1. Determine Which Program You Qualify For

The first step is to understand which program to apply for:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, earning enough work credits based on age and work history.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Both programs use the same medical criteria to determine disability status.

2. Submit Your Application

You can apply for disability benefits:

• Online at www.ssa.gov
• By calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
• In person at your local Social Security office

Your application will require:

• Detailed information about your medical conditions, treatments, and doctors
• A thorough work history for the last 15 years
• Documentation of your education and job skills
• For SSI, details about your income, assets, and living situation

Completing your application accurately and thoroughly is critical to avoid technical denials or delays.

3. Technical Eligibility Review

Once your application is submitted, SSA will conduct a technical review to ensure:

• For SSDI: You have enough work credits and are not working above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits ($1,550 per month in 2025, or $2,590 if blind)
• For SSI: Your income and resources fall below strict program limits

Applications that fail technical criteria will be denied without a medical review.

4. Transfer to Disability Determination Services (DDS)

If you meet technical eligibility:

• Your application is sent to New Hampshire Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a detailed medical review.
• A disability examiner and medical consultant will request your medical records, analyze your conditions, and assess how they limit your ability to work.

5. Consultative Examination (If Needed)

If your existing medical records are insufficient:

• DDS may schedule a Consultative Examination (CE) with a doctor contracted by SSA.
• This exam is not for treatment but to provide updated information about your condition and functional limitations.

Failing to attend a CE can result in denial for insufficient evidence.

6. The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine disability:

1. Are you working above SGA levels?
2. Is your condition severe and does it significantly limit your work abilities?
3. Does your condition meet or equal an SSA listed impairment (Blue Book listing)?
4. Can you perform any of your past relevant work?
5. Can you adjust to any other type of full-time work in the national economy?

You must be found disabled at Step 3, 4, or 5 to be approved.

7. Decision and Notification

After the review:

• You will receive a written decision by mail
• If approved, your notice will include your monthly benefit amount and payment start date
• If denied, it will explain the reasons and outline your appeal rights

8. Appeals Process (If Denied)

If denied, you can appeal through:

• Reconsideration: A new review by different DDS staff
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Appeals Council review
• Federal court lawsuit

Each stage has strict 60-day deadlines, and appeals often require additional medical evidence or legal arguments to strengthen your claim.

9. Average Processing Times in New Hampshire

• Initial decision: Typically takes 3 to 6 months
• Reconsideration: Around 2 to 4 months
• ALJ hearing: Wait times can range from 9 to 14 months

Processing times vary based on case complexity and local SSA and DDS workloads.