Filing for Disability in New Hampshire

Because Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits are federal programs, the process for qualifying for and receiving benefits are generally the same throughout the country. However, each state agency has different disability approval rates, waiting periods, and supplemental benefits for SSI. Before you file for benefits in the state of New Hampshire, it's helpful to understand some useful statistics about who gets approved when and what you can expect to receive if you're approved.

How Do I Apply for and Get Disability Benefits in New Hampshire?

The application process for SSDI and SSI is the same no matter which state you're in. SSDI is for workers who've paid into the system for many years through payroll taxes or self-employment taxes. If you haven't worked long enough, or recently enough, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you could still be eligible to receive SSI, a needs-based program with no earning history requirements (but strict income and asset limits).

You can apply for disability benefits online at Social Security's website , by calling the national disability hotline at 800-325-0778 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by going in person to a local Social Security field office. New Hampshire has field offices in Concord, Keene, Littleton, Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth.

At the field office (or over the phone), a claims representative will review your application to make sure you've met all of the technical requirements for SSDI or SSI benefits. If you meet the technical requirements, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send your application to a claims examiner at New Hampshire's Disability Determination Services (NH DDS), a state agency in Concord. There, a claims examiner will decide whether you meet the medical definition of disability, with the help of a medical consultant who works for DDS. The contact information office for NH DDS is as follws:

NH DDS
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 30
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3341 or (800) 266-2096

What's the Disability Appeal Process in New Hampshire?

If you're denied benefits, you have 60 days to appeal. The first level of appeal is "reconsideration," where a different claims examiner at NH DDS reviews the previous denial to see if that decision was correct. If you're denied again at reconsideration (as most applicants are), you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). If you receive an unfavorable decision from an ALJ, you can appeal further to the national Appeals Council, and yet again to federal district court.

Where Is NH's Office of Hearing Operations (OHO)?

If your initial application is denied, you can appeal the decision. All appeals are handled by the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). There is one hearing office in New Hampshire, located in Manchester. This office handles all hearings in the state. Here is the contact information:

Manchester OHO
1750 Elm Street, Suite 303
Manchester, NH 03104
Phone: (888) 318-7973
Fax: (833) 563-0487

What Are My Chances for Approval on a Disability Claim in NH?

The likelihood of being awarded Social Security benefits in New Hampshire is much better than the national average in the first two stages. After the initial application phase, 49% of individuals in New Hampshire are awarded benefits. In comparison, nationwide the average percentage of individuals approved is 38%. And at the reconsideration stage, the NH DDS approved 25% of the appealed claims it looks at.

The average wait time for a hearing in NH is the same as the national wait time, at 8 months. And at the hearing stage, the approval rating is 57%, also the same as the national average of 57%.

Source: ALJ Disposition Data Fiscal Year 2026 and Average Wait Time Until Hearing, June 2026.

How Much Do Medical Records Cost in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, medical providers can charge you for obtaining a copy of your medical records even if you're applying for SSI. However, the total cost is capped at $50 ($5 for the first page, $0.41 per page for pages 2 through 50, and $0.30 per page for all pages higher than 50). Furthermore, these records must be provided within 30 days after you send your written request, and any records not provided within that timeframe are free. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 332-I:1 (2026).)

What Is New Hampshire's Supplemental Payment for SSI?

SSI is a federal program, meaning your monthly payments are paid by the federal government, but states can choose to provide additional monthly payments to the individuals in their state. New Hampshire offers additional monthly payments to most of its SSI recipients. These include Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD) and Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB). The supplemental payments are very modest—usually around $40— and they can be adjusted down if you have additional countable income. The state supplement is administered by the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

Is Disability Income Taxable in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire exempts 100% of Social Security benefits and SSI benefits from a resident's tax liability. That means the state doesn't collect income tax on SSDI or SSI payments. For people with higher incomes, the federal government will tax a portion of their SSDI benefits. But the IRS and the State of New Hampshire do not tax SSI benefits.

Does the State of New Hampshire Help People With Disabilities Find Jobs?

After becoming disabled, many individuals struggle with finding a job they can do. But if you're denied disability benefits, you may need to go back to part-time work.

In New Hampshire, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is available to help. VR provides various employment-related training and help finding a job. To apply, you should contact your local VR office and set up an appointment time to determine if you're eligible. Learn more about the available services and how to contact the agency in VR New Hampshire's brochure.