If you have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI. Medicaid and Medicaid waivers may also offer support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, state-specific rules, and key benefits for SPD—including income limits, ABLE accounts, and program contacts.
Federal disability programs (SSI and SSDI) use a strict definition of disability: you must be unable to work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level due to a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year, or result in death[4]. SSI has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI requires prior work credits. Partial or short-term disabilities do not qualify[4]. For children with Sensory Processing Disorder, only those with severe, documented functional limitations may qualify for SSI.
State-specific information is limited; start here: New Hampshire has no state disability program—residents rely on federal SSI and SSDI[2]. Medicaid eligibility depends on income and asset limits, which are lower for older adults and those needing nursing home care. The state offers small monthly supplements to SSI recipients: $27 for single adults, $21 for married applicants[3]. While Medicaid Waivers can help those with disabilities, structured day programs specifically for Sensory Processing Disorder are rare; most supports are through regional school districts or federally funded disability services.
· Apply online: Start your SSI or SSDI application at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for help. · Gather evidence: Collect medical records, school evaluations (for children), and work history (for SSDI). · Contact your local Social Security office: New Hampshire has six field offices; they can help answer questions and submit paperwork[3]. · Allow time: Initial decisions take about 6 months; many applications are denied and require appeals[2].
Follow these steps to apply for disability benefits in New Hampshire:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for low-income children and adults with disabilities. Applicants must meet strict income and asset limits and show that their disability (including Sensory Processing Disorder) causes severe functional limitations[4]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for adults with a sufficient work history who have paid into Social Security and now have a total disability. SSDI does not have asset limits, but you must have enough work credits to qualify[4]. Both programs use the same medical criteria, but SSI is needs-based and SSDI is insurance-based. See <SSI vs SSDI> for more details.
New Hampshire does not have a state disability insurance program—only California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island do[2]. New Hampshire Medicaid may cover some health care and support services for people with disabilities, including Sensory Processing Disorder, if you meet income and asset limits[1]. The state offers small additional payments to SSI recipients: $27/month for single adults, $21/month for married couples[3]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) can help those needing long-term support at home instead of in a facility, but you must need a nursing home level of care to qualify[1]. School-aged children may access supports through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, but these are not cash benefits. For adults, most programs focus on severe developmental disabilities or autism; supports for sensory differences are limited.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Anyone who developed their disability before age 26 may be eligible. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, health care, and more. Visit the <ABLE Accounts> guide for details.
For 2025, SSI individual recipients in New Hampshire must have income below $733 per month (federal benefit rate) plus the state supplement ($27 for single adults, $21 for married couples)[3]. Medicaid income limits vary by program: Regular Medicaid for adults is $981/month; Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid is $2,901/month[1]. Asset limits are strict, especially for Medicaid ($1,500 for regular Medicaid, $2,500 for nursing home care)[1]. SSDI does not have income or asset limits for the recipient, but work activity must be below the SGA level ($1,550/month in 2025).
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment requirements. See <Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes> for tips and the official process.
Social Security Administration
Adults with Sensory Processing Disorder can qualify only if their condition is severe enough to meet the SSA’s strict definition of total disability: they must be unable to work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for at least a year[4]. Most adults with SPD do not qualify unless they have additional disabling conditions.
Children under 18 may qualify for SSI if their Sensory Processing Disorder causes “marked and severe functional limitations” documented by medical and school records. The family’s income and assets must also be within SSI limits[4].
No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program—only SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid are available for sensory and other disabilities[2].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) in New Hampshire typically focus on those who need a nursing home level of care. While waivers can cover some in-home supports, they are not specific to Sensory Processing Disorder and are hard to access for SPD alone[1].
In 2025, the federal SSI benefit is $733/month. New Hampshire adds a small supplement: $27/month for single adults and $21/month for married couples[3]. Actual amounts depend on your income and living situation.
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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Most applications are denied initially. You can appeal, first by requesting reconsideration and then by requesting a hearing with an administrative law judge[2]. The process can take up to two years from initial application to hearing decision[2].
SSI and SSDI both have work incentives, but earning above the SGA level ($1,550/month in 2025) usually disqualifies you for cash benefits. See <SSI & SSDI Work Incentives> for details on how you can try working without losing all your benefits.
SSI is needs-based, with strict income and asset limits, and is available to children and adults. SSDI is based on your work history—you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify and it is only for adults[4]. See <SSI vs SSDI> for more differences.
Most adult resources focus on those with more visible or “listed” disabilities. Adults with SPD may benefit from ABLE accounts, Medicaid if income-eligible, and community mental health services, but specialized support is limited. Schools offer more support for children.
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or disability status to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See <Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes> for details.
