1. Understand the Deadline

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to request a hearing within 60 days from the date you receive your denial letter. Missing this deadline could mean starting your application over from scratch, unless you have a valid reason for the delay.

2. File Your Request Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can request your hearing in one of three ways:

• Online – Using the SSA’s secure website, submit the “Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge” form (Form HA-501).
• By Mail – Send your completed form to your local New Hampshire Social Security office.
• In Person – Visit your nearest SSA office to file directly.

For residents of New Hampshire, your hearing will likely be assigned to the Manchester Office of Hearings Operations (OHO).

3. Include All Necessary Documentation

When requesting your hearing, you should submit:

• Form HA-501 – Official request for a hearing.
• Updated medical evidence – Any new test results, treatment notes, or doctor statements since your initial application or reconsideration.
• Work history details – If your ability to work has changed, provide updated information.

The more current and complete your evidence is, the stronger your case will be.

4. Prepare for the Waiting Period

In New Hampshire, the wait time for an SSDI hearing can range from 8 to 14 months depending on case backlog. During this time, you can:

• Continue medical treatment and keep detailed records.
• Gather witness statements from doctors, therapists, or people who know about your daily limitations.
• Work with an attorney to prepare testimony and evidence.

5. Understand What Happens at the Hearing

At the hearing:

• The ALJ will review your file and may ask questions about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities.
• A vocational expert may testify about the types of work you can or cannot do.
• You or your representative will have the opportunity to present arguments and question witnesses.

6. Get Legal Help Early

While you can request an SSDI hearing on your own, working with a skilled disability attorney significantly improves your chances of success. Attorneys understand SSA rules, know how to present evidence effectively, and can cross-examine vocational experts.