If you live in New Hampshire and need financial help, keep reading. The state has super-low unemployment, and families earn more than the national average. However, there are still areas where people need help financially.
Some folks are struggling even in a state as prosperous as New Hampshire. Hidden pockets of poverty exist, where people face tough challenges like finding affordable housing, putting food on the table, and getting the healthcare they need.
Financial Help for New Hampshire Families
Fuel Assistance Program (EAP)
Additionally, New Hampshire offers various assistance programs for low-income individuals and families. The Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) helps with heating costs and emergencies related to heating—the Fuel Assistance Program grants from $243 to $2,419 to homeowners and renters who qualify.
They can use this money for their winter heating bills. If you use electric or natural gas heating, the program pays your bills starting November 1st. Contact them at 1-603-271-2155 or 1-603-271-2615 for more details or visit their website.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Rhode Island LIHEAP program helps low-income families pay for heat. To qualify, you must live in Rhode Island, need help with heating costs, meet income guidelines, or participate in programs like SNAP, SSI, or TANF.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The New Hampshire Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers families and children low-cost and free health coverage.
To qualify for this benefit program, you must live in New Hampshire, be under 18, or be the primary caregiver of a child under 18. You must also be a U.S. Citizen, National, or legally admitted Non-Citizen and a refugee who has been in the U.S. for at least five years. Contact them at 1-603-271-4238 or 1-877-464-2447.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (HHLA)
If you need legal help in New Hampshire and you’re a senior or have a low income, New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) might be able to help.
They help with civil legal issues affecting daily life, like housing or benefits. If you’re facing a legal problem you can’t handle alone, contact them at 1-800-735-2964 or 1-603-224-4107. You can also find more information on their website.
Family Assistance
Lastly, the Division of Family Assistance in New Hampshire offers a range of programs and services, including financial, medical, food & nutritional assistance, help with child care costs, and emergency housing support. Call 1-603-271-4427.
Charities that Help Financially
Several organizations and programs in New Hampshire dedicate their efforts to providing financial assistance to needy individuals and families. Here’s an overview of some essential resources:
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
They focus on improving community well-being. Their approach includes grants and scholarships. They target education, health, and poverty.
Granite United Way
Their mission is to solve pressing community issues. They provide education, income stability, and health resources and unite people and organizations for a more significant impact.
Families in Transition
They offer innovative solutions to homelessness and hunger. Financial assistance and low-income housing support are key services. Their goal is to foster long-lasting independence for families.
Veterans Count
This organization supports veterans, service members, and their families. It offers employment counseling, emergency financial assistance, mental health support, and more. To contact it, email MVSintake@eastersealsnh.org or call 603.315.4354.
NH Charitable Foundation
They can help you learn how to manage your money, find other resources in your community, and even get emergency help if needed. They have offices all over New Hampshire so you can find one near you. Call them at 1-800-562-5249 or check out their website for more information.
SHARE Outreach
Serving families in Milford, Amherst, Brookline, and Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, the SHARE program helps with emergency and ongoing support in food, clothing, and financial assistance. To contact them, call 603-673-9898; more information is available on their
SHARE Fund
This organization operates in Farmington-Rochester-Somersworth and offers services like emergency financial assistance, a food pantry, and a diaper bank. For more details, call 1-603-335-0011 or visit their website.
Religious Non-Profits
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities New Hampshire provides various services that support individuals and families facing financial hardship. Their approach includes case management, financial literacy training, and community referrals.
They operate in multiple locations across New Hampshire, including Berlin, Concord, Laconia, Lebanon, Littleton, Manchester, Nashua, and Rochester. For support, call 1-800-562-5249 or visit their website.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Famous for their personalized support, they assist with various needs. They provide food, clothing, and financial aid for bills and rent. Their work is crucial in helping individuals and families in crisis.
The Salvation Army of New Hampshire
Known for their broad community support, they assist with basic needs. They provide food, shelter, and emergency financial aid. Their services help individuals regain stability.
Community Organizations
New Hampshire Legal Assistance
They offer free legal services to those who can’t afford them. Their focus is on protecting rights and providing access to justice. They often help with financial issues like consumer protection and housing.
End 68 Hours of Hunger
End 68 Hours of Hunger is a non-profit initiative that addresses the roughly 68 hours of hunger some students face, from Friday’s free school lunch to Monday’s complimentary breakfast. Started in New Hampshire in 2011, the program provides nutritious food for children over the weekend.
Volunteers support all donations and directly support fighting food insecurity. Of these donations, 95% buy food, and 5% cover necessary costs like insurance and legal requirements.
Senior Prescription Drug Discount Program
In New Hampshire, if you’re 65 or older, you can get a free discount card for prescription drugs. This card helps you save money on medicines like insulin and those for anxiety or depression. You could save up to 75% at New Hampshire and nationwide pharmacies.
This program is excellent for people without health insurance. The New Hampshire Rx Card doesn’t care about how much money you make. There are no rules about who can join, and you don’t have to fill out any forms. Want to save more on prescription drugs? Just call 603-225-0900.
How to Qualify for Financial Help in New Hampshire
These programs are all income-based, meaning they help those with incomes at or below the US Poverty Guidelines.
To apply for government assistance programs, you can:
- Apply online by visiting the website NHeasy.
- Print out an application and mail it to the local District office: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/apply-assistance.
New Hampshire offers different types of assistance, like:
Hot meals from soup kitchens or groceries: Community pantries provide food assistance to families and single adults in need.
Help Paying Utilities: These agencies help low-income households pay past-due utilities or provide security deposits for new housing.
Homeless Shelters: Shelters provide temporary housing for families and single adults needing housing.
Community Action Agencies: They provide services from bill assistance to counseling, job training, etc.
To locate assistance near you, call 2-1-1, which is the United Way. They have listings of organizations that can help with all of the above.
Documentation Needed to Apply for Financial Help
Be prepared to provide all information that verifies family income, expenses, and any special situations, such as disabled, homeless, etc.
Collect the necessary documents needed to confirm your income:
- Pay stubs
- ID for each person in the household
- Child support letter
- Approval letter from Social Services
- Letter from Unemployment Insurance
- Proof of Address
In Conclusion
New Hampshire offers a robust financial assistance network through various charities and programs. These resources provide critical support for individuals and families struggling with basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities.
Organizations like Catholic Charities New Hampshire, Veterans Count, SHARE Outreach, and the SHARE Fund demonstrate the community’s commitment to helping those in need.
With multiple options for aid, New Hampshire residents facing financial difficulties have access to a range of services designed to promote stability and self-sufficiency.
This network of support is a testament to the state’s dedication to ensuring that all its residents have the opportunity to overcome financial challenges and improve their quality of life.