Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in New Hampshire

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in New Hampshire

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025

Main Points

Emergency rental assistance is available through Community Action agencies statewide, but federal NHERAP ended in 2022
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay rent but waiting lists can be 9 years long in some areas
LIHEAP fuel assistance provides $94-$2,177 for heating bills with 60% state median income eligibility
Fair Market Rents range from $1,072 in rural Coos County to $2,837 in the Boston metro area
Income limits vary by area – most programs serve families earning under 50% of Area Median Income
Multiple programs can be combined but funding is extremely limited statewide

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance and referrals.

Can’t pay heating bills? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis fuel assistance up to $2,177.

Need emergency shelter? New Hampshire has 18 housing programs across 14 agencies providing emergency shelter – call 2-1-1 for referrals.

In danger? New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence: Call 2-1-1 or visit your local crisis center.

Legal help with eviction? 603 Legal Aid provides free legal services: (603) 224-3333

Emergency Housing Assistance

Community Action Agency Emergency Programs

New Hampshire has 5 Community Action Agencies serving all counties: Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Southern New Hampshire Services, Southwestern Community Services, and Tri-County Community Action Program.

What they offer:

Emergency rental assistance (funding varies by agency and availability)
Crisis utility assistance including shut-off prevention
Security deposits and first month’s rent for new housing
Case management and housing search assistance
Referrals to other emergency resources

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency directly. If you are behind on your rent and facing eviction, your local Community Action agency might be able to help.

Reality check: The New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) application process was paused on October 21, 2022, and will not be reopened. Current emergency assistance comes from limited local funding and varies greatly by county.

Contact Information:

Strafford County: Community Action Partnership of Strafford County
Belknap & Merrimack Counties: Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties
Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties: Southern New Hampshire Services
Cheshire & Sullivan Counties: Southwestern Community Services
Coos, Carroll & Grafton Counties: Tri-County Community Action Program

Visit CAPNH.org to find contact information for your local agency.

Emergency Shelter Programs

Through the State Grant-in-Aid program, New Hampshire’s Bureau of Homeless Services oversees 18 housing programs across 14 unique agencies providing low-barrier shelter and related services.

New Generation (Manchester area) Provides family-oriented shelter, transitional housing, and aftercare services specifically for pregnant and single mothers facing homelessness due to domestic violence, financial hardship, substance use, trauma or other issues.

Families in Transition-New Horizons Provides comprehensive services including housing, emergency shelter, substance use treatment, and food programs with over 30 years of experience in New Hampshire.

Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire Serves families of every type including single mothers, single fathers, two parent families, and grandparents raising grandchildren, with no limits on ages of parents or children.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Through the HCV program, a qualified household pays a portion of their adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and New Hampshire Housing pays the remainder directly to the landlord. New Hampshire Housing administers the statewide program.

Income Eligibility (2025)

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have incomes below 50% of their Area Median Income.

These are estimated figures based on HUD guidelines – contact New Hampshire Housing at (603) 472-8623 for exact current limits in your area.

Family Size	Very Low Income (50% AMI)
1 person	~$35,000
2 people	~$40,000
3 people	~$45,000
4 people	~$50,000

Priority groups:

Families experiencing homelessness
Families with disabilities
Elderly households
Veterans

Application process:

Apply online at New Hampshire Housing’s portal
Provide income verification, Social Security numbers, immigration status documentation
Complete eligibility interview
Wait for voucher availability
Attend voucher briefing when selected
Find qualifying rental unit within program timeframe
Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: Due to the number of households applying for the HCV program, an applicant’s time on the waiting list can stretch to as long as nine years. This is among the longest wait times in the nation.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: New Hampshire Housing FY2025 Fair Market Rents

Area	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy (Rockingham)	$2,394	$2,837	$3,418	$3,761
Nashua HUD Metro Area	$1,621	$2,126	$2,824	$2,999
Manchester HUD Metro Area	$1,485	$1,948	$2,347	$2,583
Portsmouth-Rochester	$1,517	$1,961	$2,429	$2,749
Coos County (Rural)	$817	$1,072	$1,416	$1,421

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area. Tenants typically pay 30% of income toward rent.

Public Housing

New Hampshire Housing operates public housing developments where rent is typically 30% of adjusted income.

Pros:

Lower cost than private market
On-site management and maintenance
Some properties offer supportive services

Cons:

Very limited locations statewide
Extremely long waiting lists
Less choice in neighborhoods

New Hampshire Housing Homeownership Programs

New Hampshire Housing offers several homebuyer programs including down payment assistance provided as a second mortgage with zero percent interest and no required monthly payments.

Available programs:

First-time homebuyer loans
Down payment assistance up to available limits
Homebuyer education seminars
Credit and budget counseling

Requirements:

First-time homebuyer status (or not owned home in past 3 years)
Income limits apply (varies by area and program)
Must complete homebuyer education
Property must meet program guidelines

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Fuel Assistance Program is New Hampshire’s arm of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which provides benefits to qualified New Hampshire households to assist with heating costs.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: New Hampshire Department of Energy

Benefit Type	Amount Range
Regular Heating	$94 – $2,177
Winter Crisis	Up to $2,177
Weatherization	Up to $20,000

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Source: New Hampshire Department of Energy FY2025 Guidelines

Household Size	Maximum Annual Income
1 person	$47,604
2 people	$62,252
3 people	$76,900
4 people	$91,548
5 people	$106,195

Application periods:

Heating: Year-round
Winter Crisis: December 1 – April 30
Weatherization: Year-round

Priority groups: Priority is given to households with elderly members, disabled members, and/or households with young children.

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA) and complete the application. Your local CAA will determine your eligibility.

Required documents:

Photo ID
Social Security cards for all household members
Recent utility bills or heating vendor statements
Proof of income for all household members 18+

Reality check: This winter, there are some Granite Staters who have already exhausted their benefits. With the number of cold days and the high cost of heating fuels in New England, it’s difficult to help residents get through the whole season with LIHEAP.

Electric Assistance Program (EAP)

Customers of Eversource, Unitil, Liberty and NHEC are eligible to participate in the Electric Assistance Program.

Benefits: Provides eligible customers with a discount of 5%-86% on their monthly electric bills, depending on their gross household income.

Eligibility: Same 60% state median income guidelines as LIHEAP.

Additional Utility Programs

Neighbor Helping Neighbor A statewide fund administered by community action agencies serving households ineligible for LIHEAP who have a disconnect notice from their electric or natural gas utility.

Weatherization Assistance Home energy efficiency improvements up to $15,000 through the Home Energy Assistance Program, including insulation, thermostats, lighting upgrades, and efficient refrigerators.

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

New Generation (Manchester) Provides shelter, 24/7 support, transitional housing, and ongoing support services specifically for mothers and children, helping families escape homelessness and secure permanent housing.

Contact: New Generation

Marguerite’s Place (Nashua area) Transitional housing specifically for women and children.

Cross Roads House (Portsmouth area) Provides secure, transitional shelter with a proven program that helps residents move with dignity and purpose to stable and decent housing, housing approximately 75 people on any given night.

Domestic Violence Housing

New Hampshire’s Bureau of Homeless Services contracts with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV) to provide funding to several Domestic Violence shelters statewide.

24/7 Crisis Line: Call 2-1-1 for immediate connection to local crisis centers

Safe housing options include:

Emergency shelter
Transitional housing programs
Rapid rehousing assistance
Safety planning and support services

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While New Hampshire has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, supportive resources include:

Local support:

PFLAG New Hampshire: Advocacy and resource referrals
Contact 2-1-1 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence serves all survivors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity

Housing discrimination protection: New Hampshire law prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

Community Action Agencies provide outreach services to rural areas
Mobile outreach services available in some counties
Telehealth and virtual support services
Priority for some programs given location-based need

Transportation assistance:

Contact local Community Action Agencies for transportation vouchers
Some agencies provide gas cards for essential appointments
Rural transit services available in limited areas

Single Fathers

Single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender Additional resources:

Family Promise accepts families of every type: single mothers, single fathers, two parent families, grandparents raising grandchildren
Local fatherhood support groups through Community Action Agencies
New Hampshire Fatherhood Initiative: Support and resources

Resources by Region

Southern New Hampshire (Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties)

Southern New Hampshire Services

LIHEAP utility assistance
Emergency rental assistance (when available)
Weatherization programs
Phone: (603) 880-7500
Website: Southern New Hampshire Services

New Hampshire Housing (Statewide)

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Homeownership programs
Phone: (603) 472-8623
Address: PO Box 5087, Manchester, NH 03108

Central New Hampshire (Belknap & Merrimack Counties)

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties (CAPBM)

Emergency assistance programs
Fuel and electric assistance
Housing search assistance
Phone: (603) 225-3295
Website: CAPBM

Northern New Hampshire (Coos, Carroll & Grafton Counties)

Tri-County Community Action Program (TCCAP)

Energy assistance services
Emergency housing help
Rural outreach programs
Phone: (603) 752-7001
Website: TCCAP

Southwestern New Hampshire (Cheshire & Sullivan Counties)

Southwestern Community Services (SCS)

Housing assistance programs
Utility help
Emergency assistance
Phone: (603) 352-7512
Website: SCS

Seacoast Area (Strafford County)

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County

Housing assistance programs
Emergency services
Family support programs
Phone: (603) 516-9300
Website: Strafford CAP

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in New Hampshire?

Due to the number of households applying for the HCV program, an applicant’s time on the waiting list can stretch to as long as nine years. This is one of the longest wait times in the country. Wait times vary by:

Urban areas (Manchester, Nashua): 7-9 years
Rural areas: 5-7 years
Priority status: Homeless families and those with disabilities may have shorter waits

Many housing authorities close their waiting lists when they become too long. Check current status with New Hampshire Housing before applying.

Can I get help if I have a job?

Yes! Most programs focus on income limits rather than employment status. For LIHEAP, a family of three can earn up to $76,900 annually and still qualify. Section 8 serves families earning up to 50% of Area Median Income, which varies by location but allows working families to qualify.

What if I rent and my heat is included?

If heat is included in your rent, you may still be eligible for fuel assistance through LIHEAP, with benefits paid directly to your landlord. However, Section 8 units and some subsidized units are not eligible for LIHEAP.

Where can I find landlords who accept Section 8?

New Hampshire doesn’t have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. Contact New Hampshire Housing for lists of participating landlords, or search HUD’s database of voucher-friendly properties.

What happens if my income is too high for assistance?

New Hampshire has a new state-funded emergency assistance program aimed at residents who aren’t eligible for LIHEAP funds, serving customers who make between 60% and 75% of the statewide median income. This expands help to moderate-income families.

Can I get emergency help in winter?

Yes. Emergency fuel applications can only be processed once the program opens and emergency applications are accepted if there is less than 1 week of fuel available to the household. Call your Community Action Agency immediately if facing a heating emergency.

What if I’m facing eviction right now?

Contact 603 Legal Aid immediately at (603) 224-3333 for free legal help. Also call your local Community Action Agency for emergency rental assistance – even if main programs aren’t available, they may have crisis funds.

Do I qualify if I live with others?

LIHEAP typically considers everyone living at your address as part of your household, even if you do not share most expenses. This means roommates who are covered by the same utility bill are counted as part of the same LIHEAP household.

What documents do I need to apply?

Common requirements include:

Photo ID for all adults
Social Security cards for all household members
Proof of income for all adults (pay stubs, unemployment, Social Security, etc.)
Recent utility bills or rent receipts
Birth certificates for children
Immigration documentation if applicable

Can undocumented immigrants get help?

Most federal programs require legal immigration status, but some emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available regardless of status. Contact your local agency directly to discuss available options.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8 or public housing. Government programs are free to apply for.

Fake promises: No legitimate service can guarantee you’ll receive housing assistance or move to the front of waiting lists.

High-pressure tactics: Be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment or personal information over the phone.

Common Challenges in New Hampshire

Extremely limited funding: The major federal emergency rental assistance program (NHERAP) ended in 2022, leaving very limited emergency help available.

Geographic barriers: New Hampshire’s rural nature means fewer service providers and longer distances to access help.

Heating costs: New Hampshire’s high heating costs mean LIHEAP benefits often don’t cover the entire winter season.

Housing shortage: High demand and low supply of affordable housing makes finding rentals extremely difficult.

Tips for Success

Apply early and to everything: Don’t wait – apply to Section 8, LIHEAP, and local programs simultaneously.

Build relationships: Community Action Agency staff are your best allies – maintain regular contact.

Document everything: Keep organized files of all applications, correspondence, and income documentation.

Consider rural areas: Fair Market Rents are significantly lower in rural counties like Coos ($1,072 for 2BR) versus urban areas like Boston metro ($2,837 for 2BR).

Plan for winter: Apply for LIHEAP as early as possible – priority households can apply in July.

Additional Resources

New Hampshire State Agencies

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

TANF, SNAP, Medicaid applications
Phone: (603) 271-4321
Website: DHHS.NH.gov

New Hampshire Department of Energy

LIHEAP program administration
Energy efficiency programs
Phone: (603) 271-2711
Website: Energy.NH.gov

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

General housing information
Phone: (800) 569-4287
Website: HUD.gov

USDA Rural Development

Rural housing programs (limited in New Hampshire)
Phone: (603) 223-6035

Legal Aid

603 Legal Aid

Free legal help for housing issues
Eviction defense
Phone: (603) 224-3333
Website: 603LegalAid.org

Financial Counseling

New Hampshire Housing Homebuyer education and financial counseling Phone: (603) 472-8623

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This New Hampshire guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including New Hampshire Housing, New Hampshire Department of Energy, Community Action Partnership of New Hampshire, and federal agencies to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New Hampshire Housing, New Hampshire Department of Energy, Community Action Partnership of New Hampshire, HUD, and HHS sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is extremely limited in New Hampshire and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with your local Community Action Agency. New Hampshire has particularly limited emergency assistance since federal programs ended, so early application and multiple program applications are essential.

🏛️More New Hampshire Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in New Hampshire

You may also need: Utility Assistance Emergency Assistance Community Support