New Hampshire Residents Qualify for These Aid Programs

If you're struggling financially in New Hampshire, there are programs to help with rent, groceries, healthcare, and utilities. No matter where you live in the state, from the White Mountains to the seacoast, you can access resources to get the stability you need. Whether you need housing support, food assistance, or job training, these programs are here to help you move forward.

Here's a look at key assistance programs in New Hampshire:

Food Assistance in New Hampshire

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): If you're having trouble keeping food on the table, SNAP provides monthly benefits to help low-income families purchase healthy groceries, ensuring you and your family have access to nutritious food.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC supports pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five by providing access to healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

New Hampshire School Meals Program: If you have children in school, they may qualify for free or reduced-cost meals, ensuring they receive nutritious food while at school.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP works with food banks and local organizations to provide emergency food supplies to individuals and families in need.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): If you're a senior, CSFP offers monthly food packages to help with your nutritional needs and keep you healthy.

Housing Assistance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA): The NHHFA offers programs to help with housing needs, from rental assistance to homebuyer programs. If you're looking to buy your first home or need help with rent, NHHFA can help.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Struggling to pay rent? Section 8 provides rental assistance by covering a portion of your rent, making housing more affordable for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Public Housing Program: Managed by local housing authorities, this program offers affordable housing for individuals and families who meet income requirements, ensuring you have a safe place to call home.

Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP): If you're at risk of homelessness or already without a stable home, HPRP provides emergency assistance to keep you housed or help you find new housing quickly.

Healthcare Assistance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Medicaid: If healthcare costs are overwhelming, Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical coverage for eligible individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

New Hampshire Healthy Kids (CHIP): If your income is too high for Medicaid but you still need help covering healthcare for your children, New Hampshire Healthy Kids offers low-cost coverage for children under 19.

Medicare Savings Program: This program helps low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities cover Medicare premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, making healthcare more affordable.

Family Planning Program: If you need reproductive health services, this program offers free or low-cost exams, birth control, and family planning services to help you manage your health.

Utility Assistance in New Hampshire

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): New Hampshire winters can be tough, but LIHEAP helps with heating costs, providing financial assistance to ensure your home stays warm during the coldest months.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): WAP helps you save on energy bills by improving your home's energy efficiency. Services include insulation, air sealing, and furnace repairs to make sure your home stays warm without driving up utility costs.

Child Care and Family Support in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program: If you need help covering child care costs while you work or attend school, this program provides financial assistance to make sure your children are cared for in a safe environment.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF offers temporary financial support for low-income families to cover essential needs like food, housing, and utilities, along with job training and employment services to help you gain financial independence.

Head Start New Hampshire: Head Start provides early childhood education, healthcare, and nutritious meals for young children from low-income families, preparing them for school success.

New Hampshire Preschool Development Grants: These grants help increase access to high-quality preschool programs, ensuring children from low-income families are prepared for kindergarten.

Disability and Senior Assistance in New Hampshire

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you're disabled or a senior struggling to cover basic living expenses, SSI provides monthly payments to help with housing, food, and healthcare.

New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): VR helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment by offering job training, career counseling, and placement services.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: HCBS waivers allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive long-term care services at home or in their communities, reducing the need for institutional care.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI offers monthly benefits to individuals who can no longer work due to a disability, helping cover living expenses like housing, food, and healthcare.

Employment and Job Training in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES): NHES provides a variety of services for job seekers, including job search help, resume assistance, and career counseling to help you find new employment.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): WIOA provides job training and certifications for high-demand careers, helping you gain the skills needed to secure stable employment.

ApprenticeshipNH: This program offers hands-on job training in skilled trades through paid apprenticeships, allowing you to learn valuable skills while earning a paycheck.

Unemployment Insurance (UI): If you've lost your job, New Hampshire's Unemployment Insurance program provides temporary financial assistance while you search for new employment.

Financial Aid Application Instructions

Check Your Eligibility: Each program has specific eligibility requirements based on income and household size. Visit the program's website or contact a local office to see if you qualify.

Gather Your Documents: Prepare necessary documents like proof of income, identification, and proof of residency before applying.

Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, depending on the program. Double-check your information to avoid delays.

Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and be ready to provide any additional information if needed.

Receive Your Benefits: Once approved, you'll receive instructions on how to access your benefits and start receiving assistance.

Get Started Now

No matter what financial challenges you're facing, New Hampshire's assistance programs are here to help. From housing support to food assistance and job training, these resources are available to get you through difficult times. Take the first step by checking your eligibility and applying for the programs that meet your needs.