Government grants provide direct financial help to individuals and families without requiring repayment. These programs address urgent needs like heating bills, rent payments, food costs, and healthcare expenses. New Hampshire residents can access over $315 million in federal housing-related funding annually, plus additional state-administered assistance for energy, education, and health services.
Grants differ from loans because recipients never owe money back. New Hampshire administers these programs through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), New Hampshire Housing, and community action agencies across all counties. Eligible households typically include low-income families, seniors, disabled individuals, veterans, and those facing temporary financial hardship.
Key Takeaways
New Hampshire accepts year-round applications for heating assistance through LIHEAP, providing an average benefit of $1,284 per household
Housing Choice Vouchers help qualified residents pay rent, with DHHS covering the difference between 30% of household income and actual rent costs
NH EASY serves as the single online portal to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, and child care programs
Income limits for most programs range from 50% to 185% of area median income, depending on household size and program type
Applications require Social Security numbers, proof of income, residency verification, and identification documents for all household members
Types of Government Grants Available in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers multiple grant categories to address housing stability, utility costs, workforce training, and healthcare access. Each program targets specific financial barriers and operates through designated state agencies.
Housing Assistance Programs
New Hampshire Housing administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, formerly called Section 8. Qualified households pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent and utilities, while the state covers remaining costs directly to landlords. Wait times currently extend up to nine years due to limited voucher availability. The state receives roughly $5 million annually in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds for affordable housing development.
USDA Rural Development provides Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants for residents in eligible rural areas. Grants can reach $50,000 when combined with loans, or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas.
Energy and Utility Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides heating and cooling grants to income-eligible families. New Hampshire received $31.1 million in LIHEAP funding in the previous year, assisting 28,400 households. Applications are accepted year-round, and approximately 20.9% of New Hampshire families qualify based on income criteria.
The Fuel Assistance Program covers heating oil, natural gas, propane, electricity, and other energy sources. Households with incomes below 60% of State Median Income may qualify.
Education and Workforce Development
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds free career counseling, skills training, and postsecondary education programs. Priority goes to public assistance recipients, low-income individuals, and veterans. Services include job search assistance, resume help, and direct training costs.
The Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program and Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program provide specialized employment services through the NHWORKS system.
Small Business and Economic Development
| Program Name | Maximum Award | Purpose | Administering Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) | $5,000 | Capacity-building for local entrepreneurs | NH Community Loan Fund |
| Small Business Development Grant | $25,000 | Business growth and development initiatives | State of New Hampshire |
| State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) | $7,500-$8,000 | Export promotion cost reimbursement (up to 80%) | State of New Hampshire |
| Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) Grant | Varies | Municipal land use regulation updates to increase housing supply | NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs |
Senior, Disabled, Family, and Veteran Support
Choices for Independence Waiver covers home-based medical services for adults aged 65 and older and younger adults with disabilities. Benefits include personal care services, home health aides, skilled nursing, respite care, and durable medical equipment.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps households purchase food. New Hampshire expanded categorical eligibility allows families with children to qualify with gross incomes up to 185% of federal poverty guidelines.
NH Medicaid provides health coverage for children, pregnant women, and adults based on income. Children ages 0-18 qualify at 318% of federal poverty level, pregnant women at 196%, and adults under 65 at 133%.
Who Is Eligible for New Hampshire Government Grants
Eligibility requirements vary by program but generally depend on household income, residency status, and household composition. Most programs use federal poverty guidelines or area median income as benchmarks.
Income-Based Eligibility
| Program | Income Limit | Household Size Example (3 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher | 50% of area median income | Varies by county |
| LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance | 60% of state median income | Contact local CAA for exact amounts |
| SNAP (general) | 130% of federal poverty level | $26,208 gross annual income (2017 figures) |
| SNAP (expanded categorical eligibility) | 185% of federal poverty level | $37,296 gross annual income |
| Medicaid (children 0-18) | 318% of federal poverty level | Varies annually by federal guidelines |
| Medicaid (adults under 65) | 133% of federal poverty level | Varies annually by federal guidelines |
Residency and Documentation Requirements
All applicants must provide proof of New Hampshire residency and Social Security numbers for household members. Additional required documents typically include photo identification, birth certificates, income verification, and custody paperwork when applicable.
Veterans receive priority of service in all Department of Labor-funded employment programs. They have 15 years after discharge to use GI Bill benefits for approved training programs.
Priority Groups
Several programs prioritize specific populations:
Public assistance recipients and basic skills deficient individuals for WIOA Adult funds
Elderly and disabled members receive higher asset limits ($3,250 vs. $2,250) and expanded income limits (165% vs. 130%) for SNAP
Pregnant women and children for Medicaid coverage
Service members and their families for workforce development
How to Apply for Government Grants in New Hampshire
Application processes differ by program, but most use online portals, local agency visits, or mail submissions. New Hampshire centralized many applications through NH EASY (New Hampshire Electronic Application System for You).
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Action Required | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Determine Eligibility | Review income limits and program requirements | Check household size, income level, and residency status |
| 2. Gather Documents | Collect required verification materials | Social Security cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, income statements, utility bills |
| 3. Access Application Portal | Visit NH EASY or program-specific website | NH EASY: Apply online at DHHS website LIHEAP: Contact local Community Action Agency Housing Vouchers: Apply through NH Housing website |
| 4. Complete Application | Fill out all required fields accurately | Answer questions about household composition, income sources, and expenses |
| 5. Submit Supporting Documents | Upload or mail verification materials | Send documents to NH DHHS or designated local agency |
| 6. Complete Interview (if required) | Attend scheduled phone or in-person interview | SNAP and some programs require eligibility interviews |
| 7. Receive Decision | Wait for written notification | Processing times vary; LIHEAP notification depends on federal fund release |
Key Contact Information and Portals
NH EASY (Multiple Programs): Apply online through the NH Department of Health and Human Services website or call 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447).
SNAP Benefits: Call 1-877-347-SNAP (1-877-347-7627) or email [email protected] for application assistance.
LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance: Applications accepted year-round; contact your local Community Action Agency for county-specific intake.
Housing Choice Vouchers: Apply through New Hampshire Housing at their website; call for wait list status.
Medicaid: Apply via HealthCare.gov, directly through NH DHHS, or call 1-800-852-3345, extension 9700.
Application Timing Considerations
LIHEAP accepts applications year-round in New Hampshire, unlike most states with seasonal windows. However, funding operates on a first-come, first-served basis until annual allocations are exhausted. The federal government typically releases funds by late November, though delays can occur.
Housing Choice Voucher wait lists can stretch to nine years. Applications remain in queue based on submission date and priority category.
Benefits and Limitations of Government Grants
Government grants provide substantial financial relief but operate within defined boundaries regarding payment amounts, eligible expenses, and usage restrictions.
What Grants Cover
LIHEAP and Fuel Assistance pay heating and cooling costs directly to utility companies or fuel vendors. The average New Hampshire household receives $1,284 annually. Funds cover electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, kerosene, and wood pellets.
Housing Choice Vouchers cover the gap between 30% of household income and actual rent plus utilities. Payments go directly to landlords monthly. Some voucher holders use assistance for homeownership mortgage payments instead of rent.
SNAP benefits purchase food items at authorized retailers. Monthly amounts depend on household size, income, and allowable deductions.
Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive services, and long-term care through approved providers.
Workforce training grants pay for tuition, books, certification exams, and related education costs at approved institutions.
Common Restrictions
Grants cannot be used for:
Cash withdrawals or non-approved purchases
Housing deposits or moving costs (unless specifically designated)
Past-due debts unrelated to current assistance period
Alcohol or tobacco products (SNAP restriction)
Asset limits apply to some programs, typically $2,250 for general households or $3,250 for elderly/disabled households under SNAP.
Work requirements may apply to able-bodied adults aged 18-50 without dependents for SNAP, requiring 20 hours weekly of employment, training, or volunteer work.
Benefit Duration and Renewal
LIHEAP provides one benefit per heating season. Households must reapply annually.
Medicaid requires renewal every six months to one year. Recipients receive redetermination applications by mail before eligibility expires.
Housing vouchers continue as long as household income remains below limits and tenants comply with program rules.
SNAP benefits are distributed monthly on EBT cards and require periodic recertification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Application errors cause delays, denials, or reduced benefits. Most problems stem from incomplete documentation, timing issues, or misunderstanding program requirements.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications
Missing Social Security numbers for all household members results in automatic rejection. Every person living in the home must be documented, even if they are not applying for benefits.
Unreported income sources include cash jobs, rental income, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, child support, and veteran benefits. Applicants must disclose all income even if irregular or temporary.
Expired identification documents delay processing. Ensure all IDs, birth certificates, and custody papers are current before submitting.
Application Timing Errors
Waiting until funds are exhausted is the most common LIHEAP mistake. Though New Hampshire accepts year-round applications, early filing in fall ensures assistance before winter peak demand.
Missing interview appointments for SNAP causes application abandonment. Applicants must respond to scheduled interviews by phone or in-person.
Failing to recertify before eligibility expires terminates benefits. Mark renewal deadlines and submit paperwork six weeks before expiration.
Misunderstanding Program Rules
Confusing grants with loans leads some applicants to expect repayment obligations that do not exist. Government grants are free money that never requires payback.
Applying to wrong programs wastes time when needs do not match eligibility. For example, childless adults under 50 face different SNAP rules than families with children.
Ignoring denial appeal rights means missing opportunities to correct errors. Most programs offer fair hearings to contest decisions.
Not keeping copies of submitted documents creates problems if materials are lost in processing. Save digital or physical copies of everything filed.
Conclusion
New Hampshire government grants provide essential financial support for housing, energy costs, food, healthcare, and workforce development without repayment obligations. Eligible residents can access over $315 million in federal housing funds annually, plus state-administered programs for heating assistance, nutrition support, and medical coverage.
Applications are processed through NH EASY, Community Action Agencies, New Hampshire Housing, and HealthCare.gov. Most programs require income verification, Social Security documentation, and proof of residency. Wait times and funding availability vary, making early application critical for time-sensitive needs like heating assistance.
Residents facing financial hardship should review income limits, gather required documents, and submit applications through appropriate channels. Priority service exists for veterans, seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families across multiple programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in New Hampshire?
Households with incomes below 60% of State Median Income qualify for heating and cooling assistance. Income limits vary by household size and are updated annually. Contact your local Community Action Agency for current thresholds specific to your county.
How long does it take to get a Housing Choice Voucher in New Hampshire?
Wait times currently extend up to nine years due to limited voucher availability. Applications remain in queue based on submission date and priority status. New Hampshire Housing maintains the waiting list and periodically updates applicants on their position.
Can I apply for multiple government grants at the same time?
Yes, households can apply for multiple programs simultaneously through the NH EASY portal, including SNAP, Medicaid, child care assistance, and cash aid. Energy assistance requires separate application through Community Action Agencies. Each program evaluates eligibility independently.
Do government grants in New Hampshire need to be repaid?
No, government grants are free financial assistance that never requires repayment. This distinguishes grants from loans. Recipients use funds for approved expenses like rent, utilities, food, and healthcare without incurring debt.
What documents do I need to apply for New Hampshire government assistance?
Most programs require Social Security cards for all household members, photo identification, birth certificates, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), utility bills, and residency verification (lease, deed, or mail). SNAP applicants also need to attend an eligibility interview.
How do I check the status of my New Hampshire grant application?
For programs filed through NH EASY, log into your account at the DHHS website or call 1-844-ASK-DHHS. For LIHEAP, contact the Community Action Agency where you applied. Housing voucher applicants should call New Hampshire Housing directly. Processing times vary by program.
Are veterans eligible for special benefits in New Hampshire government grant programs?
Yes, veterans receive priority of service in all Department of Labor-funded employment and training programs through WIOA. Veterans have 15 years after discharge to use GI Bill benefits for approved apprenticeship and on-the-job training. They qualify for the same income-based assistance as other residents for housing, energy, food, and healthcare programs.