Common NH benefit & social service applications
Who this is for: Clients, families, and the case managers helping them apply for the basics.
Start here: one application covers a lot
For Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), cash assistance, and child care, New Hampshire uses one online system called NH EASYand one combined form. You can apply for several of these at once — you don't need a separate application for each.
Apply online — NH EASY
nheasy.nh.gov · Medicaid, SNAP, cash, child care
Apply by phone — DHHS
1-844-275-3447 · Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
Not sure what you qualify for? Apply anyway.
You don't have to know which programs fit. The application sorts that out. When in doubt, apply — or call 211 and a real person will help you figure out where to start.
Health coverage
Free or low-cost health insurance that also covers mental health and substance use care.
NH Medicaid / Granite Advantage
Free or very low-cost health insurance, including therapy, psychiatry, hospital care, and prescriptions. Granite Advantage is the version that covers most low-income adults.
- Who it's for
- NH residents with low income. Adults 19–64 qualify mostly on income; children, pregnant people, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities have their own pathways.
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters)
- Proof of NH residency (self-statement OK if homeless)
- Immigration documents if not a U.S. citizen
Food
Ongoing help affording groceries and healthy food.
SNAP (food stamps)
Money loaded onto a card each month to buy groceries. Amount depends on household size, income, and expenses.
- Who it's for
- Low-income households. Work requirements apply to some adults 16–59 unless exempt.
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security number and ID for each member
- Proof of income
- Housing and utility costs
- Medical expenses if a member is 60+ or disabled
An interview (usually by phone) is always required for SNAP.
How to get food today & apply for SNAPWIC
Healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant/postpartum women, infants, and young children.
- Who it's for
- Pregnant or postpartum women, and children under 5, with income up to 185% of the poverty level (or already on SNAP/Medicaid/TANF).
- Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity
- Proof of NH address
- Proof of income, or proof of SNAP/Medicaid/TANF enrollment
Free & reduced-price school meals
Free or low-cost breakfast and lunch for school-age children.
- Who it's for
- Households under income limits; children in SNAP/TANF households usually qualify automatically.
- Documents you'll need
- Household members and gross monthly income for each earner
- SNAP/TANF case number, if you have one
- Signature (last 4 digits of a signer's SSN, or a 'no SSN' box)
One application per household. Many NH districts offer it online — ask the school office.
Cash & income support
Monthly income when you can't work or are between jobs.
TANF / Financial Assistance to Needy Families
Monthly cash assistance for families with children who lack enough parental support, plus job and support services.
- Who it's for
- Low-income NH families with dependent children.
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security number and ID for each member
- Proof of income and resources
- Proof of children in the household
Social Security Disability (SSDI & SSI)
Monthly payments if a health condition — including a mental health condition — keeps you from working. SSDI is based on past work; SSI is based on financial need.
- Who it's for
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months (or be terminal) that prevents substantial work.
- Documents you'll need
- Medical records and a list of all your providers
- List of medications and tests
- Work history and W-2s / tax returns
- For SSI: income, resources, and living arrangements
Unemployment (NH Employment Security)
Temporary weekly payments for workers who lost a job through no fault of their own and are able and available to work.
- Who it's for
- Workers who earned enough in a recent 'base period' and are actively looking for work.
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security number and photo ID
- Employment history for the last 18 months (employers, dates, reasons)
- Bank information for direct deposit
- Alien registration number if not a U.S. citizen
Housing & utilities
Help with rent, heat, and electricity.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
A voucher that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. You generally pay about 30% of your income toward rent.
- Who it's for
- Income-eligible households (generally at or below 50% of area median income). Expect long waitlists.
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) & Electric Assistance
Help paying home heating costs (any fuel type) and a discount on your monthly electric bill. Applied for together at your local Community Action Agency.
- Who it's for
- Income-eligible households (generally at or below 60% of state median income).
- Documents you'll need
- Proof of income for everyone in the home
- Social Security numbers
- Recent heating and electric bills
Not on NH EASY — apply through your local Community Action Agency. Season usually closes around April 30.
How to get help with utility billsGetting connected & support
People and programs that help you find and apply for everything else.
ServiceLink (Aging & Disability Resource Center)
Free, person-centered help understanding benefits, Medicare/Medicaid, long-term supports, and caregiver resources — for all ages.
- Who it's for
- Anyone in NH, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
- Documents you'll need
- No application needed to call — they help you figure out what you qualify for.
NH Child Care Scholarship
Helps pay child care costs so you can work, train, or go to school.
- Who it's for
- NH families under income limits who are engaged in an approved activity (work, school, or training).
- Documents you'll need
- Social Security number and ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of your work/school/training schedule
If you're denied
A denial is not the end of the road, and many are overturned on appeal. Read the notice for the reason and the deadline — deadlines are often just 30–60 days, so act fast.
Free legal help for benefit denials
603 Legal Aid helps NH residents appeal denials of Medicaid, SNAP, disability, and unemployment — for free. Call 1-800-639-5290 or apply at 603legalaid.org.
Need the documents these ask for?
Birth certificate, Social Security card, photo ID, proof of income, proof of address — our companion guide shows how to get each one, what it costs, and how long it takes.
How to get the documents you needNeed help right now?
Call or text 988(Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or reach NH Rapid Response 24/7 at 833-710-6477. For any emergency, call 911.