 | Property tax letter: Many, but not all towns in NH have a property tax exemption for persons who are registered as legally blind. Check with your town clerk to see if this is available in your town. If so, a property tax letter can be issued to you. |
| Income tax letter: The Internal Revenue Service of the federal government has an extra standard deduction for individuals who are legally blind. A letter can be issued to you to include with your federal income taxes. |
| Interest and Dividends letter: This is available to legally blind individuals and allows an additional $1200 exemption on your interest and dividends tax for the state of New Hampshire. The letter is sent to the NH Department of Revenue Administration by the NH Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired. |
| Fishing License: The state of New Hampshire will give a legally blind individual a free fishing license. The Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services for Blind and Visually Impaired will send a letter, if requested, to the Fish and Game Department. The Fish and Game Department will in turn send the person an application form to complete. |
| Non- Drivers identification cards are available from the Dept. of Safety. A non-driver's identification card can be substituted for a driver's license for the purpose of providing identification to banks, stores, etc. These cost $10. |
| Walking disability: Persons who are registered as legally blind are entitled to a walking disability placard that enables their drivers to park in a handicapped parking spot. The Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired will upon request, send a letter of verification of blindness, and an application form to the individual. The application must be completed, signed by a doctor, and returned to the NH Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Walking Disability Parking Permits. |
| A Verification of Blindness letter can be issued to individuals for a variety of reasons. Some individuals have needed it to get special bus passes and other entitlements. |
Federal and State Entitlement Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal minimum income maintenance program for individuals who are blind or disabled, and persons aged 65 years and older who meet a test of financial need. You do not have to have a work history to be eligible for SSI benefits. Applications may be made at a local Social Security office. To find the appropriate office call 1-800-772-1213. (See Appendix A for a list of Social Security offices)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to individuals who are disabled, as well as to their dependents. An individual must have worked for a specified number of quarters and paid social security taxes to be eligible. A person must be declared medically disabled by a disability determination process and unable to work. Individuals who are legally blind and age 55-65 may receive monthly benefits if they are unable to carry out thc work (or similar work) that they did before age 55, or becoming legally blind. Social Security Disability is not retroactive, so it is important to apply for it as soon as one becomes legally blind. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your local office. (See Appendix A for a list of Social Security Offices)
Medicare is a federal health insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration. It is available to individuals who have been receiving Social Security Disability insurance for 2 consecutive years, and is not based on income. Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or low vision aids. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your local office. (See Appendix A for a list of Social Security Offices)
Cash Retirement Benefits are provided by the Social Security Administration for workers age 62 or older. These are available through the Social Security Administration for those who have worked a sufficient number of years and contributed to the social security program. Dependents may also be eligible for benefits. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your local office. (See Appendix A for a list of Social Security Offices)
Medicaid is a health insurance program managed by the state of New Hampshire. It helps to pay health care costs for eligible persons. In and Out Medical Assistance helps pay medical bills for people who are eligible for medical assistance in every way except income. If a person's income is too high for medical assistance, and they meet all other requirements for medical assistance, they may be able to get help under In and Out Medical Assistance. Eligibility categories include Old Age Assistance, Aid to the Needy Blind, and Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled. Questions regarding this program and applications can be made at a local Division of Human Services Office. Call 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4344 for more information. (See Appendix B for a list of local offices)
Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB) is a program administered by the State of New Hampshire. It provides financial and medical assistance to legally blind individuals who meet the financial and resource eligibility requirements. Medical eligibility is determined based on the findings of a report of eye examination that is completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. Application to this program can be made at a local NH Division of Human Services office. (See Appendix B for a list of local offices)
The Food Stamp Program provides monthly food stamps to low income families and individuals. The monthly benefit is determined by the household size, income and asset level, and other non-financial criteria. This program is administered by the NH Division of Human Services. Call 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4344 for more information. (See Appendix B for a list of local offices)
Old Age Assistance (OAA) is a program that provides financial and medical assistance to persons 65 years of age or older who meet income eligibility requirements. This program is managed by the Division of Elderly and Adult Services through the district offices the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Services include case management, counseling placement assistance, protective services for adults and information and referral. Call 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4344 for more information. (See Appendix B for a list of local offices)