Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in New Hampshire if I was disabled for years before filing?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/12/2025


Can I apply for SSDI retroactively in New Hampshire if I was disabled for years before filing? In New Hampshire, you may be eligible to receive retroactive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you were disabled prior to filing your application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally allows back pay for up to , provided you can prove that your disability began during that time. Retroactive benefits depend on your disability onset date, medical evidence, and how fast your claim is processed. It’s important to file as soon as possible to maximize the chance of receiving back payments.

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Retroactive Benefits Eligibility

To qualify for retroactive SSDI benefits in New Hampshire, consider:

  • Disability must have started within 12 months before filing.
  • Medical proof is critical to establish the onset date of your condition.
  • Onset date determination can affect how much back pay you receive.
Application Timing

Your filing timing impacts back pay:

  • The earlier you file, the higher the chance of getting retroactive payments.
  • Long delays may limit the amount of back pay granted.
Documentation Requirements

Supporting evidence must include:

  • Comprehensive medical records showing disability during retroactive period.
  • Doctor statements and treatment history confirming continuous disability.
Work Credits and Eligibility

Ensure you meet SSA’s requirements:

  • Have enough work credits based on your age and earnings.
  • Credits must cover the time period when you claim your disability started.
Restrictions and Limits

Keep in mind:

  • SSA limits retroactive benefits to 12 months before the date of your application.
  • Delays in filing may reduce your expected back pay amount.
  • If disability started earlier than 12 months prior, coverage only begins from that 12-month lookback.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we support New Hampshire clients applying for SSDI retroactively by:

  • Examining your case to properly establish the disability onset date necessary for retroactive benefits.
  • Gathering and organizing medical records and documentation to prove continuous disability during the relevant period.
  • Advising on SSA rules and deadlines to maximize your retroactive benefit eligibility.
  • Advocating on your behalf throughout the SSDI process, including handling appeals if retroactive benefits are delayed or denied.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you wonder can I apply for SSDI retroactively in New Hampshire due to a long-term disability, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights, collect the necessary evidence, and fight for the maximum retroactive SSDI benefits you deserve.


Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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