Intellectual Disability Benefits in New Hampshire

To qualify for federal disability benefits in New Hampshire, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. This means you cannot do any substantial work because of your medical condition, and your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs use the same definition of disability, which is different from other programs and does not cover partial or short-term disabilities [^1].

New Hampshire does not have its own state disability program. Only five states offer state disability insurance; New Hampshire is not one of them. Residents with intellectual disability must apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. Medicaid in New Hampshire covers long-term care and home-based services for those who meet income and asset limits. The state also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with intellectual disability live outside of institutions. There is no separate state application for disability; eligibility is based on federal rules and state Medicaid guidelines [^2][^3].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the state’s Medicaid office or a local Area Agency on Aging.
• Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney if your application is denied.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, proof of income, and personal documents.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully and submit all required records.
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, assets, and medical need.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact the state Medicaid office or your local Area Agency on Aging. Waivers can help pay for home care, respite care, and other services.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Most people are denied at first, but many are approved after an appeal or hearing. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
• Step 6: If you qualify, you may also want to open an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Federal health insurance for low-income people, including those with disabilities. Covers medical care, long-term care, and home-based services.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Allow people with disabilities to get care in the community instead of in institutions.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

New Hampshire does not have a state disability insurance program. All disability benefits are federal. However, the state does offer Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual disability. Medicaid covers nursing home care, home health care, and other services. Medicaid waivers can help people live in the community and get support services. The state also allows ABLE accounts, which let people save money without losing benefits. There are no state-specific disability programs, but local agencies can help with applications and appeals.

New Hampshire allows ABLE accounts for people with intellectual disability. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for things like education, housing, transportation, and personal support. To open an ABLE account, visit the state’s ABLE program website or contact a financial institution that offers ABLE accounts.

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $981 per month for an individual and $1,451 for a couple. For Medicaid in New Hampshire, the income limit for long-term care is $2,901 per month for a single person and $5,802 for a married couple. Asset limits are $2,500 for an individual and $5,000 for a couple, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard. For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981 per month for an individual and $1,451 for a couple, with an asset limit of $1,500 [^4].

If you get SSI or SSDI, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Medicaid recipients must also report changes. If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if you cannot afford to pay. Always keep records of all changes and reports.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

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

  Website

  For questions about Medicaid and Medicaid waivers.

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

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are now disabled. Both programs use the same definition of disability, but eligibility is based on different criteria. SSI is need-based, while SSDI is based on work history.

• Does New Hampshire have a state disability program?

  No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Only five states offer state disability insurance. Residents with intellectual disability must apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. There are no state-specific disability programs in New Hampshire.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  You can apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire online, by mail, or in person through the Department of Health and Human Services. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and medical need. Medicaid covers medical care, long-term care, and home-based services for people with intellectual disability.

• What are Medicaid waivers and how do they help in New Hampshire?

  Medicaid waivers in New Hampshire allow people with intellectual disability to get care in the community instead of in institutions. Waivers can help pay for home care, respite care, and other support services. To apply, contact the state Medicaid office or your local Area Agency on Aging.

• Can I save money if I have intellectual disability in New Hampshire?

  Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. You can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program or a financial institution.