Additional Resources

N.H. Unemployment

The state’s unemployment program is capped at $427 per week for approved recipients and benefits are usually retroactive from the date of unemployment. Learn more and apply here. All offices are open to the public Monday-Friday 12-4 p.m. for completing weekly work search activities and filing claims. The hotline number is 603-271-7700. Visit N.H. Unemployment Benefits  to apply and for more information.

Protections for Homeowners

Many options exist to extend the life of the mortgage and lower interest rates. Qualifications and criteria vary by program; make sure to read items carefully and talk with your mortgage holder. Find more information ConsumerFinance.gov.

N.H. Homeowner Assistance Fund

The N.H. Homeowner Assistance Fund program provides help for homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage, property taxes, utility bills, and other home-related expenses. 

N.H. Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program

The federally funded N.H. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) is available to provide assistance to eligible residents who cannot pay their rent and/or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utility assistance includes water, sewer, trash, and internet expenses. An approved application for rental assistance will be counted as “payment” and head off evictions for non-payment of rent. Visit NHERAP for FAQ, eligibility requirements, and application information. Funding is expected to be available at least through 2023.

Utility Assistance Programs

The CAP agencies administer utility assistance programs that are not pandemic-related. Find out more about the Electric Assistance Program, Fuel Assistance Program, and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Legal Assistance

603 Legal Aid and NH Legal Assistance help clients with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level and older adults, which means a family of four earning up to $53,000 per year would be eligible for civil legal aid.

Both program work on civil legal issues, including evictions, foreclosures, loss of housing benefits, domestic violence, family law, public benefits (Social Security Disability, SSI, SNAP, unemployment, Medicaid), consumer issues, issues facing older adults (financial exploitation and nursing home discharges), and youth issues (school discipline and special education for children at risk of juvenile justice involvement).

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.

Child Tax Credit

The child tax credit (CTC) helps families with qualifying children get a tax break. You may be able to claim the credit even if you don’t normally file a tax return.

WorkNowNH

WorkNowNH is a free state program available to individuals enrolled in Medicaid or receiving SNAP or TANF benefits. The program provides support and assistance to qualified individuals to become job-ready and to meet hiring employers. Financial assistance can include tuition, books, fees, and supplies, as well travel reimbursement and child care registration fees.

Internet Access

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers, if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. This program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Internet Essentials from Comcast is $10/month for those that meet certain income eligibility guidelines. For new customers, 60 days will be provided for free. 

Q Link Wireless is providing subsidized phone and broadband service to qualified N.H. residents. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a limited-time program that provides discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices. Eligible customers receive free and unlimited data, talk, and text and a new tablet. The benefit is open to households that participate in current low-income or pandemic relief programs offered by a broadband provider; recipients of Medicaid and SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.

The Lifeline Program is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.

UNH Cooperative Extension

This interactive map identifies locations for free meals, food pick-up locations, free food delivery services, and locations that accept and/or double benefits for SNAP/EBT, WIC, seniors, and veterans. The information can be searched by community or the type of assistance needed.

N.H. SNAP

The SNAP Program is about good nutrition and health. It provides eligible people with benefits to buy food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other approved food retailers.

N.H. WIC

If you are pregnant or have young children up to the age of 5, you may be eligible for the WIC Nutrition Program. WIC provides nutrition education and nutritious foods to help keep pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and preschool children healthy and strong.

Supplemental Food for Seniors

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides free food and nutrition information to promote good health for seniors age 60 and over. You can find more information about this program at DHHS.org.

N.H. Bureau of Family Assistance

The Bureau of Family Assistance administers programs and services for eligible N.H. residents by providing financial, medical, food and nutritional assistance, and help with child care costs and emergency help to obtain and keep safe housing.

211

211 N.H. is the connection for New Hampshire residents to the most up-to-date resources they need. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available. For those outside N.H., call 1-866-444-4211.

Local Welfare Departments

Contact your city/municipal welfare department to find out what services you may be eligible for where you live. Many have local food pantries and financial assistance available to residents. They may also be aware of other local organizations (churches, non-profit organizations, women’s clubs, etc.) providing assistance. All contact information is available on your city/municipal website.

Funeral Assistance

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. Information on eligibility and the application process can be found at FEMA.gov.