New Hampshire's Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF) program is designed to support families in the state who are struggling to make ends meet. It focuses on providing temporary financial help to low-income households with children, while also aiming to guide adults toward employment through job training and educational opportunities.

The goal of FANF is not just to offer immediate aid, but to assist families in becoming self-reliant over time. This approach highlights New Hampshire's dedication to helping its residents build a stable and secure future, emphasizing the importance of empowering families to move beyond the need for assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

In New Hampshire, families in need can turn to the Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF) program for support, which includes:

• New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP)
• Family Assistance Program (FAP)
• Interim Disabled Parent (IDP) Program
• Families With Older Children (FWOC) Program

All these FANF programs follow the same guidelines for cash eligibility and have identical benefit caps.

Eligibility Criteria:

In order to be eligible for FANF, families must have dependent children who are without parental support or care due to a parent's death, absence, or a disability/incapacity in the case of two-parent families.

Benefit Limits:

FANF offers cash assistance with a 60-month lifetime limit, which began counting in New Hampshire from October 1, 1996. Cash assistance received before this date does not count towards the 60-month cap. Notably, this limit does not apply to children in families where the head of the household is a relative who does not receive FANF assistance for themselves.

Additional Resources and Services:

• Families eligible for FANF cash assistance can also access Medicaid for parents and Children's Medicaid for eligible family children.
• Employment and training programs, along with support services, are available to help adults benefiting from FANF. These services work to improve employment opportunities, and are provided by BFA and other staff in local District Offices.
• Child Care Assistance is offered to help parents participate in work, training, or educational activities, ensuring that children receive quality care. This assistance is coordinated by BFA in collaboration with the Child Development Bureau.
• In cases of emergency, Emergency Assistance is available to support families with dependent children who qualify for Family Assistance, providing crucial aid in times of need.

These comprehensive FANF programs and additional resources underscore New Hampshire's commitment to supporting families through financial assistance, health care, child care, and employment and training opportunities, fostering a path toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In New Hampshire, the Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF) benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This system works similarly to a debit card, making it a convenient way for families to access their benefits.

Once approved for FANF, benefits are deposited directly onto the EBT card each month. Families can then use this card to make purchases for necessary items such as food and clothing at stores that accept EBT. Additionally, the card can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs, offering flexibility in how the benefits are utilized to meet the family's needs.

This method ensures that accessing and using FANF benefits is a straightforward process, providing immediate assistance to families in a secure and user-friendly way.

Financial Assistance for Needy Families Application Instructions

If you're considering applying for the New Hampshire Financial Assistance to Needy Families program and believe you qualify, here's what you need to do:

Getting the Application:

First, download the application form for Emergency Assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services website. You can find it in English or Spanish, depending on which language you're more comfortable with.

Filling Out the Application:

Complete the application carefully, signing it to confirm that all the information you've provided is accurate. It's important to also gather any documents that prove the emergency situation you're facing and the amount of financial help you need.

Sending Your Application:

Once you have everything ready, mail your completed application and all the proof documents to:

Centralized Scanning Unit

P.O. Box 181

Concord, NH 03301.

After your application is received, you'll be contacted if there are any questions or additional information is needed. This process is designed to ensure you get the help you need promptly and efficiently, providing support during challenging times.

The New Hampshire Financial Assistance to Needy Families program is designed as an important support system for families facing difficult situations, providing them with the necessary aid to manage emergencies. By offering financial assistance, the program ensures that families can address immediate needs such as housing, food, and other essentials during times of crisis. This support not only helps alleviate the stress associated with financial hardships, but also contributes to the overall stability and well-being of families in New Hampshire.