1. Monthly Disability Payments

The most immediate benefit is your monthly SSDI payment, which is based on your past earnings and how much you’ve contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes. In 2025, the average SSDI payment nationwide is around $1,500 per month, but many recipients in New Hampshire receive more or less depending on their work history.

2. Back Pay

If your claim took months or years to be approved, you may be entitled to SSDI back pay. This is a lump-sum payment for the time between your established onset date (EOD) of disability and the date your claim was approved. Some recipients also qualify for retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before the application date, if they can prove their disability began earlier.

3. Medicare Coverage

One of the most valuable long-term benefits of SSDI approval is Medicare eligibility. In most cases, you become eligible for Medicare 24 months after your first month of SSDI entitlement.

Medicare includes:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Usually premium-free for SSDI recipients.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, and preventive services.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Optional but often essential for managing medication costs.

4. Dependent Benefits

If you have dependents, they may be eligible for auxiliary benefits—also known as dependents’ benefits. Your spouse and children could receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit amount, subject to a family maximum.

5. Protection from Employment Discrimination

Once approved for SSDI, you’re protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws that help ensure fair treatment in the workplace, housing, and public services.

6. State and Local Assistance in New Hampshire

SSDI approval can also make you eligible for certain New Hampshire-specific programs, such as:

• Property tax exemptions or reductions for qualifying disabled residents.
• Utility assistance programs to help lower heating or electricity costs.
• Access to vocational rehabilitation services if you want to attempt returning to work in a supported setting.

7. Ticket to Work Program

SSDI recipients who wish to explore employment without immediately losing their benefits can participate in the SSA’s Ticket to Work Program. This provides vocational training, job placement assistance, and trial work periods.

8. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Your SSDI benefits are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning your payments can increase each year to keep up with inflation.