How Long Does SSDI Take in New Hampshire?

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in New Hampshire is rarely a quick process. Most applicants wait months—sometimes years—before receiving a final decision. Understanding the timeline at each stage can help you plan financially, avoid costly mistakes, and know when to seek legal help.

The Initial Application Stage

After you file your SSDI application with the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is forwarded to New Hampshire's Disability Determination Services (DDS), located in Concord. DDS is the state agency responsible for evaluating your medical evidence and determining whether you meet SSA's definition of disability.

At the initial application stage, New Hampshire applicants typically wait 3 to 6 months for a decision, though processing times fluctuate depending on caseload and the complexity of your medical records. Nationally, the SSA reports an average initial processing time of roughly 4 to 5 months, and New Hampshire generally tracks close to that figure.

Unfortunately, approximately 65 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. Common reasons for denial include insufficient medical documentation, failure to meet the SSA's earnings record requirements, or conditions that DDS determines are not severe enough to prevent all substantial gainful activity.

Reconsideration: The First Level of Appeal

If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days (plus a 5-day mail grace period) to file a Request for Reconsideration. New Hampshire is not one of the states that has eliminated the reconsideration step—it remains a required stage before you can request a hearing.

At reconsideration, a different DDS examiner reviews your case. Wait times at this stage are generally similar to the initial review—typically 3 to 5 months. Denial rates at reconsideration are even higher than at the initial stage, with roughly 85 to 90 percent of reconsiderations resulting in another denial. This makes the hearing stage the most critical point in many SSDI cases.

The ALJ Hearing: Where Most Cases Are Won or Lost

After a reconsideration denial, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In New Hampshire, hearings are handled through the SSA's Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Depending on where you live in the state, your hearing may be scheduled at the Manchester hearing office or may be conducted by video teleconference.

The wait for an ALJ hearing has historically been the longest part of the SSDI process. As of recent SSA data, New Hampshire claimants are waiting approximately 12 to 18 months from the date of their hearing request to actually appear before a judge. During this period, you are strongly encouraged to:

• Continue treating with your doctors and obtain updated medical records
• Compile a detailed function report documenting daily limitations
• Gather opinion letters from treating physicians describing your functional restrictions
• Consult with a disability attorney, who can prepare you for the judge's questions

Approval rates at the ALJ level are significantly better than at earlier stages—nationwide, roughly 45 to 55 percent of hearings result in an approval. An experienced representative who understands SSA's five-step sequential evaluation process can make a substantial difference in your outcome.

Appeals Council and Federal Court Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the SSA's Appeals Council within 60 days. The Appeals Council may grant review, deny review, or remand the case back to the ALJ. This stage can add another 12 to 24 months to your wait, and the Council grants review in a relatively small percentage of cases.

Should the Appeals Council deny your request, your final option is to file a civil action in federal district court. In New Hampshire, that means the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire in Concord. Federal court litigation can take an additional 1 to 3 years and requires an attorney experienced in Social Security federal practice. Most claimants pursue this route only when there is a clear legal error in the ALJ's decision—such as failure to properly weigh treating physician opinions or ignoring vocational expert testimony.

Total Timeline and What You Can Do to Speed Things Up

Adding up all potential stages, an SSDI case that goes through the full appeals process in New Hampshire can take 3 to 5 years or longer. Many claimants, however, resolve their cases earlier—either through an initial approval or an ALJ decision—in the 18 to 30 month range.

There are several steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays:

• File promptly. Every month you delay costs you potential back pay. SSDI back pay is calculated from your established onset date, subject to a five-month waiting period, so filing sooner preserves more of your retroactive benefits.
• Submit complete medical records upfront. Missing records are one of the most common causes of delays at DDS. Make sure your application includes treatment notes from all treating providers.
• Respond quickly to SSA requests. If the agency sends you forms to complete or requests additional information, respond within the stated deadline. Missing these deadlines can result in dismissal of your claim.
• Request an On-the-Record (OTR) decision. If your medical evidence is especially strong, your attorney may be able to request that the ALJ issue a fully favorable decision without holding a hearing, potentially cutting months off your wait.
• Apply for Dire Need or Critical Case status. If you are facing eviction, utility shutoff, or a terminal illness, you may qualify for expedited processing.

New Hampshire residents should also be aware that the state does not supplement federal SSDI payments the way it supplements SSI, so your monthly benefit will be determined entirely by your Social Security earnings record. However, after 24 months of receiving SSDI, you will become eligible for Medicare regardless of your age—a critical benefit for claimants with ongoing medical needs.

Working with a disability attorney from the beginning—or at least before the ALJ hearing—gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Most SSDI attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost to you. The SSA caps attorney fees at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200, which is only paid if you win.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Related Articles

• SSDI Trial Work Period in Arkansas
• Preparing for Your SSDI Hearing in Mississippi
• Can You Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?