If you have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in New Hampshire, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as Medicaid and home care waivers. There is no state disability program, but federal programs and Medicaid waivers can help cover medical costs, income, and long-term care.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with a Traumatic Brain Injury, you must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work, last at least 12 months, and be severe enough to stop you from adjusting to other work. SSDI is based on your work history and earnings, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.
For Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits. Medicaid can cover long-term care, home health, and other services for people with TBI. New Hampshire has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help you get care at home instead of in a nursing facility.
| Program | Key Eligibility Criteria | |---------|------------------------| | SSDI | Work credits, severe disability, cannot work | | SSI | Low income/assets, severe disability | | Medicaid | Income/assets below limit, need for care | | Medicaid Waivers | Meet Medicaid rules, need for home care |
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov]
In New Hampshire, there is no state-run disability program for adults with Traumatic Brain Injury. Only federal programs like SSI and SSDI are available. However, New Hampshire does offer Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help people with TBI get care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits. For 2025, the asset limit for a single person is $2,500, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard. The monthly income limit for Medicaid long-term care is $2,901 for a single person.
New Hampshire also has a Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program for seniors who have income over the Medicaid limit. This allows you to "spend down" your income on medical costs to qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid waivers may cover services like personal care, home health, and respite care for people with TBI.
| Program | Income Limit (Single) | Asset Limit (Single) | |---------|----------------------|---------------------| | Medicaid Long-Term Care | $2,901/month | $2,500 (up to $7,500 with disregard) | | Medicaid Waivers | $2,901/month | $2,500 | | Regular Medicaid | $981/month | $1,500 |
[Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025]
Gather Documents: Collect medical records, proof of income, and proof of disability. For TBI, you will need detailed medical reports from doctors, hospitals, or specialists.
Apply for SSDI/SSI: You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Fill out the Adult Disability Report and submit all medical evidence.
Apply for Medicaid: Apply through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) online, by phone, or in person. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers at the same time.
Submit Application: Send in all required forms and documents. Make sure everything is complete and accurate.
Follow Up: Check the status of your application regularly. If you are denied, you can appeal the decision. Most people need to appeal at least once.
Appeal if Denied: If your application is denied, you can request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing. The process can take several months.
Get Help: Consider working with a disability advocate or attorney to help with your application and appeals.
[Source: SSA.gov, NH.gov]
Federal programs for people with Traumatic Brain Injury in New Hampshire include:
These programs can help cover medical bills, income, and long-term care needs for people with TBI.
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov]
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for adults with Traumatic Brain Injury. Only federal programs like SSI and SSDI are available. However, New Hampshire does offer Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help people with TBI get care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. These waivers may cover services like personal care, home health, and respite care.
To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits. For 2025, the asset limit for a single person is $2,500, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard. The monthly income limit for Medicaid long-term care is $2,901 for a single person.
New Hampshire also has a Medically Needy (Spend-Down) Program for seniors who have income over the Medicaid limit. This allows you to "spend down" your income on medical costs to qualify for Medicaid.
| Program | Description | |---------|-------------| | Medicaid Waivers | Home and community-based services for TBI | | Medically Needy Program | Spend-down for seniors with high income | | Regular Medicaid | Basic medical coverage for low-income adults |
[Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Hampshire, you can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. These accounts can be used for expenses like housing, education, transportation, and health care. Contributions are limited each year, and there are state tax benefits for some contributors.
[Source: ABLE.gov]
For 2025, the income limits for disability benefits in New Hampshire are:
Asset limits also apply. For Medicaid, the limit is $2,500 for a single person, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard.
[Source: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, 2025]
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Always report changes in income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid. This includes changes in work, marriage, or moving. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
[Source: SSA.gov]
New Hampshire does not have a state disability program for adults. Only federal programs like SSI and SSDI are available. Medicaid waivers can help with home and community-based care.
New Hampshire residents with Traumatic Brain Injury can apply for federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs provide monthly payments based on your work history or financial need. There is no state disability program in New Hampshire.
To apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire, contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can apply online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. Medicaid can cover medical costs and long-term care for people with TBI.
Medicaid waivers in New Hampshire allow people with TBI to get home and community-based services instead of nursing home care. These waivers may cover personal care, home health, and respite care. To qualify, you must meet Medicaid income and asset limits.
For 2025, the monthly income limit for Medicaid long-term care in New Hampshire is $2,901 for a single person. The asset limit is $2,500, but New Hampshire allows up to $7,500 in assets due to an asset disregard.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month in 2025). SSI has strict income limits. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working.
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. In New Hampshire, you can open an ABLE account for expenses like housing, education, transportation, and health care. There are annual contribution limits and state tax benefits.
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial decision on a disability application in New Hampshire. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal. The full process, including appeals, can take up to two years.
For a TBI disability claim, you need detailed medical records from doctors, hospitals, or specialists. This includes diagnosis, treatment history, and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
Yes, you must report changes in income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid. This includes changes in work, marriage, or moving. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Most people need to appeal at least once. You can request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing. Consider working with a disability advocate or attorney for help.
