits in New Hampshire: Eligibility, How to Apply

• To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet the 20/40 work credit rule.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your diabetes must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability: it must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Both programs require medical proof, such as doctor’s notes and test results, showing how diabetes limits your daily activities and ability to work.
• Partial or short-term disabilities do not qualify for Social Security benefits.

Source: SSA.gov

• New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal programs (SSI and SSDI) are available.
• For Medicaid, people with diabetes may qualify if they need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or meet nursing home-level care requirements. The income limit for regular Medicaid is $981/month for a single person and $1,451/month for a married couple. The asset limit is $1,500.
• For Medicaid waivers (home and community-based services), the income limit is $2,901/month for a single person and $5,802/month for a married couple. The asset limit is $2,500 for the applicant, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard.
• If you are married and only one spouse applies, the non-applicant spouse can keep up to $157,920 in assets.

Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org

• Gather all medical records related to your diabetes.
• Fill out the Adult Disability Report online or in person.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security website or local office.
• If denied, file for reconsideration and then request a hearing if needed.
• For Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
• Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and treatment plans for diabetes.
• Step 2: Complete the Adult Disability Report on the SSA website. This helps speed up the process.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be honest and detailed in your answers.
• Step 4: If denied, file for reconsideration within 60 days. Most people are denied at first, so this is common.
• Step 5: If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This can take up to two years.
• Step 6: For Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. You may need to prove your income, assets, and care needs.
• Step 7: If you qualify, you may get help with medical bills, home care, and other support.
• Step 8: Report any changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Average payment in New Hampshire is about $1,400 per month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and resources. Average payment in New Hampshire is about $586 per month.
• Medicaid: Federal health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some home care.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): For people who need nursing home-level care but want to stay at home. Covers home health aides, medical equipment, and more.

Source: SSA.gov

• New Hampshire Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with diabetes who meet income and care needs. Regular Medicaid covers doctor visits and hospital stays. Medicaid waivers cover home care for those who need nursing home-level care.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help people with diabetes stay at home instead of in a nursing home. Covers home health aides, medical equipment, and more.
• ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national program.
• No State Disability Program: New Hampshire does not have a state-run disability program. Only federal SSI and SSDI are available.

Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $17,000 per year in an ABLE account in 2025.
• Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
• New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national program.

Source: SSA.gov

• SSI: $981/month for a single person, $1,451/month for a married couple.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month in 2025).
• Medicaid (Regular): $981/month for a single person, $1,451/month for a married couple.
• Medicaid (Waivers): $2,901/month for a single person, $5,802/month for a married couple.

Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org

• Report any changes in income, assets, or health to Social Security and Medicaid right away.
• Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes. You may have to pay back the money.
• Keep records of all payments and changes.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact Social Security or Medicaid to set up a repayment plan.

Source: SSA.gov Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and survivors benefits.
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 603-271-6500

  Website

  For Medicaid and health programs.

• Can diabetes qualify for disability in New Hampshire?

  Yes, if diabetes severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Medical proof is required.

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

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both require proof that diabetes limits work.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for diabetes in New Hampshire?

  Gather medical records, complete the Adult Disability Report, and apply online, by phone, or in person at Social Security. For Medicaid, apply through the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

• What is the average disability payment for diabetes in New Hampshire?

  The average SSDI payment is about $1,400 per month. The average SSI payment is about $586 per month. Amounts depend on your income and work history.

• Does New Hampshire have a state disability program for diabetes?

  No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal SSI and SSDI are available. Some states have their own programs, but New Hampshire does not.

• Can I get Medicaid for diabetes in New Hampshire?

  Yes, if you meet income and care needs. Regular Medicaid covers doctor visits and hospital stays. Medicaid waivers cover home care for those who need nursing home-level care.