If you have Panic Disorder in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as Medicaid and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Panic Disorder, your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means you cannot do substantial work due to your medical condition, you cannot adjust to other work, and your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Panic Disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI, and work history requirements for SSDI. Social Security does not pay for partial or short-term disabilities.
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for Panic Disorder. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI benefits. However, New Hampshire offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. For Medicaid long-term care, the income limit is $2,901 per month for a single person, and the asset limit is $2,500 (with a disregard up to $7,500). Medicaid waivers can help pay for home and community-based services if you need nursing home-level care. Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) has lower income limits and is for those needing help with daily living activities.
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a licensed mental health professional. Collect all medical records, therapy notes, and medication lists.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Complete the Adult Disability Report and provide all requested documents.
Step 3: If denied, file for reconsideration within 60 days. Submit any new medical evidence.
Step 4: If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This can take up to two years.
Step 5: For Medicaid, apply online through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services or in person. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Explore Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services if you need extra support.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits (ssa.gov, 2025-11-06)
New Hampshire Medicaid Application (dhhs.nh.gov, 2025-11-06)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and assets. Average payment in New Hampshire is $586.25 per month.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people with a work history. Average payment in New Hampshire is $1,400.88 per month.
Medicaid: Federal health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
Medicare: Health coverage for people who have received SSDI for 24 months.
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. However, the state offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. Medicaid waivers can help pay for home care, personal care, and other support services if you need nursing home-level care. The income limit for Medicaid long-term care is $2,901 per month for a single person, and the asset limit is $2,500 (with a disregard up to $7,500). Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) has lower income limits and is for those needing help with daily living activities. New Hampshire also offers ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program.
For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,550 per month in 2025). For Medicaid long-term care in New Hampshire, the income limit is $2,901 per month for a single person, and the asset limit is $2,500 (with a disregard up to $7,500). Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) has an income limit of $981 per month for a single person.
If your income, assets, or living situation change, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly.
Many people with Panic Disorder need help with the disability application process. Consider contacting a legal advocate or nonprofit for free or low-cost help.
Yes, Panic Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You must provide medical proof and complete the application process.
No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI benefits. However, the state offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities.
For Medicaid long-term care, the income limit is $2,901 per month for a single person. For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981 per month for a single person.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
New Hampshire has a higher approval rate than the national average at the initial application (51.3%) and hearing (66.4%) levels. The reconsideration approval rate is slightly above average at 19.0%.
Yes, if you meet the income and asset limits and need nursing home-level care or help with daily living activities, you may qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid waivers in New Hampshire.
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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An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program.
It takes an average of 6.1 months for an initial decision in New Hampshire. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process can take up to two years.
You need a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, treatment records, therapy notes, medication lists, and any other documentation that shows how Panic Disorder affects your ability to work.
If denied, you can file for reconsideration within 60 days. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most people who are denied at first appeal and eventually get approved.
