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Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in New Hampshire

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Hampshire Employment Security

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and July (WIC). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.


Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or visit 211NH.org • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at NH EASY – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call 211 immediately for Community Action Agency referral • Eviction notice: Call New Hampshire Legal Assistance at 1-800-639-5290 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at NH Employment Security or 603-271-7700 • Need health coverage: Apply at NH EASY or call 1-844-275-3447 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-800-942-4321 for food help • Domestic violence: Call 1-866-644-3574 (24/7 confidential hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 1-844-275-3447 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at NH EASY. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-800-942-4321. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days • Call 211 immediately and ask for your local Community Action Agency for crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment – they may pay bills directly

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call New Hampshire Legal Assistance at 1-800-639-5290 for emergency legal help • Ask about “emergency assistance” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for FANF (Family Assistance) at NH EASY. New Hampshire has the highest TANF benefits in the nation – up to $1,291 monthly for a family of three as of 2024.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at NH Employment Security or 603-271-7700. New Hampshire pays up to $427 per week for up to 26 weeks.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. FANF takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, FANF, and Medicaid use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • New Hampshire has generous benefits – among the highest TANF payments and expanded SNAP eligibility nationwide • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are extremely long (7-9 years in most areas)

Don’t expect miracles: While New Hampshire has higher benefits than most states, housing assistance has years-long waiting lists and work requirements are strictly enforced.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. New Hampshire has expanded eligibility beyond standard federal SNAP rules – gross income limit is 200% of federal poverty level with no asset limit for most households.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits as of October 2024 range from $291/month for one person to $975/month for a family of four (FY 2025 amounts). Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Income limits (USDA FNS, effective October 2024 through September 2025):

Household Size Max Monthly Income (NH) Max SNAP Benefit
1 person $3,185 (200% FPL) $291
2 people $4,305 (200% FPL) $535
3 people $5,425 (200% FPL) $766
4 people $6,545 (200% FPL) $975

How to apply:

  1. Go to NH EASY
  2. Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
  3. Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
  4. Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)
  5. Call 1-844-275-3447 if you need help with the application

Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills

Reality check: New Hampshire’s expanded eligibility means more families qualify than in other states, but you still need to meet income limits after deductions.

FANF (Family Assistance Cash Help) (Source: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, 2025)

What it is: New Hampshire’s TANF program provides cash assistance tied to 60% of federal poverty level and adjusted annually. It has the highest benefit threshold for cash assistance in the country.

How much you can get: Maximum benefit for a family of three is $1,291 per month as of 2024 – the most generous of any state.

FANF Payment Standards (New Hampshire DHHS, 2024)

Family Size Maximum Monthly Cash Income Limit
1 person ~$860 $860
2 people ~$1,077 $1,077
3 people $1,291 $1,291
4 people ~$1,505 $1,505

How to apply:

  1. Apply at NH EASY (same application as SNAP)
  2. Attend required interview within 1-2 weeks
  3. Agree to participate in work program (NHEP) if able-bodied

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-6 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: You can get FANF cash assistance for a maximum of 60 months lifetime limit. Enrollment has declined significantly since 2020, with only 5,321 receiving assistance as of June 2024.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages and benefits for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fresh produce, milk, eggs, and nutrition education.

How much you can get: Cash value benefits for fresh produce and specific food items based on family composition.

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For 2025-2026 period, family of three can earn up to approximately $4,255/month.

WIC Income Limits (2025-2026):

Household Size Max Monthly Income
1 person $2,308
2 people $3,118
3 people $3,928
4 people $4,738

How to apply: Call 1-800-942-4321 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

Medicaid and Granite Advantage (New Hampshire Medicaid, 2025)

Granite Advantage (Adults 19-64): Income limit up to 138% of federal poverty level (about $1,730/month for one person as of 2025).

Pregnant Women: Extended Medicaid coverage with higher income limits and 12 months of postpartum coverage.

Children: Medicaid covers children up to higher income thresholds than adults. If income is too high for Medicaid, children may qualify for premium assistance.

How to apply: Apply at NH EASY or call 1-844-275-3447.

Reality check: New Hampshire expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so more adults qualify than in non-expansion states.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must have income below 50% of Area Median Income. Check current HUD income limits for your county.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $1,500/month, you’d pay about $450 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: The estimated waiting time for a voucher is 7-9 years for most applicants. Many lists are closed.

How to apply: Contact New Hampshire Housing at 603-472-8623 or visit NH Housing Section 8.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits

How much you can get: New Hampshire pays $32-$427 per week based on your past earnings. Maximum weekly benefit amount is currently $427.

How long: Up to 26 weeks maximum duration.

How to apply:

  1. File online at NH Employment Security
  2. Call 603-271-7700 if you can’t apply online
  3. You must contact employers weekly to maintain benefits

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing if approved.

Job Training and Support

If you’re on FANF, you must participate in the New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP) – work activities, job training, or education.

NHWORKS Career Centers: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs
• Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at NH Employment Security

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,000/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (reduced due to income) • WIC: Food benefits if kids under 5 • Medicaid for children: Yes • Medicaid for mom: Yes (under Granite Advantage) • FANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, but 7-9 year wait

Reality: She’d get food and health coverage help but struggle with rent due to housing wait times.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living Alone

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month • WIC: Food benefits during pregnancy and after • Medicaid pregnancy coverage: Yes • FANF: Up to $860/month for single person • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medicaid in 2-3 weeks, FANF in 2-6 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $3,000/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: Up to $427/week for 26 weeks • SNAP: About $200-300/month initially
• Medicaid for child: Yes • Medicaid for mom: Yes • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – benefits are based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact ACLU of New Hampshire (603-224-5591) for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – no gross income limit • Ask about “child-only” FANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Manchester VA at 603-624-4366 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status • Contact International Institute of New Hampshire (603-647-1500) for guidance

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal housing office in addition to applying to state housing authorities
• Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

New Hampshire Resources by Region

Manchester/Southern NH

• Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority: 603-668-8400 • DHHS Manchester District Office: Apply at NH EASY • Community Action: Southern New Hampshire Services – 603-622-9761 • Legal Services: New Hampshire Legal Assistance – 1-800-639-5290

Concord/Central NH

• Concord Housing Authority: 603-224-8220 • DHHS Concord District Office: Apply at NH EASY • Community Action: Community Action Program – 603-225-3295

Nashua/Southeastern NH

• Nashua Housing Authority: 603-889-1534 • DHHS Nashua District Office: Apply at NH EASY • Community Action: Southern New Hampshire Services – 603-889-7347

Portsmouth/Seacoast

• Portsmouth Housing Authority: 603-436-4310 • DHHS Portsmouth District Office: Apply at NH EASY • Community Action: Rockingham Community Action – 603-436-9716

Berlin/North Country

• Berlin Housing Authority: 603-752-3060 • DHHS Berlin District Office: Apply at NH EASY • Community Action: Tri-County Community Action – 603-752-7001

Program Comparison Table

Program Max Monthly Benefit Income Limit (Family of 3) How Long to Get Help
SNAP $766 $5,425/month 7-30 days
FANF $1,291 $1,291/month 2-6 weeks
WIC Food benefits $3,928/month Same week
Unemployment $1,708/month ($427/week) Based on past wages 2-3 weeks
Section 8 Varies by rent ~50% AMI 7-9 years waiting

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/FANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DHHS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

  1. Request written reason for denial
  2. File appeal within deadlines (varies by program – check your notice)
  3. Ask for “aid pending” to continue benefits during appeal when allowed
  4. Get help from NH Legal Assistance: 1-800-639-5290

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks through New Hampshire Food Bank • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs through 211

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact Community Action Agencies through 211 for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, FANF, Medicaid online • Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/FANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • FANF decision and first payment • Medicaid coverage starts • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, New Hampshire has higher income limits than most states. SNAP allows up to 200% of poverty level. WIC allows up to 185% of poverty level. FANF has lower limits but working actually helps you qualify for programs like child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. New Hampshire’s expanded SNAP eligibility means you can earn more and still qualify. FANF has strict limits tied to the benefit amount. WIC income limits are generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income, not your family’s.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) FANF: 60-month lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum Unemployment: 26 weeks maximum Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within deadlines specified in your notice. Get help from New Hampshire Legal Assistance (1-800-639-5290). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and FANF, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency Medicaid covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: New Hampshire DHHS provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call 1-844-275-3447 and ask for language assistance in your preferred language.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 New Hampshire: Dial 211 or visit 211NH.org • NH DHHS: 1-844-275-3447 • NH Medicaid: 1-844-275-3447
• WIC: 1-800-942-4321 • Unemployment: 603-271-7700 • Legal Services: 1-800-639-5290

Crisis Support

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-644-3574 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • New Hampshire Crisis Line: 1-800-710-4673

Online Applications

• SNAP/FANF/Medicaid: NH EASY • Unemployment: NH Employment Security • Housing Authorities: NH Housing

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): NH Vital Records • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • NH ID/Driver’s License: NH DMV

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

New Hampshire has among the highest FANF benefits in the nation and more generous SNAP eligibility than most states. However, don’t expect these programs alone to solve your financial problems – think of them as a foundation while you build stability.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are 7-9 years long. Even expedited SNAP can take 7 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. New Hampshire takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance at 1-800-639-5290.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, and New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve New Hampshire families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – dhhs.nh.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • New Hampshire Employment Security – nhes.nh.gov • New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority – nhhfa.org • New Hampshire Legal Assistance – nhlegalaid.org • 211 New Hampshire – 211nh.org

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