What Does the Social Security Administration Consider to be Income in New Hampshire?

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Each program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) has different criteria as to which applicants qualify for benefits. All SSA programs require applicants to submit information detailing how much income they made. Are you a New Hampshire resident who will be filing for Social Security Disability Insurance? If so, it is wise to understand how the SSA determines your income level.

At Ward Law Group, our attorneys help clients throughout New Hampshire apply for Social Security Disability Insurance. We understand that the SSA application process is often confusing. That is why we use our experience to work with your doctors and file the best possible application. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

What is the Social Security Disability Income Limit?

Only applicants whose income falls below the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) limit qualify for benefits. When reviewing applications, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate the assets of the applicant. If the value of your cash income along with any free rent or food benefits you receive is over the limit, you will not receive disability benefits.

The SSA includes all of the following as income:

  • The money you have earned from your job or any other work that you do. The SSA refers to this income as earned income.
  • Any additional Social Security income
  • Income from veteran’s benefits
  • Income from a pension
  • Monthly alimony payments
  • Child support payments
  • Any free rent, food, or shelter benefits that you receive from a nongovernmental source
  • Deemed income that another person in your house earns. For example, if your spouse earns income, the SSA assumes that part of his or her income will go toward your upkeep or care.

The SSA excludes the following benefits and income when they calculate an applicant’s income level:

  • $20 per month of unearned income per applicant
  • $65 per month of earned income and 50% of any earned income over $65
  • Home energy or housing assistance
  • Food stamps
  • Medical care
  • Reimbursement of expenses conducted by an agency that provides social security
  • The first $60 of irregularly received unearned income each quarter
  • The first $30 of irregularly or infrequently received earned income each quarter
  • Any wages the applicants spend toward impairment-related work expenses for blind or disabled persons
  • Items someone gives the applicant that cannot be used or used to secure shelter, clothing, or food

If a relative pays a doctor’s bill for you or buys furniture for your apartment, the SSA will not consider the gift as income. On the other hand, if a friend or relative has paid your rent for the last few months, the SSA would likely consider the rent payments as income.

New Hampshire Social Security Disability Insurance Attorneys

If you have concerns about qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance, we can help. The Ward Law Group attorneys have helped many clients submit accurate and thorough applications. Contact our Manchester firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.