Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in New Hampshire

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Parkinson’s Disease, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working at a substantial level (Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) and is expected to last at least one year or result in death[4]. SSDI requires a history of paying into Social Security, while SSI is based on financial need. The definition of disability is strict—no benefits are available for partial or short-term disability[4].

New Hampshire has no state disability program; residents rely on federal SSI and SSDI[2]. For Medicaid, income and asset limits apply, and there are different pathways for nursing home care, home and community-based services (HCBS), and regular Medicaid[1]. If your income is above the limit, New Hampshire offers a 'medically needy' (spend-down) option for seniors, which may benefit older adults with Parkinson’s Disease[1]. Asset limits are strict, but the state allows an asset disregard up to $7,500[1].

1. Apply online for SSI or SSDI at the Social Security Administration’s website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local office.
2. Gather medical records that document your Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis, symptoms, and limitations—these are critical for your case.
3. Check Medicaid eligibility using New Hampshire’s income and asset guidelines, and consider the medically needy pathway if your income is too high[1].
4. Prepare for a longer process—most initial applications are denied, but New Hampshire has higher approval rates at the hearing stage than the national average[3].

Step 1: Determine Which Benefits You May Qualify For

• SSI is for those with limited income and assets;
• SSDI is for those with a work history who paid into Social Security.
• Medicaid may help with medical and long-term care costs if you meet income and asset limits[1].

Step 2: Collect Documentation

• Medical evidence: diagnoses, treatment plans, doctor’s notes, and test results for Parkinson’s Disease.
• Financial records: income statements, asset information, bank statements.
• Employment history (for SSDI).

Step 3: Apply for Benefits

• SSI/SSDI: Apply online (ssa.gov), by phone, or in person[3]. Answer questions clearly and honestly—mistakes can delay your application.
• Medicaid: Contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services or your local office.

Step 4: Follow Up and Appeal if Denied

• Many applications are initially denied. You can request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing with an administrative law judge[2][3].
• New Hampshire’s approval rate at the hearing stage is nearly 66%, higher than the national average[3].
• Keep copies of all paperwork and track deadlines.

Step 5: Explore Additional Resources

• If denied, contact a legal aid office or disability advocate for help with your appeal.
• Check if you qualify for an ABLE account to save without affecting benefits.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefit for low-income, low-asset individuals with disabilities, including those with Parkinson’s Disease. The average monthly SSI payment in New Hampshire is about $586[2].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefit based on your work history and Social Security earnings. The average SSDI payment in New Hampshire is about $1,401[2].
• Medicare: After 24 months on SSDI, you typically qualify for Medicare, which can help cover healthcare costs.
• Medicaid: If your income is low, you may also qualify for Medicaid in addition to SSI.

New Hampshire does not have a state disability program—only federal SSI and SSDI are available[2]. However, the state administers Medicaid programs, including:

• Nursing Home Medicaid: For those who need institutional care and meet income ($2,901/month for a single applicant) and asset ($2,500, but a special disregard allows up to $7,500) limits[1].
• Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community Based Services (HCBS): Help you stay at home with services like personal care and homemaker support. Same income/asset limits apply[1].
• Regular Medicaid/Old Age Assistance: Lower income limits ($981/month for a single person) for those needing help with activities of daily living[1].
• Medically Needy Pathway: If your income is too high, you may qualify by “spending down” medical expenses[1].

No state program specifically targets Parkinson’s Disease, but Medicaid waivers can help with caregiving and home modifications.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. While New Hampshire does not offer an ABLE plan, you can enroll in another state’s program.

• SSI: Strict income and asset limits apply; the amount is reduced if you have other income.
• SSDI: No asset limit, but your past earnings must qualify you.
• Medicaid: Nursing home and HCBS Medicaid have higher income limits ($2,901/month for singles[1]) than regular Medicaid ($981/month[1]).
• Asset limits: For nursing home and HCBS Medicaid, the limit is $2,500, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 with an asset disregard[1].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and your Medicaid office promptly. Failing to do so can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications, questions, and reporting changes.

• Can I get disability benefits for Parkinson’s Disease in New Hampshire?

  Yes, but only through federal SSI or SSDI—New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. If you meet the strict federal definition of disability and financial requirements, you may qualify for monthly cash benefits[2][3].

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

  Nursing home and HCBS Medicaid limits are $2,901/month income and $2,500 in assets (but up to $7,500 with an asset disregard). Regular Medicaid is lower: $981/month income, $1,500 in assets[1].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI?

  Apply online at the Social Security website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person. Gather medical and financial records first, and be prepared for a process that may require appeals[2][3].

• What if my initial application is denied?

  Most are denied at first. You can request reconsideration, and if denied again, you can appeal for a hearing. In New Hampshire, the approval rate at the hearing stage is higher than the national average[3].

• Can I keep my job and get benefits?

  Maybe. SSDI/SSI have work incentives and trial work periods. However, earning above a certain level (Substantial Gainful Activity) can disqualify you. Always report work and income to Social Security.

• What help is there for staying at home with Parkinson’s Disease?

  Medicaid waivers (HCBS) in New Hampshire may cover personal care, homemaker services, and home modifications if you meet eligibility requirements[1].