Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
New Hampshire’s main child care help is the Child Care Scholarship. It can help pay a child care provider while you work, look for work, go to school, take part in approved training, or meet certain other activity rules.
The help is not a cash grant paid to you. If you qualify, payment goes to an approved child care provider. You may still pay part of the bill, such as a family cost share or a provider charge above the state payment rate.
The fastest first steps are simple: apply through NH EASY, start looking for a provider that accepts the scholarship, and keep copies of every document you send.
If you need child care right away
If you cannot work, keep a job, attend school, or go to an appointment because child care fell through, act on more than one path at the same time.
- Apply for the Child Care Scholarship now so the application clock starts.
- Use the NH child care search to find licensed or enrolled programs near your home, work, school, or route.
- Ask Child Care Aware for free referral help if you cannot find a slot.
- If you are homeless or in temporary housing, tell DHHS right away. Special processing may apply when you are connected to an enrolled provider.
- Call 211 New Hampshire if child care is part of a larger emergency, such as no food, no safe housing, or a shutoff notice.
Where to start
Start with the program that matches your most urgent need. Many single mothers need more than one program at the same time, especially if child care is tied to work, food, rent, school, or court orders.
You need help paying daycare
Apply for the Child Care Scholarship through NH EASY. Then ask the provider if they are enrolled with DHHS and whether they charge families above the state rate.
You need a child care slot
Search NH’s child care database and call Child Care Aware for referral help. Ask about infant slots, evening care, transportation, and programs that accept the scholarship.
You need free preschool
Ask about Head Start or Early Head Start. These programs are separate from the scholarship and may have waitlists, but they can be a strong option for younger children.
If you also need food, rent, or cash assistance, use ASMOM’s New Hampshire help page as a broader starting point.
Quick reference
| Need | Best starting point | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Help paying child care | Apply through NH EASY for the Child Care Scholarship. | You must meet income, child, activity, and provider rules. |
| Finding a provider | Use NH Child Care Search and ask Child Care Aware for help. | A provider must be licensed or enrolled for scholarship payment. |
| Free early learning | Ask about Head Start and Early Head Start. | Slots vary by area and age group. |
| Before- or after-school care | Ask your school about afterschool programs and 21st CCLC sites. | Programs may not exist at every school. |
| Military family help | Check MilitaryChildCare.com and Child Care Aware of America. | Branch rules and provider rules are different from NH DHHS rules. |
New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship
The Child Care Scholarship is New Hampshire’s subsidy program for families who need child care so a parent can work or take part in an approved activity. The official rules are in DHHS policy, including program criteria, cost share rules, and payment rates.
In plain terms, DHHS looks at four big things:
- whether the child lives in New Hampshire and meets the child rules;
- whether your household income is within the current limit;
- whether you have an approved activity, such as work, school, training, job search, or certain program activities; and
- whether the provider can be paid by DHHS.
Do not rely on an old income table from a blog post or screenshot. New Hampshire can update income limits, cost share steps, and rates. Use the official DHHS pages or ask your worker to check your household size and income.
What the scholarship may not cover
The scholarship may not cover the full provider charge. Your approval notice may list a family cost share. Also, if a provider charges more than the state maximum payment rate, the provider may bill you for the difference. Ask before you enroll.
How to apply
You can start online at NH EASY. If you have trouble with the online system, contact the DHHS service center or a DHHS district office.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit the application through NH EASY or with DHHS help. | This starts the process and tells DHHS you need child care help. |
| 2 | Watch for notices asking for proof of income, address, activity, or child information. | Missing proof can delay or stop the case. |
| 3 | Choose a provider that can be paid by DHHS. | The scholarship cannot pay just any sitter or program. |
| 4 | Submit the provider form if DHHS asks for it. | This links your child to the provider for payment. |
| 5 | Read the approval or denial notice carefully. | The notice should explain your dates, cost share, and appeal rights. |
DHHS policy has timelines for applications and provider links. If your case is urgent, say that clearly and ask what is still missing. If you are homeless, in a shelter, doubled up, or fleeing unsafe housing, tell DHHS because that can matter for child care processing and other benefits.
Finding a provider that works with the scholarship
Finding care can be harder than qualifying for help. Some providers do not have open slots. Some do not accept scholarship payments. Some charge above the state rate. Start the provider search the same day you apply.
Use NH Child Care Search to filter by town, age group, program type, schedule, transportation, meals, and whether a program accepts the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship. The search page says DHHS provides the tool as a public service and families should confirm details directly with the child care program.
When you call a provider, ask three questions first:
- Do you have an opening for my child’s age and schedule?
- Are you enrolled to accept the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship?
- If the state rate is lower than your price, will I owe a provider co-pay?
If you cannot find care near you, ask Child Care Aware for help with a wider search. Tell them your work hours, commute, school hours, child’s age, and whether you need care during weekends, evenings, or school breaks.
Other child care and school-age help
The Child Care Scholarship is the main route, but it is not the only one. These options can help fill gaps.
| Program | Who it may help | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Head Start | Pregnant women, babies, toddlers, and preschool children in income-eligible or priority families. | Use the NH Head Start page or the Head Start locator. |
| School programs | School-age children who need afterschool or summer care. | Ask your school and check 21st CCLC information. |
| Military fee help | Some active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and DoD families. | Start with military child care. |
| Work supports | Some people on SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF who need work or training help. | Ask about WorkNowNH. |
| Tax help | Working parents who paid for care so they could work or look for work. | Check IRS Publication 503 and free tax prep. |
For broader family needs, see ASMOM guides on New Hampshire SNAP, New Hampshire WIC, and New Hampshire TANF.
Documents and information to gather
DHHS may ask for different proof based on your case. Gather what you can before you apply, but do not wait weeks to start the application.
- Photo ID, if you have one.
- Proof that you live in New Hampshire, such as a lease, mail, school record, or utility bill.
- Recent pay stubs, self-employment records, child support proof, or benefit letters.
- Work schedule, school schedule, training papers, or job search information.
- Child’s name, date of birth, and household information.
- Provider name, address, and provider verification form when you choose care.
- Any notice that shows homelessness, shelter stay, or urgent housing situation, if this applies.
Simple record tip
Take a picture of every paper before you send it. Save screenshots of uploads. Write down the date, time, office, and worker name after each call.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to search for care. Apply and search for providers at the same time.
- Assuming any sitter counts. DHHS can only pay providers that meet program rules.
- Not asking about extra charges. Ask if you will owe more than the family cost share.
- Missing mail or NH EASY notices. Check your account and mail often.
- Changing providers without reporting it. Ask DHHS what form is needed before the switch.
If you are denied, delayed, or stuck
A denial does not always mean you can never get help. It may mean DHHS did not get a document, your income was counted a certain way, the provider was not linked, or the activity rule was not met.
- Read the notice. Look for the reason, date, and appeal deadline.
- Ask DHHS what exact proof is missing.
- If you found a provider, ask if the provider form was received.
- If your hours, income, school, or housing changed, report the change and ask whether you should reapply.
- If you need help with a hearing or benefits problem, contact legal aid or a trusted advocate. This article is not legal advice.
If child care is only one part of the crisis, ASMOM also has guides for New Hampshire emergency help, New Hampshire housing, and community support.
Phone scripts
Calling DHHS about an application
“Hi, I applied for the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship. Can you tell me if anything is missing from my case? I also need to know the deadline to send it and whether my provider form has been received.”
Calling a provider
“Hi, I am looking for care for a child who is [age]. Do you have openings for [days and hours]? Do you accept the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship, and would I owe any amount above the state payment?”
Calling Child Care Aware
“Hi, I need help finding child care that accepts the scholarship. I live in [town], work or study near [town], and need care during [hours]. Can you help me find programs with openings?”
Calling 211
“Hi, I need child care help, but I also have an urgent family need. I need help with [food, rent, shelter, transportation, or safety]. What programs can I call today?”
Resumen en español
La ayuda principal para pagar cuidado de niños en New Hampshire es Child Care Scholarship. Puede ayudar si usted trabaja, busca trabajo, estudia o participa en una actividad aprobada. La ayuda normalmente se paga al proveedor, no a usted.
Empiece con NH EASY. También busque un proveedor que acepte la beca. Si necesita ayuda para encontrar cuidado, llame a Child Care Aware of NH o marque 211 si tiene una emergencia de vivienda, comida o seguridad.
FAQs about New Hampshire child care help
What is the main child care assistance program in New Hampshire?
The main program is the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship. It helps eligible families pay approved providers while a parent works or takes part in an approved activity.
Does the scholarship pay me directly?
No. The scholarship generally pays the approved child care provider. You may still owe a family cost share or provider charge above the state rate.
Can I apply if I am looking for work?
Job search may count under New Hampshire rules, but time limits and proof rules can apply. Ask DHHS how your job search will be handled.
Do I have to use a licensed child care program?
You must use a provider that can be paid by DHHS. Use NH Child Care Search and confirm the provider accepts the Child Care Scholarship before you enroll.
What if I cannot find a provider?
Call Child Care Aware of New Hampshire for referral help, expand the search near work or school, and ask DHHS if any deadline or extension applies to your case.
Can Head Start help instead of daycare?
Head Start and Early Head Start may help younger children in eligible families. They are separate from the Child Care Scholarship and may have local waitlists.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.