Benefits Navigation Packet

• HEALTH INSURANCE— I don’t have insurance, or I can’t afford my medications or appointments. → Page 2
• DISABILITY INCOME— I can’t work because of my mental or physical health, and I need income. → Page 3
• FOOD— I don’t have enough food, or I run out before the end of the month. → Page 4
• UTILITIES— I’m behind on electric, gas, or heat, or facing a shut-off. → Page 5
• HOUSING— I’m homeless, about to lose my housing, or need a safer place to live. → Page 6
• I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START — Call NH 211 (dial 2-1-1). Free, confidential, 24/7. They will point you to the right place.

Things you'll need for most applications

• Photo ID (any ID — an expired one is often okay to start)
• Social Security number
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letter, or a statement that you have none)
• Proof of NH residency (mail with your name and address)
• Don’t have these? Apply anyway and say so — and call NH 211 for help getting replacement documents.

Page 2 · Health insurance: NH Medicaid

• Not sure you’re eligible? Apply anyway— they’ll tell you. Eligibility is based on income and household size, and NH expanded Medicaid covers many single adults.
• Apply online at nheasy.nh.gov — the same application covers Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and cash assistance.
• Or apply by phone: DHHS at 1-844-275-3447 (1-844-ASK-DHHS), or in person at your local DHHS district office.
• Bring: ID, Social Security number, proof of income, proof of residency.
• Need care before it’s approved?Tell them it’s urgent. Community mental health centers serve people regardless of ability to pay, and hospitals have financial counselors who can start an application.
• Just discharged from a hospital without insurance? Call DHHS or your CMHC — you may qualify for retroactive coverage.
• Have Medicaid but can’t find a provider?Call your managed-care plan’s member services (number on the card), or use meridiannh.org/resource-finder.

Full step-by-step guide: meridiannh.org/guides/apply-for-medicaid · Denied or stuck? NH Legal Assistance: 1-800-639-5290

Page 3 · Disability income: SSI and SSDI

• What’s the difference? SSDI is for people with a work history; SSI is for people with little or no work history and low income. Both cover mental health conditions. You can apply for both at once — the application sorts it out.
• The bar:your condition must keep you from working for at least 12 months. Mental health conditions qualify when they’re documented.
• Apply online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–7 p.m. — they can take your whole application by phone.
• Bring:your providers’ names (they send records directly), work history, and an honest description of how the condition limits your daily life. Bad days count — describe them.
• Denied? Appeal — don’t reapply. Most first applications are denied; appeal success rates are much higher. Free help with appeals: NH Legal Assistance / 603 Legal Aid at 1-800-639-5290.
• Need income while you wait (decisions take months)? Apply for SNAP (page 4) and ask your town welfare office about General Assistance (page 6).

Full step-by-step guide: meridiannh.org/guides/apply-for-disability

Page 4 · Food

• Food today, no application: food pantries. Call NH 211 or use the NH Food Bank food map (nhfoodbank.org) to find the nearest one. Just show up — no paperwork needed at most pantries.
• SNAP (food stamps): apply at nheasy.nh.gov or call DHHS at 1-844-275-3447. In a crisis, ask for expedited processing — qualifying emergencies get benefits within days.
• SNAP application help: NH Food Bank SNAP help line, 1-877-347-7627, or the main line 603-669-9725.
• Pregnant, postpartum, or kids under 5? Add WIC: 1-800-942-4321 or signupwic.com.
• Kids in school? Ask the school about free meals when you apply for SNAP — eligibility often carries over.
• Homebound or over 60? Ask ServiceLink about Meals on Wheels: 1-866-634-9412.

Full guides: meridiannh.org/guides/i-need-food and /guides/emergency-food

Page 5 · Utilities & heat

• Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) + Electric Assistance help pay heating and electric bills, and applying can also protect you from a winter shut-off. Both are run by your local Community Action Agency.
• Find your Community Action Agency: capnh.org/cap-lookup — or call NH 211and they’ll connect you.
• Facing a shut-off right now? Call the utility first and ask for a payment plan and about winter shut-off protection for income-eligible customers. Then call 211 about emergency funds. If a case manager is helping you, they can contact the utility on your behalf with a signed release.
• Bring to the appointment: ID, Social Security numbers for the household, proof of income, and a recent bill.

Full guides: meridiannh.org/guides/i-need-help-with-bills and /guides/utility-help