The process path in New Hampshire

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of New Hampshire. Social Security accepts applications online, by phone, or in person at any Social Security field office. New Hampshire has 16 field offices across the state — the largest are in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord — but you do not have to visit one. Most people start online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to begin the process by phone.

The process itself is the same form everywhere in the country. What changes in New Hampshire is which state agency reviews your medical evidence after Social Security receives your process. New Hampshire's Disability information Services (DDS), part of the state's Division of Human Services, makes the medical decision on whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. This office is in Concord, but you will not need to visit it — they work from the records you submit and may order their own medical exam if they need more information.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a New Hampshire field office; the state does not run the process process.
  • New Hampshire's Disability information Services in Concord reviews your medical records and makes the disability decision, typically within 60 to 90 days of process.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, W-2 forms or tax returns for the past year, and medical records from any doctors who have treated your condition.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days to file a written request for reconsideration, which goes back to the same DDS office for a second review.
  • New Hampshire residents can contact the Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PADD) office in Concord for free help understanding the process or appealing a denial.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin your process, whether online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a copy of your birth certificate. Have your most recent W-2 form or tax return ready — Social Security needs to verify your work history and how much you have earned. If you are self-employed, bring records showing your net income for the past year.

Medical records are the foundation of your case. Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, mental health provider, hospital, or clinic that has treated your condition in the past three years. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, gather those too. You do not have to submit everything at once — Social Security can request records directly from your providers — but having this list ready speeds up the process. If you do not have a doctor, Social Security may order a consultative exam at no cost to you, but this adds time to the decision.

explore online through Social Security's website

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore Now." The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will enter your personal information, work history, and a description of your medical condition and how it limits your ability to work. The form asks when your condition began and whether you have seen a doctor for it. Be specific about your limitations — do not just name the diagnosis, but explain what you cannot do: "I cannot stand for more than 30 minutes," "I cannot concentrate for longer than an hour," or "I have severe panic attacks in public spaces."

After you submit the online process, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and a list of documents they want you to mail or upload. You can upload medical records directly through your online account, or mail them to the address Social Security provides. Keep your confirmation number — you will use it to check the status of your process online or when you call Social Security with questions.

explore by phone or at a field office

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you want to explore for SSDI. The call takes about 30 minutes. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will take down your information over the phone. Ask them to mail you a summary of what you reported so you can check it for errors before it goes to the Disability information Services.

If you prefer to explore in person, visit a Social Security field office in New Hampshire. The Manchester office (603-666-5273) and Nashua office (603-889-2900) are the busiest; smaller towns have offices too. Call ahead to ask about wait times or to schedule an appointment. Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your doctors and medical providers. The office staff will fill out the process with you and will tell you what documents to mail in afterward.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to New Hampshire's Disability information Services in Concord. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot do any substantial work because of your medical condition and the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This review typically takes 60 to 90 days, though it can take longer if DDS needs to order additional medical exams or records.

You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will mail you a notice of decision — either an approval letter or a denial letter. If you are approved, the letter tells you when your benefits start and how much your monthly payment will be. If you are denied, the letter explains the reason and tells you how to appeal.

If your process is denied

A denial does not end the process. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file a written request for reconsideration. This means DDS will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical records or additional evidence that you did not have when you first applied. Mail your reconsideration request to the address on your denial letter or submit it online through your Social Security account.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal appeal where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for the hearing — they work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay. You do not have to hire a representative to appeal, but many people find it helpful.

Free help in New Hampshire

The Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PADD) office in Concord offers free legal help to New Hampshire residents with disabilities. They can explain the SSDI process, help you gather medical evidence, or represent you in an appeal. Call them at 603-228-0432 or visit their website. They do not charge a fee, and they can work with you whether you are explore for the first time or appealing a denial.

Social Security also has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project in New Hampshire. WIPA counselors explain how work affects your SSDI benefits — specifically, how the trial work period and extended may be able to access period work, and what happens to your Medicare coverage if you return to work. This is free information that can help you decide whether to try working while on benefits. Contact your local Social Security office for the WIPA counselor's phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I have not worked in several years?

No. SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes recently enough to have "insured status." Generally, you need to have worked at least 20 of the past 40 quarters (five of the past ten years). If you do not meet this requirement, you may be able to explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program with different rules. Social Security will tell you which program you may have access to for when you explore.

How long does it take to get a decision on my process?

Most decisions come within 60 to 90 days of process. Some cases take longer if the Disability information Services needs to order medical exams or request additional records from your doctors. You can check the status of your process online or by calling Social Security. If your case is taking longer than expected, ask Social Security why — sometimes they are waiting for records from a provider and a phone call can speed things up.

What if I disagree with the medical exam that DDS ordered?

You have the right to see the exam report and to submit your own medical evidence in response. If you believe the exam was wrong or incomplete, write a letter explaining your disagreement and send it to DDS along with supporting medical records from your own doctors. This becomes part of your file and the examiner must consider it. If your case goes to appeal, you can raise this issue with the Administrative Law Judge.

Do I have to stop working to explore for SSDI?

No. You can explore while you are still working. However, if you are earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount — which is $1,550 per month in 2024, though this changes yearly — Social Security may assume you are not disabled. If you are working but earning less than SGA, or if you are working part-time while your condition is worsening, explain this in your process and provide pay stubs to show your earnings.

What happens to my health insurance if I am approved for SSDI?

After you receive SSDI for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare. This is automatic — you do not have to explore separately. If you are under 65 and approved for SSDI, you will receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) at no cost. You can also keep Medicaid if you are enrolled in it. If you return to work, there are rules about how long you can keep Medicare and Medicaid; ask a WIPA counselor about this before you go back to work.