Epilepsy Benefits in New Hampshire: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a medical condition that meets the SSA definition of disability, and have enough work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years).
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA definition of disability.
• The SSA defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), lasts or is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death. Epilepsy can qualify if seizures are frequent and severe enough to meet these standards.
• There are no benefits for partial or short-term disabilities.

Source: SSA.gov - How Does Someone Become Eligible? (2025-11-06)

• New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal SSDI and SSI are available.
• For Medicaid long-term care (like nursing home care), a single applicant must have income under $2,901/month and assets under $2,500 in 2025. There is an asset disregard allowing up to $7,500 in assets.
• For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981/month and asset limit is $1,500 for a single person.
• Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services have the same income and asset limits as long-term care Medicaid.
• These limits apply to all applicants, including those with epilepsy.

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH Medicaid Eligibility 2025 (2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) online or in person.
• Be honest and complete in your applications.
• Follow up on your application status and respond to requests for more information.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your epilepsy, including doctor notes, test results, and treatment history.
• Step 2: Prepare your work history, including dates of employment and job duties.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI:
  • Online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability
  • By phone at 1-800-772-1213
  • In person at a local Social Security office
• Step 4: For Medicaid, apply online at dhhs.nh.gov or in person at a DHHS office.
• Step 5: Submit all required documents and respond to any requests for more information.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Most initial applications are denied, so be prepared to appeal if needed.
• Step 7: Keep records of all communications and decisions.

Source: SSA.gov - How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-06) Source: NH DHHS - Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security and now have a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.

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

• New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal SSDI and SSI are available.
• Medicaid in New Hampshire covers long-term care and health services for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
• Medicaid waivers can help cover home and community-based services for people with epilepsy who need support but want to live at home.
• The NH Disability and Health Program provides resources and advocacy for people with disabilities, but does not provide direct benefits.

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH Medicaid Eligibility 2025 (2025-11-06) Source: NH Disability and Health Program (2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• You can save up to $17,000 per year in an ABLE account (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and personal support.
• New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the NH ABLE program or another state’s program.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center (2025-11-06)

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month in 2025 for most people).
• SSI: Income limit is $981/month for a single person in New Hampshire (2025).
• Medicaid (long-term care): Income limit is $2,901/month for a single person (2025).
• Medicaid (regular): Income limit is $981/month for a single person (2025).

Source: Medicaid Planning Assistance - NH Medicaid Eligibility 2025 (2025-11-06)

• You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
• Keep records of all changes and communications.

Source: SSA.gov - Reporting Changes (2025-11-06) Source: NH DHHS - Reporting Changes (2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For federal disability benefits
• NH Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-852-3345

  Website

  For Medicaid and state benefits

• Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in New Hampshire?

  Yes, epilepsy can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI if it meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. This means seizures must be frequent and severe enough to prevent you from working.

• Is there a state disability program in New Hampshire?

  No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only federal SSDI and SSI are available for people with disabilities.

• What are the income limits for Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  For Medicaid long-term care, a single person must have income under $2,901/month in 2025. For regular Medicaid, the limit is $981/month for a single person.

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

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through the NH Department of Health and Human Services online or in person.

• What is the average SSDI payment in New Hampshire?

  The average SSDI payment in New Hampshire is about $1,400 per month. The actual amount depends on your work history and earnings.

• What is the average SSI payment in New Hampshire?

  The average SSI payment in New Hampshire is about $586 per month. The actual amount depends on your income and resources.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have epilepsy in New Hampshire?