SSDI & SSI Denials: New Hampshire, New Hampshire Guide

Introduction: SSDI Denials and Appeals in New Hampshire, New Hampshire

If you live in New Hampshire, New Hampshire and your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application was denied, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Many first-time SSDI claims are refused at the initial level, often for reasons that can be addressed during appeal. Federal law gives you the right to challenge an unfavorable determination and submit additional evidence. The key is to act quickly, follow the rules, and build a complete, well-documented record supporting your inability to work due to a medically determinable impairment.

SSDI is a federal program, so the same core standards apply whether you live in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, or anywhere else in the Granite State. However, the practical steps you take—such as contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office or preparing for a hearing scheduled by a hearing office serving New Hampshire—are local to you. This guide explains the federal rules and appeal deadlines, offers a claimant-focused strategy for strengthening your case, and points you to New Hampshire-specific resources (including how to find the correct local office) without speculation.

Below you will find a structured overview of your rights under the Social Security Act and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the most common reasons for denials, and a step-by-step plan for requesting reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), review by the Appeals Council, and finally, judicial review in federal court if needed. Because timeliness matters, we highlight the 60-day federal appeal deadlines and the evidentiary rules that often make or break a claim. Throughout, we slightly favor the claimant by emphasizing practical ways to avoid common pitfalls while staying strictly accurate and evidence-based.

Note: Although this article references both programs, SSDI (Title II) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, Title XVI), it focuses on SSDI denials and appeals. The standards for disability are similar, but eligibility and financial rules differ.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI vs. SSI: How They Differ

SSDI is an insurance program based on your work history and payment of Social Security taxes. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Both require that you meet the federal definition of disability, but SSDI additionally requires that you are “insured”—meaning you have sufficient work credits and are covered at the time you became disabled. The insured-status framework is set out in 20 CFR part 404, including insured status provisions such as 20 CFR 404.130, while SSI requirements are in 20 CFR part 416. This guide focuses on SSDI and its appeals process.

The Federal Definition of Disability

For adults, disability under SSDI means the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of one or more medically determinable physical or mental impairments, which can be expected to result in death or which have lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation to assess disability; the framework is codified at 20 CFR 404.1520. In brief, the SSA evaluates whether:

• You are performing SGA.
• You have a severe medically determinable impairment.
• Your impairment meets or medically equals a listed impairment.
• You can perform your past relevant work.
• You can adjust to other work given your residual functional capacity (RFC), age, education, and work experience.

At each step, specific evidentiary burdens and rules apply. Evidence includes objective medical findings, treatment histories, medical opinions, and functional assessments. You have an ongoing duty to submit or inform the SSA about all evidence that relates to your disability, as reflected in 20 CFR 404.1512.

Your Right to Appeal

If your claim is denied at any stage, you have the right to appeal to the next level of administrative review, and ultimately, to seek judicial review. The appeals process, timelines, and procedures are established in 20 CFR 404.900 through 404.999d. In general, you have 60 days to appeal an adverse determination at each step, counted from the date you receive the written notice (SSA presumes you receive the notice 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show otherwise).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Medical Evidence Issues

• Insufficient objective evidence: Claims are often denied when records do not adequately document diagnoses, severity, or functional limitations. Detailed treatment notes, diagnostic test results, imaging, and specialist assessments can be critical.
• Non-severe findings: If evidence indicates your impairment has only a minimal effect on basic work activities, the claim may be denied at step two of the sequential evaluation.
• Failure to establish duration: If the medical evidence does not show that your impairment has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, SSA may deny the claim.
• Non-compliance without good cause: If you fail to follow prescribed treatment and there is no good cause, SSA can consider that in evaluating disability.

Vocational Findings

• Ability to do past work: If the SSA determines that your residual functional capacity allows you to perform your past relevant work as actually or generally performed, the claim can be denied at step four.
• Ability to do other work: At step five, the SSA may find that other jobs exist in significant numbers in the national economy that you can perform, given your RFC, age, education, and transferable skills.

Technical or Procedural Denials

• Not insured at onset: SSDI requires that you be insured at the time you became disabled. A denial may result if your date last insured (DLI) was before your established onset date.
• Work above SGA: If you are earning above the SGA threshold, SSA may deny the claim regardless of medical severity.
• Missed deadlines: If you do not appeal within the 60-day window, the determination may become final, barring good cause.
• Insufficient identity or documentation: Missing forms, incomplete work history, or failure to cooperate with consultative exams may lead to denials.

Understanding why the SSA denied your SSDI claim is essential. The initial denial letter typically explains the rationale and what evidence was considered. Use that as a roadmap for your appeal.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Core Regulations You Should Know

• Appeals process: 20 CFR 404.900 et seq. explains the administrative review process, including reconsideration, hearings before an ALJ, Appeals Council review, and judicial review.
• Five-step sequential evaluation: 20 CFR 404.1520 sets out the standard used to determine disability for SSDI claims.
• Insured status and entitlement: 20 CFR 404.130 and related sections cover work credits and insured requirements for Title II benefits.
• Claimant’s duty to submit or inform about evidence: 20 CFR 404.1512 describes your ongoing duty to submit, or at least inform SSA about, all evidence that relates to your disability.
• Evidence submission timing at hearings: 20 CFR 404.935 generally requires that you submit or inform SSA about written evidence no later than 5 business days before the hearing unless you show good cause.

Deadlines and Statutes of Limitations

• Reconsideration: You usually have 60 days from receiving the denial notice to request reconsideration (see 20 CFR 404.909).
• ALJ Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you normally have 60 days to request a hearing before an ALJ (see 20 CFR 404.933).
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ’s decision is unfavorable, you generally have 60 days to request Appeals Council review (see 20 CFR 404.968).
• Federal Court: After the Appeals Council denies review or issues a final decision, you typically have 60 days to file a civil action in federal district court under section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The 60-day period is measured from receipt of notice, with a presumption of receipt 5 days after the date on the notice unless you demonstrate otherwise.

These deadlines are strict. If you miss one, you may have to show “good cause” for late filing. Otherwise, you may have to start a new application, which can affect the period for which you can be paid benefits.

Representation and Fees

You have the right to appoint a representative at any stage. Representatives can be attorneys or qualified non-attorneys as described in 20 CFR 404.1705. Fee arrangements must be approved by SSA under 20 CFR 404.1720. Commonly, fees are contingent upon winning and are limited to a percentage of past-due benefits and a maximum cap set by the SSA. Costs for obtaining medical records or other expenses may be separate.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1) Read the Denial Notice Carefully

Identify whether the denial was based on medical, vocational, or technical grounds. Note the date on the letter and calculate your appeal deadline. Keep the envelope if it shows a postmark date; while SSA presumes you received the notice five days after it was dated, evidence of mailing can matter in close cases.

2) Decide Quickly to Appeal (Reconsideration)

File your request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the notice (20 CFR 404.909). You can file online or by contacting your local SSA office. Submit new medical evidence and clearly explain what the initial decision missed or misunderstood. Provide updates from treating sources, test results, and detailed statements explaining functional limitations. If SSA asks you to attend a consultative examination, cooperate fully and arrive prepared.

3) Prepare for an ALJ Hearing If Reconsideration Is Denied

If you receive an unfavorable reconsideration determination, request an ALJ hearing within 60 days (20 CFR 404.933). Hearing preparation is often where claims are won:

• Organize your medical records chronologically and highlight key findings that support your limitations.
• Obtain detailed functional capacity assessments from treating providers, explaining how pain, fatigue, mental health symptoms, or other limitations affect your ability to sustain work activities.
• Address gaps in treatment and any non-compliance. If there was a good reason (e.g., lack of access, side effects, cost, or a reasonable disagreement with the recommendation), be prepared to explain.
• Understand the five-step framework and be ready to discuss your past relevant work and why you cannot perform it now.

Evidentiary timing matters: under 20 CFR 404.935, submit or notify SSA about all written evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing unless you have good cause. Missing this deadline can lead to exclusion of late evidence. If you find crucial records late, immediately notify the hearing office and explain the reason for the delay.

4) Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request Appeals Council review within 60 days (20 CFR 404.968). The Appeals Council may deny review, remand your case back to the ALJ, or issue a decision. Focus on specific legal or evidentiary errors—such as misapplication of regulations, failure to consider material evidence, or unsupported findings.

5) Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you can file a civil action in the U.S. District Court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Judicial review is based on the administrative record, and the standard is whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence and free of legal error. In New Hampshire, cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. If you pursue this step, ensure your attorney is admitted to practice in that federal court.

6) Consider Filing a New Application (When Appropriate)

In some situations—especially if you missed a deadline or your condition worsened after the period considered—it may be strategic to file a new SSDI application while also pursuing an appeal of the prior claim. This is fact-specific and should be discussed with a qualified representative. Be mindful of how multiple filings can interact with onset dates and benefit periods.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Why Representation Can Help

Skilled representatives understand the five-step process, the vocational evidence rules, and how to present medical and opinion evidence in compliance with SSA standards. They can identify missing records, obtain detailed opinions from treating providers, prepare you for testimony, and ensure deadlines are met. They will also manage the 5-day evidence rule and marshal the record to align with 20 CFR 404.1520 and related provisions. While no representative can guarantee a result, experienced guidance often reduces avoidable errors that lead to denials.

Choosing a Representative in New Hampshire, New Hampshire

Before SSA, representatives must meet SSA’s qualifications (20 CFR 404.1705). Attorneys do not need to be licensed specifically in New Hampshire to represent you in SSA administrative proceedings, but they must be in good standing where admitted and comply with SSA rules. If your case proceeds to federal court, your lawyer must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. For matters that involve advice on New Hampshire law outside SSA proceedings, lawyers must comply with the attorney licensing and practice rules administered by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Ask potential representatives about their experience with SSDI appeals, familiarity with the five-step framework, approach to obtaining treating-source opinions, and process for meeting the 5-day evidence rule. Request clarity on fees and costs; SSA must approve fees, which are typically contingent on past-due benefits and subject to an SSA-set cap (20 CFR 404.1720).

Local Resources & Next Steps for New Hampshire Residents

How to Find Your Local SSA Field Office

SSA has field offices that serve New Hampshire residents. The best way to obtain the most accurate, up-to-date address, phone number, and hours for the office that serves you is to use SSA’s official Office Locator tool and search by ZIP code. For example, New Hampshire ZIP codes such as 03101 (Manchester), 03301 (Concord), or 03060 (Nashua) can be used to find the appropriate field office for your area. You can also call SSA’s national number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance with appeals, status checks, and scheduling.

Appeals and Hearings Serving New Hampshire

Initial disability determinations and reconsiderations are made by state-level Disability Determination Services operating under federal standards, while hearings are conducted by SSA’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). To see up-to-date information about appeals and hearings procedures, visit SSA’s official appeals page. If you are scheduled for a hearing, you will receive written notice with logistics for the location or video hearing option. Always confirm the address and instructions on your specific hearing notice.

Regional Oversight

New Hampshire is within SSA’s Boston Region (Region 1), which also includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Boston Region provides oversight and resources for SSA operations in New Hampshire. This regional context does not change federal eligibility rules, but it can be helpful when contacting SSA or understanding regional processing information.

Medical Evidence and Local Care

Your case is only as strong as your medical evidence. Work closely with your New Hampshire healthcare providers to ensure your records are complete and up to date. New Hampshire residents often receive care at community clinics, primary care practices, and major hospitals in the state. Ask your providers to document objective findings, treatment response, and functional impacts (e.g., ability to sit/stand/walk, lift, concentrate, maintain pace and attendance). Submit these records promptly during reconsideration or well in advance of the ALJ hearing, in line with 20 CFR 404.935.

Federal Court in New Hampshire

If your case proceeds to judicial review, it will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. Federal court review is limited to the evidence in the administrative record and the legal standards applied by the SSA. Because federal court litigation follows strict procedural rules, consult an attorney admitted to practice before that court.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your SSDI Appeal

• Use the denial rationale as a checklist: Identify and target each reason for denial with specific new evidence or explanations.
• Document function, not just diagnoses: Detailed functional assessments from treating providers are often more persuasive than general statements.
• Consistent treatment: Regular treatment notes demonstrating ongoing limitations can carry significant weight.
• Describe good cause when needed: If you miss a deadline or a consultative exam, immediately explain the reason and provide documentation.
• Track deadlines: Mark your calendar for the 60-day appeal window and the 5-day evidence rule before hearings.
• Consider representation: A qualified representative can coordinate evidence and ensure compliance with 20 CFR 404.900, 404.935, and related rules.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Hampshire, New Hampshire Claimants

How fast should I appeal an SSDI denial?

Do not wait. You generally have 60 days from receipt of the notice to appeal at each stage (reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council). See 20 CFR 404.909, 404.933, and 404.968. Filing early gives more time to gather evidence.

What evidence is most persuasive?

Objective medical findings, longitudinal treatment records, and detailed functional assessments from treating providers. Explain variability and bad days vs. good days, and provide documentation supporting how symptoms affect reliability and work pace.

Do I have to submit everything at once?

No, but you must submit or inform SSA about all evidence that relates to your disability (20 CFR 404.1512). If your case is at the hearing stage, follow the 5-day evidence rule (20 CFR 404.935).

What if I also applied for SSI?

SSI appeals follow a similar administrative pathway, but SSI has different financial eligibility rules and payment rules. SSA will process both claims together where applicable. This guide emphasizes SSDI rules.

Can I work part-time while appealing?

Some limited work may be permissible, but earnings at or above substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels can lead to denial. If you attempt part-time work, keep detailed records and consult with a representative about how SSA will evaluate it.

Key Legal Citations and Authoritative Resources

SSA: Disability Benefits OverviewSSA: How to Appeal a DecisioneCFR: 20 CFR Part 404 (Title II Regulations)Social Security Act § 205 (42 U.S.C. § 405)

How to Start Your SSDI Denial Appeal in New Hampshire, New Hampshire

• Mark your deadlines: 60 days from receipt of the notice to appeal at each step, and observe the 5-day evidence rule before hearings.
• Request reconsideration online or through your local SSA office using the SSA Office Locator to confirm the correct office for your ZIP code.
• Gather and submit updated medical records, provider opinions, and any vocational evidence that clarifies functional limitations.
• If reconsideration is denied, request an ALJ hearing promptly and continue building your record with targeted, material evidence.
• If the ALJ decision is unfavorable, consider Appeals Council review focusing on specific legal or factual errors.
• Discuss federal court options (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)) with counsel admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

Local SSA Office Information for New Hampshire

For accurate, current field office addresses, phone numbers, and hours serving New Hampshire residents, use SSA’s Office Locator and search by your ZIP code. This ensures you get the correct location information for your area. You can also call SSA at 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance with appeals, hearing inquiries, and status updates. Because office locations and hours can change, relying on the Office Locator avoids outdated or incorrect details.

New Hampshire claimants seeking an "SSDI denial appeal new hampshire new hampshire" should prioritize timely filings and thorough evidence submissions to protect their rights at each stage of review.

Attorney Licensing and Representation Rules in New Hampshire

Legal practice in the state is governed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s rules. Attorneys who provide legal services related to New Hampshire law must be licensed consistent with those rules. Before the SSA, representatives—attorneys or qualified non-attorneys—may represent claimants nationwide if they meet SSA’s representative qualifications under 20 CFR 404.1705 and comply with SSA’s fee and conduct rules (20 CFR 404.1720 and related sections). If your case proceeds to federal court, your counsel must be admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. Ask any prospective representative to confirm their admissions and experience with SSDI appeals.

Bottom Line for New Hampshire, New Hampshire Claimants

A denial is not the end of your SSDI claim. The appeals process is structured and deadline-driven, and it often provides a better opportunity to present a complete picture of your limitations. Focus on timely appeals, robust medical evidence, detailed functional descriptions, and compliance with the 5-day evidence rule. Consider partnering with an experienced representative who understands 20 CFR 404.900, 404.1520, 404.1512, 404.935, and the judicial review standards under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Use the SSA Office Locator to find your local New Hampshire office and confirm logistics for filings, appointments, and hearings.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and your situation is unique. You should consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney or qualified representative about your specific circumstances.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.