Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
New Hampshire’s TANF cash assistance program is called Financial Assistance to Needy Families, or FANF. It can give monthly cash help to families with low income and a child in the home. The money is meant for basic needs like rent, utilities, diapers, gas, school items, and other daily costs.
Apply through NH EASY or ask a local DHHS office for help. You can also use the state’s DHHS TANF page to check current program rules before you apply.
FANF is not a grant that anyone can get. DHHS checks your household, income, resources, child status, work rules, and child support cooperation. If you are approved, your exact amount can be lower than the maximum because DHHS counts income and other facts in your case.
If you need help today
If you are out of food, facing eviction, have no safe place to sleep, have a shutoff notice, or cannot wait for a benefits decision, do not rely on FANF alone. Call 211 or use 211 New Hampshire to ask for food, shelter, rent, utility, diaper, and local emergency programs.
If you are in danger, call 911. If abuse, stalking, or sexual violence is part of your situation, contact NH domestic violence help or the New Hampshire 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-866-644-3574. Use a safer phone or device if someone monitors your calls or browser history.
For legal problems with eviction, benefits, or safety, ask NH Legal Assistance whether they can help. This guide is general information, not legal or safety advice.
Where to start
Start online
Use Apply for Assistance to get to the state application system. You can apply for cash, SNAP, Medicaid, and child care help in one place.
Call for help
Use the Customer Service Center if you cannot sign in, need a status update, or need help finding the right office.
Go in person
Use the District Office locator to find a DHHS office. Bring ID, proof of income, and any notices you received.
Also keep the broader New Hampshire help page open while you apply. FANF may be only one part of what your family needs.
Quick reference
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Cash assistance | Apply through NH EASY. | Approval is not guaranteed, and DHHS will ask for proof. |
| Local office help | Find a DHHS location. | Office hours and services can vary by location. |
| Food | Apply for SNAP with FANF and check SNAP help. | Food benefits have their own rules and proof list. |
| Housing crisis | Call 211 and read housing help. | Many housing programs have waitlists or local limits. |
| Child care | Ask about the Child Care Scholarship and see child care help. | You may still need to find a provider with an opening. |
Who may qualify for FANF
FANF is for families with low income and dependent children. New Hampshire lists several FANF paths, including the New Hampshire Employment Program, Family Assistance Program, Interim Disabled Parent program, and Families With Older Children program. The state says these FANF paths use the same cash eligibility rules and benefit limits.
The basic checks usually include:
- You live in New Hampshire.
- You care for a child who meets the dependent child rules.
- Your household income and resources are within state limits.
- You meet citizenship or eligible immigration rules for the program.
- You give DHHS the proof it asks for.
- You follow work rules if your case is placed in a work-required FANF path.
- You cooperate with child support unless DHHS approves good cause.
New Hampshire policy says TANF/FANF includes a dependent child who lives with a parent or specified relative and is under age 18, or under age 19 and a full-time student in high school or a high school equivalency program. Confirm the current details in the state FANF policy before you rely on a rule.
Do not screen yourself out too fast
If you work part time, live with relatives, are pregnant, are caring for a child who is not your own, or recently lost income, it may still be worth applying or asking DHHS. The only way to know your case is to have DHHS review it.
How much cash assistance can FANF pay in 2026?
New Hampshire posts the maximum FANF payment standard in state policy. The figures below come from the March 2026 NH DHHS table. Your actual benefit can be lower if DHHS counts income or other benefits in your case.
| Assistance group size | Maximum monthly payment standard | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $798 | Maximum before countable income. |
| 2 | $1,082 | Maximum before countable income. |
| 3 | $1,366 | Maximum before countable income. |
| 4 | $1,650 | Maximum before countable income. |
| 5 | $1,934 | Maximum before countable income. |
| 6 | $2,218 | Maximum before countable income. |
| Each extra person | Add $284 | Check the state table for larger households. |
Check the official 2026 payment table before you apply or appeal. If your notice shows a lower amount, ask DHHS for the written budget that shows how it counted your income.
Tip
Do not compare your case to another family’s case. Two families of the same size can get different amounts because of wages, child support, unemployment, household members, sanctions, or other countable income.
How to apply for FANF in New Hampshire
The fastest starting point for most families is NH EASY. Create or sign in to your account, choose the assistance programs you want, and submit the application. Save your confirmation number or take a screenshot.
You can also ask for help at a DHHS District Office. If you have trouble with English, reading, disability access, technology, transportation, or safe communication, ask DHHS for help or an accommodation.
After you apply, watch your NH EASY messages and your mail. DHHS may ask for an interview, missing proof, or more information. Missing a deadline can delay or close your case, so ask for more time before the deadline if you cannot get a document.
Documents and information to gather
You do not have to have every paper in hand before you start. But you should gather proof as soon as possible because DHHS cannot finish many cases without it.
| Item | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, school ID, other photo ID | Shows who is applying. |
| Child proof | Birth certificate, school record, hospital record | Shows the child is in your care. |
| Residence | Lease, shelter letter, mail, utility bill | Shows you live in New Hampshire. |
| Income | Pay stubs, job loss proof, unemployment notice | Helps DHHS calculate countable income. |
| Expenses | Rent, utilities, child care receipts, transportation costs | May help explain your situation and other program needs. |
| Safety or health proof | Doctor note, advocate letter, court order, police report if safe | May support good cause, exemption, or accommodation requests. |
If you need food, ask about SNAP. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or caring for a young child, check WIC help too. If you need medical coverage, review health care help while your cash case is pending.
Work rules and the New Hampshire Employment Program
If your case is assigned to the New Hampshire Employment Program, called NHEP, you may have to take part in approved work or work-prep activities. The state describes NHEP as help with employment plans, education, training, child care, transportation barriers, and work goals. Read the state’s NHEP supports page so you know what the program is supposed to do.
Examples of work activities may include job search, work experience, training, education tied to work goals, or other approved steps in your employment plan. Your plan should match your case as much as possible. Tell your worker early if you have no child care, no transportation, health limits, school conflicts, domestic violence concerns, or a child with special needs.
New Hampshire’s NHEP orientation policy says participants must be told about work program rules, good cause, exemptions, sanctions, and appeal rights. If you miss something, do not ignore the notice. Contact your worker and explain what happened.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing an appointment and waiting weeks to call.
- Not updating your address, phone, or email in NH EASY.
- Quitting a job without asking how it may affect your case.
- Not keeping proof of child care problems, illness, or transportation trouble.
- Assuming a verbal promise is enough. Ask for notices and decisions in writing.
Child support cooperation and safety
Many FANF cases must cooperate with child support. New Hampshire’s Bureau of Child Support Services may help locate the other parent, establish paternity, and set or enforce support. Use child support services for the official overview.
If contacting the other parent could put you or your child at risk, ask about good cause right away. New Hampshire has a good cause form for people who believe cooperation with child support is unsafe or not in the child’s best interest. You can also read ASMOM’s child support guide for a broader overview.
If abuse, stalking, threats, or sexual violence are involved, you can contact the NH crisis centers for confidential support. Do not share documents or details that could make you less safe without talking to a trained advocate or attorney first.
If your application is denied, delayed, reduced, or closed
Read every notice from DHHS. The notice should tell you what decision was made, why it was made, and how to appeal. If the notice says proof is missing, upload or deliver the proof as soon as you can and keep a copy.
If you disagree with the decision, ask about a fair hearing. The DHHS appeals unit conducts impartial hearings for DHHS decisions. Do not wait if your notice gives a deadline.
For legal help, contact NH Legal Assistance or review legal help. If the problem is also about eviction, unsafe housing, a protection order, or public benefits, ask the legal aid office which documents to gather.
Keep a simple proof log
Write down the date you applied, the date of every call, the name of the person you spoke with, what they said, and what documents you sent. Take screenshots of uploads and messages when possible.
Backup help if FANF is not enough
FANF can help, but it may not cover all costs. Apply for other programs at the same time when you can.
- Emergency rent or shelter: Start with 211, your town or city welfare office, and NH Housing renters. Also review ASMOM emergency help.
- Utilities and heat: New Hampshire fuel help is handled through Community Action Agencies. Start with Fuel Assistance Program information and ASMOM utility help.
- Local programs: Use NH community action to find your regional Community Action Agency. For charities and local groups, see community support.
- Work and training: Ask NHEP about work supports and look at job training help.
- Safety concerns: If abuse is involved, read safety resources and use a safe device when searching.
- Other child needs: If you need diapers, baby items, or school supplies, check baby gear help.
Phone scripts
Calling DHHS about applying
“Hi, I am trying to apply for FANF cash assistance for my family. Can you tell me the best way to apply, whether I need an interview, and what documents I should upload first?”
Calling about a delay
“Hi, I applied for FANF on [date]. I want to check whether my case is missing anything. Can you tell me what is still needed and the deadline?”
Asking about work-rule problems
“I want to follow my NHEP plan, but I have a problem with [child care, transportation, health, safety]. Can I request good cause, an exemption, or a changed plan in writing?”
Calling 211 for backup help
“I applied for FANF, but I need help now with [food, rent, shelter, utilities, diapers]. Can you search for programs in my town and tell me what to ask for?”
Resumen en español
En New Hampshire, TANF se llama FANF, o Financial Assistance to Needy Families. Es ayuda en efectivo para familias con bajos ingresos y niños en el hogar. Puede solicitar en línea por NH EASY o pedir ayuda en una oficina de DHHS.
La cantidad depende del tamaño de la familia, ingresos y reglas del caso. Si tiene una emergencia de comida, renta, vivienda, servicios públicos o seguridad, llame al 211. Si hay violencia doméstica o peligro, llame al 911 o a la línea estatal de violencia doméstica al 1-866-644-3574 desde un teléfono seguro.
FAQ
What is TANF called in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire calls its TANF cash assistance program Financial Assistance to Needy Families, or FANF.
How do I apply for FANF?
Most families can apply online through NH EASY. You can also ask for help through a DHHS District Office or the DHHS Customer Service Center.
How much can a family get?
The March 2026 New Hampshire payment table lists a maximum payment standard of $1,366 for an assistance group of three. Your actual amount can be lower if DHHS counts income or applies other case rules.
Do I have to work to get FANF?
Some FANF cases are assigned to the New Hampshire Employment Program and have work or work-prep rules. Some families may qualify for exemptions or good cause, depending on their situation.
What if child support cooperation is unsafe?
Ask DHHS about good cause right away. New Hampshire has a good cause process for people who believe child support cooperation could be unsafe or not in the child’s best interest.
What can I do if DHHS denies or closes my case?
Read your notice, send any missing proof, and ask about a fair hearing if you disagree. Legal aid may be able to help with public benefits problems.
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 20, 2026, next review August 20, 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.