Speech Impairment Benefits in New Hampshire

To get federal disability benefits in New Hampshire, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. For SSI and SSDI, your speech impairment must stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and asset rules. SSI is for low-income people, while SSDI is for those who paid into Social Security. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.

• SSI: For people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI: For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both require proof your speech impairment prevents work.
• No benefits for partial or short-term disabilities.
• Children with speech impairments may qualify for SSI.

Citations: [5] (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06)

New Hampshire does not have its own state disability program. Residents apply for federal SSI and SSDI only. For Medicaid, income and asset limits apply. In 2025, the asset limit for a single Medicaid applicant is $2,500 (with a disregard up to $7,500). The monthly income limit for nursing home Medicaid is $2,901. For regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), the income limit is $981/month for a single person. Medicaid waivers help people get home care instead of nursing homes.

• No state disability benefits; only federal SSI/SSDI.
• Medicaid asset limit: $2,500 (up to $7,500 with disregard).
• Medicaid income limit: $2,901/month (nursing home), $981/month (regular).
• Medicaid waivers available for home care.
• New Medicaid premiums and higher copays start July 2026.

Citations: [1] (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025-11-06), [4] (NHPR.org, 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records showing your speech impairment.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Submit all paperwork and medical proof.
• Wait for a decision (about 6 months on average).
• If denied, appeal within 60 days.
• Apply for Medicaid if you qualify for SSI or have low income.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers for home care.
• Consider an ABLE account for savings.

Citations: [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06), [3] (CitizensDisability.com, 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Get medical records that prove your speech impairment and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI:
  • Online at SSA.gov.
  • By phone at 1-800-772-1213.
  • In person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 3: Fill out all forms truthfully and submit all medical records.
• Step 4: Wait for a decision. Most people are denied at first. The average wait is about 6 months.
• Step 5: If denied, file for reconsideration within 60 days. Most people need to appeal.
• Step 6: If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing. The full process can take up to 2 years.
• Step 7: Apply for Medicaid if you qualify for SSI or have low income. Use the NH Medicaid portal.
• Step 8: Ask about Medicaid waivers for home care services.
• Step 9: Open an ABLE account if you want to save money without losing benefits.
• Step 10: Report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Citations: [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06), [3] (CitizensDisability.com, 2025-11-06), [5] (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06), [1] (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with low income and resources. Average monthly payment in NH is $586.25.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Average monthly payment in NH is $1,400.88.
• Medicaid: Federal/state program for low-income people. Covers medical care, long-term care, and home services.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Lets people get care at home instead of in a nursing home.
• ABLE Accounts: Lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.

Citations: [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06), [5] (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06)

New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents apply for federal SSI and SSDI only. Medicaid is available for low-income people with disabilities. In 2025, the asset limit is $2,500 (up to $7,500 with disregard). The income limit for nursing home Medicaid is $2,901/month. For regular Medicaid, the income limit is $981/month for a single person. Medicaid waivers help people get home care instead of nursing homes. New Medicaid premiums and higher copays start July 2026.

• Medicaid: Covers medical care, long-term care, and home services.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Lets people get care at home instead of in a nursing home.
• ABLE Accounts: Lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.
• **No state disability benefits; only federal SSI/SSDI.

Citations: [1] (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025-11-06), [4] (NHPR.org, 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit). Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related costs. New Hampshire residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program.

Citations: [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06)

• SSI: Income limit is about $981/month for a single person in NH.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550/month (2025 SGA limit).
• Medicaid (nursing home): Income limit is $2,901/month for a single person.
• Medicaid (regular): Income limit is $981/month for a single person.
• Medicaid (waivers): Income limit is $2,901/month for a single person.

Citations: [1] (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025-11-06), [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06)

You must report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid right away. Keep records of all reports and payments.

Citations: [2] (Atticus.com, 2025-11-06), [1] (MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI questions and applications.
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-852-3345

  Website

  For Medicaid and waiver questions.

• Can I get disability benefits for a speech impairment in New Hampshire?

  Yes, you can get federal SSI or SSDI if your speech impairment stops you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet income and asset rules. New Hampshire does not have its own state disability program.

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

  SSI is for people with low income and resources. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof your speech impairment prevents work.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in New Hampshire?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person. Submit all medical records and paperwork. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal.

• What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  For nursing home Medicaid, the income limit is $2,901/month for a single person. For regular Medicaid, it is $981/month. The asset limit is $2,500 (up to $7,500 with disregard).

• Are there Medicaid waivers for speech impairment in New Hampshire?

  Yes, Medicaid waivers (HCBS) help people get home care instead of nursing homes. You must meet income and asset rules and need a nursing home level of care.

• Can I save money if I get SSI or Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  Yes, you can open an ABLE account. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related costs.