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Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in New Hampshire

Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in New Hampshire

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no‑fluff guide to help you get rides for medical care, work, school, child care, and daily needs across New Hampshire. Every program and phone number here links to an official source so you can act fast and verify details.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

How to Get a Ride to a Medical Appointment in New Hampshire Today

If your child has a same‑day urgent visit, say that clearly when you call. Many programs can approve fast rides if your provider confirms urgency. Start with your health coverage, then use regional options to fill gaps.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 NH and ask for transportation or gas card programs near you, contact your city/town welfare office under RSA 165 for emergency transport help, and ask your clinic if they partner with volunteer driver programs like CVTC in the Monadnock region. (211nh.org)

Quick Program Snapshot (Comparison Table)

Program type Who it helps What you get Where to start
Medicaid FFS NEMT Families with Medicaid FFS Scheduled rides, gas reimbursement, Family & Friends mileage DHHS Medicaid FFS, CTS phone 1‑844‑259‑4780, Quick Guide PDF (dhhs.nh.gov)
Medicaid MCO rides Members of AmeriHealth Caritas, NH Healthy Families, Well Sense Door‑to‑door rides, mileage reimbursement AmeriHealth rides, NH Healthy Families (MTM), Well Sense (MTM) (amerihealthcaritasnh.com)
Work & training travel TANF/NHEP, WIOA, WorkNowNH Bus passes, gas reimbursement, car repair funds NHEP transportation policy, WIOA support services, WorkNowNH (dhhs.nh.gov)
Public transit & ADA Urban and regional riders Fixed routes, paratransit curb‑to‑curb COAST Bus, Manchester Transit, Nashua Transit (coastbus.org)
Volunteer drivers Rural and special trips Free or donation‑based rides for eligible riders TripLink, CVTC Monadnock, Transport Central (communityrides.org)

Medicaid Transportation in New Hampshire: What You Need to Know

Medicaid pays for rides to covered medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health visits when you have no other way to get there. You must book ahead, and you can often get mileage reimbursement if a friend or family member drives.

Typical timelines and wait times (realistic expectations)

Step How long it usually takes Where to check
Routine ride booking (FFS or MCO) 2 business days notice required; urgent medical may be faster with provider note Medicaid FFS page, Your MCO ride page, Well Sense rides (dhhs.nh.gov)
Mileage reimbursement Submit signed form; checks often arrive in 10–15 business days Quick Summary Guide, Medicaid FFS, Plan member handbook (dhhs.nh.gov)
Same‑day urgent ride Possible if doctor confirms urgency; availability varies by region DHHS Medicaid contact directory, AmeriHealth ride line, Well Sense ride line (dhhs.nh.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic to fax a medical necessity note to your broker, call 211 NH for volunteer drivers near you, and request help through ServiceLink if you or your child has a disability that affects travel. (211nh.org)

Work, Training, and Child Care Trips: State Programs That Can Pay

If your main barrier is getting to work or training, New Hampshire has several programs that can fund bus passes, gas, and even basic car repairs when tied to your plan.

  • TANF/NHEP support services: If you’re in the New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP), you can get up to 160permonthfortravel(buspassormileage)andupto160 per month for travel (bus pass or mileage) and up to 500 per state fiscal year for auto repairs with prior approval. Bring one written repair estimate and show your car is required for your approved activity. Read the NHEP transportation policy, confirm miles and limits, and review NHEP employment support rules. (dhhs.nh.gov)
  • WorkNowNH travel stipend: This state program can pay up to $160 per month for travel for up to six months while you get job‑ready or placed. Start by calling 1-833-658-4760 or visit WorkNowNH and ask about eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF recipients. You can find your nearest office through NH Employment Security locations and ask about language help via Relay NH TTY 1-800-735-2964. (nhes.nh.gov)
  • WIOA (NHWorks) supportive services: If you enroll in WIOA‑funded training, you can get supportive services like transportation, registration, inspection, repairs, or insurance—capped at $1,500 per participant per program year. Confirm with your case manager and review the Support Services list and your NHWorks center. (nheconomy.com)
  • SNAP Employment & Training (E&T): If you’re in SNAP E&T, you can get up to 100/month for transportation tied to E&T activities (mileage at 0.30/mile or transit/ride share actual cost). Ask your E&T worker and read SNAP E&T support services. (dhhs.nh.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply for general assistance at your city/town welfare office under RSA 165 municipal welfare, ask your NHWorks counselor about bridge funds, and call 211 NH for local gas card programs from charities like Catholic Charities or Salvation Army. Check Catholic Charities Community Services numbers by region. (gc.nh.gov)

Public Transit, ADA Paratransit, and Volunteer Rides

New Hampshire’s transit network combines city routes, paratransit, and volunteer driver groups. You’ll often use a mix of services depending on where you live and when you travel.

  • Urban bus systems: COAST (Seacoast), Manchester Transit (MTA), and Nashua Transit (NTS) run fixed routes with ADA paratransit for riders who cannot use buses. Check COAST customer service hours, MTA contact, and NTS contact for phone numbers, TTY/Relay, and service spans. (coastbus.org)
  • COAST + TripLink in the Seacoast: Use TripLink’s one‑call system to request ADA paratransit, Ready Rides, or senior shuttles; TripLink’s number is 1-603-834-6010. Explore TripLink how to use, COAST rider info, and ACT regional page for the Common Application. (communityrides.org)
  • Upper Valley fare‑free: Advance Transit runs fare‑free buses linking Lebanon, Hanover, and nearby towns, with ADA paratransit. See Advance Transit routes, fare‑free info via Keep NH Moving listing, and the main phone 1-802-295-1824. (advancetransit.com)
  • Rural and North Country: Tri‑County Transit serves Coos, Carroll, and northern Grafton counties with flex‑routes and door‑to‑door trips. Start with Tri‑County Transit, call 1-888-997-2020, and ask about long‑distance medical rides. Pair with Grafton County Senior Citizens Council if you’re traveling as a disabled adult or with a senior family member. (tccap.org)
  • Volunteer driver programs: In Monadnock towns, CVTC offers no‑fee rides to medical and other essential trips—call 1-603-821-0569 to enroll. In central Grafton/Belknap, Transport Central requires 3–5 business days’ notice at 1-855-654-3200. See CVTC, Transport Central, and TripLink for eligibility and scheduling. (cvtc-nh.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your planner about “travel training” to learn bus routes, request ADA paratransit eligibility, and consider CommuteSmart NH ride‑matching for carpools to work or school. Confirm with COAST travel training info and CommuteSmart NH site. (dot.nh.gov)

Getting to Work Without a Car: Carpooling, Emergency Ride Home, and Safety Patrol

You can carpool now and keep a safety net if plans fall through.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your HR to enroll your workplace in CommuteSMART Seacoast (membership is free), or contact your regional RCC via Keep NH Moving to set up carpool outreach at your job site. (commutesmartseacoast.org)

Car Ownership and Repair: Grants, Rules, and Reality

Car help exists in New Hampshire, but funding is often limited and tied to work plans or safety.

  • NHEP auto repair reimbursement: If you’re in NHEP, repairs can be reimbursed up to 500perpersonperstatefiscalyearwithpriorapprovalandawrittenestimate;thecarmustbenecessaryforyourapprovedactivity.See∗[FAM808.41TransportationAssistance](https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/famhtm/html/80841transportationassistancefam.htm)∗,reviewlimitsandthe500 per person per state fiscal year with prior approval and a written estimate; the car must be necessary for your approved activity. See *[FAM 808.41 Transportation Assistance](https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/fam_htm/html/808_41_transportation_assistance_fam.htm)*, review limits and the 160/month travel cap, and ask your Employment Counselor to submit the request. (dhhs.nh.gov)
  • WIOA supportive car costs: If you’re in WIOA training, supportive services can cover registration, inspection, repairs, and insurance up to $1,500 per participant per year when needed for training. Confirm with your case manager and see NH Economy/OOW support services and NHWorks offices. (nheconomy.com)
  • Good News Garage in NH: As of 2025, the Wheels to Work program in New Hampshire is inactive while the state contract is pending renewal. The Manchester office remains open, but cars are being placed in MA and VT. Read Good News Garage NH programs, find the Manchester office on GNG contact page, and consider writing your representative if you want this funding restored. (goodnewsgarage.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply with your town/city welfare office under RSA 165 for emergency transport, ask Catholic Charities Community Services about gas cards, and call 211 NH to check for local car‑repair funds or shop vouchers. (gc.nh.gov)

ADA Paratransit and Accessibility: How to Qualify

If a disability makes it hard to use fixed‑route buses, you can apply for ADA paratransit where those buses run.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask ServiceLink for mobility managers near you, call GSIL (Granite State Independent Living) for travel training, and check NH DOE/VR Independent Living for accessibility supports. (dhhs.nh.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, and Churches That Often Help

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 NH to locate another church‑based aid group, ask your city welfare office under RSA 165 for a same‑day voucher, and request your clinic’s social worker to document urgent need for transportation. (211nh.org)

Resources by Region (Where to Start Near You)

Seacoast (Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester)

Start with TripLink for multi‑provider scheduling and ADA eligibility. Call 1-603-834-6010 and use TripLink, COAST Bus for routes, and ACT regional page for the Common Application. Ask about Ready Rides for towns like Barrington, Durham, and Newmarket. (communityrides.org)

Manchester Area and Southern NH

Check Manchester Transit for local routes, StepSaver ADA for eligibility, and NHWorks Manchester for bus passes tied to job search. For emergency help, contact Manchester Welfare at 1-603-624-6484, and Salvation Army Manchester for crisis support. (mtabus.org)

Nashua and Greater Nashua

Use Nashua Transit System routes and paratransit scheduling at 1-603-880-0100, then ask NHWorks Nashua about travel stipends. Check regional Catholic Charities office at 1-603-889-9431 for emergency cards. (nashuanh.gov)

Upper Valley (Lebanon, Hanover, Enfield, Canaan)

Use Advance Transit fare‑free routes and ADA paratransit (Access AT), and call Grafton County Senior Citizens Council for door‑to‑door rides for disabled adults. For rural trips, check Transport Central at 1-855-654-3200. (advancetransit.com)

Monadnock Region

In 34 towns, CVTC coordinates volunteer rides; call 1-603-821-0569. Use NHWorks Keene for WIOA support, and check Catholic Charities Keene at 1-603-357-3093 for emergency needs. (cvtc-nh.org)

Lakes Region and Mid‑State

For Concord and Laconia areas, use Concord Area Transit and ask Mid‑State RCC about ERH reimbursements up to $70 per emergency. Check NHWorks Concord for bus passes or mileage while in training. (concordnh.gov)

North Country (Coos, northern Grafton, Carroll)

Call Tri‑County Transit at 1-888-997-2020 for flex routes and door‑to‑door rides; ask about long‑distance medical trips. Pair with GCSCC centers for mobility support, and check NHWorks Berlin for travel help tied to employment. (tccap.org)

What to do if these regional paths don’t work: Use Keep NH Moving to search by town, call 211 NH to find a volunteer driver near you, and ask ServiceLink for disability‑focused travel options. (keepnhmoving.com)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Tips and Where to Call

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your plan for a female driver if it helps you feel safer; you can say this when you call AmeriHealth CTS or Well Sense MTM. Connect with ServiceLink for local affirming providers and accessible rides; request TTY via 7‑1‑1 if needed. (amerihealthcaritasnh.com)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Apply for ADA paratransit through StepSaver or TripLink/COAST ADA, and ask GSIL about travel training, wheelchair‑van options, and home‑based supports through VR NH. Call for large‑print applications and ask for language access or TTY 7‑1‑1. (mtabus.org)

Veteran single mothers: Use DAV vans via Manchester VA for free rides to VA health care, and ask about Beneficiary Travel mileage if eligible. Keep VA Manchester contact 1-603-624-4366, and ask your county Veterans Service Officer via the NH State Office of Veterans Services. (va.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: If language is a barrier, ask your broker for an interpreter when you call CTS for Medicaid FFS or MTM for Well Sense. For non‑medical trips, contact NHWorks for WorkNowNH and WIOA travel help. (dhhs.nh.gov)

Tribal citizens and Native families: For disability or independent living travel supports, contact GSIL statewide, and if you also use VA care, ask about DAV transportation to Manchester VA. Search Keep NH Moving by town for regional volunteer rides. (communityrides.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Call Transport Central at 1-855-654-3200 for 3–5 day advance scheduling, check Tri‑County Transit for flex routes, and ask NHWorks about mileage for training or job search. (transportcentral.org)

Single fathers: All programs here are gender‑inclusive. Use TripLink for Seacoast scheduling, Advance Transit if you’re in the Upper Valley, and MTA StepSaver for ADA coverage in Manchester. (communityrides.org)

Language access: DHHS and transit providers offer interpreters and Relay NH. Use DHHS Customer Service 1‑844‑ASK‑DHHS, ask your plan’s Member Services (see AmeriHealth numbers), and confirm TTY at Nashua Transit contact. (dhhs.nh.gov)

How to Stop a Medical Trip from Falling Through: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check: Delays, Denials, and Funding Gaps

  • Medicaid rides can be late: Allow buffer time and build a backup plan with your clinic. Keep your plan’s ride number and the Well Sense/MTM late ride policy handy and call if you wait more than 15 minutes. (amerihealthcaritasnh.com)
  • Car repair funds are capped: NHEP auto repairs top out at 500perpersonperstatefiscalyear,andWIOAhasa500 per person per state fiscal year, and WIOA has a 1,500 annual cap. Confirm availability before scheduling work using NHEP policy and WIOA support rules. (dhhs.nh.gov)
  • Some programs are paused: Good News Garage is not currently placing vehicles in NH; don’t count on a donated car award here right now. Verify on GNG NH programs status and ask about MA/VT eligibility if you’re close to the border. (goodnewsgarage.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need First call Backup
Medicaid medical ride Medicaid FFS CTS 1‑844‑259‑4780 or your MCO ride line DHHS Customer Service, your clinic social worker (dhhs.nh.gov)
Work or training trip NHWorks/WorkNowNH WIOA support services, city welfare (nhes.nh.gov)
Seacoast multi‑provider scheduling TripLink 1‑603‑834‑6010 COAST, ACT RCC (communityrides.org)
Upper Valley fare‑free Advance Transit GCSCC transportation, Transport Central (advancetransit.com)
Crisis or gas card search 211 NH Catholic Charities, Salvation Army (211nh.org)

Application Checklist (Screenshot‑friendly – print and use)

If Your Application Gets Denied (Appeals and Fix‑It Steps)

County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

  • Strafford & Eastern Rockingham: One‑call scheduling through TripLink can connect you to multiple providers, including COAST ADA and Ready Rides volunteer drivers. Review ACT RCC for the seven most common towns served. (communityrides.org)
  • Hillsborough (Manchester/Nashua): ADA options vary by city (MTA StepSaver vs. NTS paratransit). Check MTA, StepSaver, and NTS, and call NHWorks for job‑linked travel. (mtabus.org)
  • Coos/Carroll/North Grafton: Flex routes and door‑to‑door rides through Tri‑County Transit require planning ahead; ask about long‑distance medical rides. Add GCSCC if traveling with a senior relative or adult with disabilities. (tccap.org)

Tables You Can Use While You Call

Medicaid Ride Lines at a Glance

Coverage Who to call Hours info Notes
Medicaid FFS CTS 1‑844‑259‑4780 Mon–Fri 8:00–5:00 Mileage reimbursement available with signed form. (dhhs.nh.gov)
AmeriHealth Caritas NH CTS 1‑833‑301‑2264 Mon–Wed 8:00–8:00; Thu–Fri 8:00–6:00 Use Family & Friends mileage first when possible. (amerihealthcaritasnh.com)
Well Sense (MTM) MTM 1‑844‑909‑7433 24/7 scheduling July 1, 2025 notice; ask about app/portal. (wellsense.org)
NH Healthy Families (MTM) MTM 1‑888‑597‑1192 See plan site/app Use MTM Link app for mileage trips.

City and Regional Transit – Key Contacts

Area Provider Phone Where to start
Seacoast COAST 1-603-743-5777 COAST hours/contact, TripLink
Manchester MTA 1-603-623-8801 StepSaver ADA, Routes/Schedules
Nashua NTS 1-603-880-0100 Contact/TTY, Hours
Upper Valley Advance Transit 1-802-295-1824 AT listing at Keep NH Moving, Access AT paratransit
North Country Tri‑County Transit 1-888-997-2020 Flex & door‑to‑door, Medicaid trips

Work & Training Transportation – Funding Limits

Program Travel benefit Repair benefit Where to read
NHEP (TANF) Up to $160/month travel Up to $500 per person SFY FAM 808.41, Employment SR 00‑48
WIOA Actual costs; cap applies Registration, inspection, repairs, insurance within $1,500 cap Support Services, NHWorks
WorkNowNH Up to $160/month x up to 6 months None listed WorkNowNH, case manager confirms payment method

Who to Call for Volunteer Rides

Region Program How to book
Monadnock CVTC 1‑603‑821‑0569, request enrollment
Central Grafton/Belknap Transport Central 1‑855‑654‑3200, 3–5 business days’ notice
Seacoast TripLink/Ready Rides 1‑603‑834‑6010, common application

Typical Waits and What You Can Do

Process Typical wait Action
Medicaid ride booking 48 hours Call earlier; ask clinic to note urgency on same‑day needs. Use FFS page or plan page.
Mileage reimbursement 10–15 business days Submit complete signed forms; keep copies from Quick Summary Guide.
ADA paratransit eligibility 7–21 days after application Ask for temporary eligibility if you have near‑term surgeries; see StepSaver and TripLink.

Real‑World Examples

Common Questions (FAQs)

  1. How can I get a same‑day ride for a sick child?
    Ask your clinic to call your broker and state “urgent medical.” Use Medicaid FFS CTS for FFS, or your plan’s number like AmeriHealth rides or Well Sense MTM. Clinics can document the urgency so dispatch makes room.
  2. Can Medicaid reimburse my neighbor for gas?
    Yes, if pre‑approved. Enroll the driver in Family & Friends mileage and call 48 hours before the trip. See the Quick Summary Guide and FFS page.
  3. I work nights; are there late buses?
    Some routes run late in Manchester and Nashua, but most rural services don’t. Check MTA hours, NTS hours, and ask CommuteSmart NH about carpools and ERH.
  4. Can Head Start provide transportation for my preschooler?
    Programs aren’t required to, but some do based on funding and routes. Ask your center and review Head Start transportation rules and requirements overview; for Hillsborough/Rockingham, contact Southern NH Services Head Start.
  5. Is there help if I’m fleeing abuse and need to move now?
    Call the 24/7 statewide helpline at 1-866-644-3574 for safety planning and help with urgent transport through local crisis centers. Use NHCADSV crisis centers, the support services page, and keep NHCADSV home saved.
  6. Can the state help with car repairs if I’m working?
    If you’re in NHEP, yes—up to 500perpersonperstatefiscalyearwithapproval.WIOAtrainingcancoverrepairswithinthe500 per person per state fiscal year with approval. WIOA training can cover repairs within the 1,500 cap. See NHEP policy and WIOA support.
  7. I live far from a bus line; who can drive me to the doctor?
    Check volunteer programs: CVTC in Monadnock, Transport Central in the central region, and TripLink in the Seacoast. Ask for 3–5 days’ notice.
  8. Do veterans get rides to VA?
    Yes. The DAV Transportation Network runs to Manchester VA; call 1-603-624-4366 ext. 6776. Use VA Manchester contact for schedules and shuttle info.
  9. Who helps me find the right program for my town?
    Use Keep NH Moving to search by town, contact your regional RCC, and call ServiceLink for disability‑specific rides.
  10. What if I don’t qualify for anything this month?
    Use city/town welfare under RSA 165 for emergency help, call 211 NH for local faith‑based aid, and ask NHWorks for travel help tied to job search.

Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Esta sección es un resumen breve. La traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA. Verifica siempre con las páginas oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If you spot an error, please email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll correct it within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in New Hampshire. Always verify current availability, limits, and scheduling rules directly with the agency or plan. Benefits depend on your eligibility, location, and funding at the time you apply. When in doubt, call to confirm before you travel or spend money on repairs.

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