If you have a mobility impairment in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as state Medicaid coverage and waivers for home and community-based services. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, what benefits you can expect, and how to manage your income and banking.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), you must have a medical condition—like a mobility impairment—that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability[3]. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from past employment. For SSI, income and asset limits apply, and work history is not required. SSI is for people with very limited income and resources, including those with disabilities who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI. Both programs consider your medical evidence, work capacity, and, for SSI, your financial situation[3]. Partial or short-term disabilities do not qualify for federal disability benefits[3].
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program beyond the federal SSI and SSDI[2]. For Medicaid—including institutional care, home and community-based waivers, and regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance)—different income and asset limits apply based on the program and whether you are single or married[1]. For long-term care, including nursing home or waiver services, the income limit is $2,901/month for a single applicant and $5,802/month for a couple, with an asset limit of $2,500 for a single person ($5,000 for a couple). A special rule lets you have up to $7,500 in assets[1]. For regular Medicaid, income limits are lower ($981/month for a single person, $1,451/month for a couple), and the asset limit is $1,500[1]. If you have too much income or assets, you may still qualify for Medicaid through a spend-down program where you pay a portion of your medical bills before Medicaid covers the rest[1].
If you have a mobility impairment and need help in New Hampshire, start by reviewing the eligibility criteria for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Gather your medical records, proof of income, and asset information. You can apply for SSI/SSDI online or by calling Social Security. For Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Be patient—federal disability applications often take months, and many are denied at first[2].
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Step 2: Decide Which Benefits to Apply For
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Step 4: Prepare for a Possible Appeal
Step 5: Check Status and Report Changes
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash assistance to people with limited income and resources, including adults and children with disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers benefits to people who have worked and paid into Social Security but are now unable to work due to disability. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and serve as the primary source of financial support for many with mobility impairments in New Hampshire[2][3]. Average monthly SSI payments in New Hampshire are about $586, and SSDI averages about $1,401[2]. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states, including New Hampshire. For detailed comparisons, see our SSI vs SSDI guide.
Medicaid is New Hampshire’s main health coverage program for people with disabilities. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and, for those who qualify, long-term care in nursing homes or through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers[1]. There are different Medicaid paths depending on your needs:
Each program has its own income and asset limits, with higher limits for those needing nursing home or waiver services[1]. New Hampshire does not offer a state-specific disability program beyond these federal options, so Medicaid is often the best option for additional health and support services[2]. For more, visit our Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) and Medicaid vs Medicare guides.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including some mobility impairments) save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits. Earnings in these accounts are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses. See our ABLE Accounts guide to learn if you qualify and how to open one.
Medicaid’s income limits vary: For long-term care (nursing home or HCBS waivers), you can have up to $2,901/month as a single person or $5,802/month as a couple[1]. For regular Medicaid, limits are lower ($981/month single, $1,451/month couple). For SSI, income and resource limits apply; check our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives and SSI Income Estimator for details. Medicaid uses special rules for calculating income and assets, so talk to a benefits counselor for help.
If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid due to a change in your income or living situation, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes promptly. For details, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Most SSI/SSDI applications are denied at first. Don’t give up—you have the right to appeal. Many people are approved after appealing and providing more medical evidence or testimony at a hearing[2].
If your income is too high for Medicaid, you may still qualify through New Hampshire’s spend-down program (sometimes called “medically needy”). This lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to meet the limit[1].
It takes about 6 months on average for an initial decision. Most applications are denied at first. If you appeal, it can take up to two years to get a hearing and final decision[2].
Some people qualify for both, but your total monthly payment may be lower. SSI has strict income and asset limits. Check our SSI vs SSDI guide for more.
New Hampshire’s Medicaid spend-down program lets you qualify by spending down excess income on medical bills. This is sometimes called the “medically needy” pathway[1].
No. New Hampshire only has federal disability programs (SSI, SSDI) and Medicaid for people with disabilities[2].
HCBS waivers let you get long-term care services at home or in the community instead of a nursing home. There are income and asset limits and other eligibility rules—see our Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for details.
Yes, with certain limits. Social Security has work incentives and special rules that let you try working without losing all your benefits. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
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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For long-term care, it’s $2,500 for a single person ($2,500 per spouse for couples). Due to an asset disregard, you may be allowed up to $7,500. For regular Medicaid, the limit is $1,500[1].
No, but professional help can increase your chances, especially if your claim is denied and you need to appeal.
Contact the Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid. Report changes right away to avoid overpayments—see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Yes, if you meet the federal eligibility rules. ABLE accounts are available in all states, including New Hampshire.
