The two paths to explore in New Hampshire

When you explore for disability in New Hampshire, you are actually explore to Social Security, not to the state. Social Security runs two disability programs — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have worked and paid into Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources. New Hampshire does not run its own disability program, but the state does have a Disability information Services office that reviews medical evidence for Social Security.

You can explore online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest for most people because you can start when ready and return to finish later. By phone, you reach a representative who can answer questions as you go. In person, you meet face-to-face at a Social Security office, which some people prefer if they need help understanding what documents to bring.

The process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes online, but the full review process — where Social Security checks your medical records and work history — typically takes three to six months. During that time, you will hear nothing unless Social Security needs more information from you.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security, not to New Hampshire, through Social Security's website, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office in New Hampshire.
  • SSDI requires a work history and paid Social Security taxes; SSI requires low income and resources but no work history.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited in the past year.
  • Social Security sends your process to New Hampshire's Disability information Services office, which reviews your medical evidence and makes the decision.
  • The review process takes three to six months on average, and you should expect Social Security to request additional medical records during that time.

Gather your documents before you start

Social Security will ask for the same core documents whether you explore online, by phone, or in person. Having them ready before you begin makes the process faster and reduces the chance you will need to resubmit information later.

You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. Bring your driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are explore for SSI, you will also need proof of your income and resources: recent pay stubs, bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and documentation of any other money or property you own.

The medical part is the most important. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider you have seen in the past year, along with the dates you visited. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, gather those too. Social Security will request your full medical records from these providers, but having the list ready speeds that up.

If you are explore for SSDI, also have a summary of your work history ready: the names of employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. Social Security already has your earnings record, but having it written down helps you answer questions quickly during the process.

explore online through Social Security's website

The online process is at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one, which requires your email address and a password. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

Once you are logged in, you answer questions about your medical condition, your work history (if explore for SSDI), your income and resources (if explore for SSI), and your living situation. The form saves your answers as you go, so you can close it and come back later without losing your work. Most people finish in one sitting, but there is no time limit.

At the end, you review your answers, sign the form electronically, and submit it. Social Security sends you a confirmation number when ready. You will receive a letter in the mail within two weeks confirming that your process was received. Keep that confirmation number and letter — you will need them if you call Social Security with questions about your case.

After you submit, Social Security assigns your case to a disability examiner. That examiner works with New Hampshire's Disability information Services office to review your medical records and make a decision. You will not hear anything during this time unless Social Security needs more information from you.

explore by phone or in person if you prefer

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. This is the national Social Security number, and it works from New Hampshire. You will reach a representative who can answer questions and take your process over the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents ready before you call so you can answer questions about your medical providers, work history, and income without having to look things up.

Social Security offices in New Hampshire are located in most towns. To find the one nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. You can call ahead to make an appointment, which is faster than walking in, or you can walk in during business hours and wait. Bring all your documents with you — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, the process goes into the same system as an online process. Your case is assigned to a disability examiner in the same way, and the review timeline is the same.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to New Hampshire Disability information Services, which is part of the state's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. This office reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. They do not make the decision alone — they work with a medical consultant (a doctor or psychologist) who reviews your medical records.

During the review, Social Security or the Disability information Services office may request additional medical records from your doctors. When they do, they send the request directly to the provider, not to you. However, if you have recent medical records that are not yet in your file, you can send them yourself to speed things up. Mail them to the address on any letter you receive from Social Security.

The review typically takes three to six months. Some cases move faster if the medical evidence is clear; others take longer if Social Security needs to request records from multiple providers or if your condition requires a consultative examination (a medical exam paid for by Social Security).

Understanding SSDI versus SSI in New Hampshire

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to be found disabled. The amount you receive each month is based on your earnings record. There is no income or resource limit — you can have as much money as you want and still receive SSDI. Once approved, you are may be able to access for Medicare after two years of receiving benefits.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. To receive SSI, your monthly income must be below a certain amount (which varies slightly year to year) and your countable resources must be below $2,000 if you are single or $3,000 if you are married. Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, and property, but not your home or one vehicle. You are may be able to access for Medicaid when ready upon approval in New Hampshire.

You can explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time if you think you might be found disabled but are unsure about your work history. Social Security will review both and award whichever one you may have access to for, or both if you meet the requirements for each.

What to do if Social Security denies your process

About 65 to 70 percent of first-time applications are denied. This does not mean your condition is not serious — it means Social Security did not find that your medical evidence met their specific definition of disability. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you have gathered. This takes another two to three months.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where many people are approved, because you can present your case in person and answer questions directly. The hearing usually happens four to six months after you request it. You can represent yourself or hire a disability representative or lawyer to help you.

New Hampshire has several organizations that help people with appeals at no upfront cost. The Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PAPD) office in New Hampshire offers free help, and many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win and receive back pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your process. However, if you are approved, Social Security will look back at your work history during the process period. If you earned more than the substantial gainful activity amount (which changes yearly), it may affect your approval or the date your benefits start. For SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount per month without losing benefits once approved.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. However, if your process is denied and you appeal, a lawyer or disability representative can significantly improve your chances at a hearing. Many work for free upfront and take a percentage of your back pay if you win.

What if I move out of New Hampshire during my process?

Your process stays with Social Security and continues to be processed. The Disability information Services office in your new state will take over the review, but there is no delay. You should notify Social Security of your address change so you receive mail at the correct location.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

For SSDI, your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment is around $1,300 per month, but yours could be higher or lower depending on how much you earned. For SSI, the federal payment is the same for everyone, but New Hampshire adds a state supplement, so your total is higher than in some other states. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Can I explore if I have never worked?

You cannot explore for SSDI without a work history, but you can explore for SSI if you have limited income and resources. SSI does not require work history — only that you are disabled, blind, or over 65, and that your income and resources are below the limits.