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New Hampshire

New Hampshire Single Mother Resource Hub

New Hampshire

Single Mother Survival Guide & Resource Hub

Emergency Contacts

All Resources 2-1-1
Domestic Violence 1-866-644-3574
Child Protection 1-800-894-5533
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Emergency Food Call 2-1-1 for immediate food resources
Salvation Army Call 2-1-1 to find your local Salvation Army

The Reality Check

Here’s how New Hampshire stacks up. We’ve color-coded the rankings: Green is good (Top 15), Yellow is average, and Red is a major challenge (Bottom 15).

#2 Overall Rank
#5 Single Mother Rank
#13 Healthcare
#4 Education
#8 Economy
#44 Affordability
#2 Safety
#1 Quality of Life
#15 Opportunity
#12 Mental Health

The Brutal Numbers

These are the core financial and legal realities that define the struggle in New Hampshire.

Single Mother Poverty Rate 18.7%
Food Insecurity Rate 7.2%
Gender Pay Gap 87¢ per $1
Child Support Collection Rate 66.7%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr
Housing Wage Needed $29.85/hr
Eviction Laws Grade A
Annual Childcare Cost $13426

2025 Income Limits & Benefit Amounts

Family Size FPL (Annual) Max SNAP (Monthly) Max TANF (Monthly)
1 Person $15650 $291 $757
2 People $21150 $535 $954
3 People $26650 $766 $1151
4 People $32150 $973 $1348
5 People $37650 $1155 $1545

Eligibility & How to Qualify

SNAP Eligibility

Typically up to 185% of FPL (household size matters).

Medicaid Eligibility

Typically up to 138% of FPL for parents/caretakers.

Child Care Assistance

Typically up to 85% of State Median Income.

These are high-level thresholds; verify with the state portals above. Rules vary by household size and situation.

Can You Actually Survive? (Family of 3)

This is the bottom-line math. We compare maximum benefits to MIT’s calculated living wage for a single adult with 2 children.

$1917 Max Monthly Benefits (SNAP + TANF)
$6067 MIT Living Wage Required
-$4150 Monthly Shortfall
Even with maximum benefits, you are projected to be $4150 short each month for basic necessities.

SURVIVAL MODE: Your New Hampshire Strategy

Given the reality, a strategic approach is essential. Here’s a three-stage plan using New Hampshire’s specific resources.

Immediate Survival

  • Get Food Stamp Program & NH Medicaid immediately
  • Apply for FANF cash assistance
  • Get on ALL housing waitlists – expect long waits
  • Find local food banks via 2/1/2001

Bridge Strategies

  • Combine part-time work with childcare subsidies
  • Use WIC benefits for nutritional support
  • Access job training in Tech/Healthcare sector
  • Apply for utility assistance programs

Exit Strategy

  • Focus training on high-growth Tech/Healthcare jobs
  • Secure child support enforcement
  • Build credit and savings systematically
  • Plan education advancement strategically

Key State Facts

  • No state income tax or EITC
  • NH Child Care Scholarship helps with childcare costs
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave is voluntary
  • Highest property taxes in the nation
  • Very low crime rates and excellent quality of life

Your Complete New Hampshire Resource Hub

The Bottom Line

New Hampshire is tough, but you’re tougher. Focus on immediate survival, stack every benefit, and use the state’s resources to build skills and savings for your next chapter.

Page generated and data updated: September 2025

Data Sources: U.S. News, WalletHub, HHS, USDA, NLIHC, and State Agencies

Disclaimer: This website is an informational resource. While we strive for accuracy, benefit amounts and eligibility rules can change. Always verify information with the official state agency. This site is not affiliated with any government entity.