New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship can help pay for child care if you live in New Hampshire, meet income limits, and need care so you can work, go to school, take approved training, or meet other program rules.
You may be able to use the program at approved child care centers, family child care homes, or with some relatives who provide care. The amount you pay each month depends on your household size and income.
To apply, use NH EASY. Send in any documents they request as soon as possible, and report changes to your income, household, work, or school schedule. Eligibility, payments, and application information are explained below.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship can help eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school, or take approved job training.
- You must live in New Hampshire and meet income, household-size, and work, school, or training requirements.
- Help may be available for licensed child care centers, family child care homes, after-school programs, and some care provided by relatives.
- Apply through the NH EASY website. You may need to provide proof of income, where you live, who is in your household, and your work, school, or training schedule.
- You may have to pay part of the child care cost. The amount of help you receive depends on your income, family size, approved child care hours, and your provider’s rates.
What Is New Hampshire Child Care Assistance?
New Hampshire Child Care Assistance helps eligible families pay for child care. It’s for parents or caregivers who work, go to school, take approved job training, or meet other program requirements.
The program may lower the amount you pay for child care. You may be able to use it with approved child care centers, family child care homes, and some relative caregivers.
For help applying, finding a provider, or learning about current payment amounts, contact New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services or a local child care resource office. Before choosing a provider, ask about available spaces, hours, transportation, and any costs you may need to pay.
Who Can Qualify for Child Care Assistance?
You may qualify for child care assistance in New Hampshire if you live in the state and your household income is within the program limits.
Eligibility may also depend on your family’s situation, such as whether you work, go to school, or take part in an approved program.
Your child’s age and need for care can affect the services available to you.
Income and Residency Requirements
To qualify for New Hampshire child care assistance, you must live in New Hampshire and meet income rules set by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Eligibility usually depends on:
- How many people are in your household
- Your household’s countable income
- Proof that you live in New Hampshire
Income limits can change, so check the current DHHS guidelines before you apply.
You may need to:
- Show proof of your New Hampshire address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill.
- Report all required household income, including wages, child support, and other payments.
- Provide documents such as pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax records if DHHS asks for them.
Use DHHS application resources for help with the application and required documents.
Eligible Family Situations
Your family situation may affect whether you qualify for New Hampshire child care assistance.
You may qualify if you:
- Work
- Go to school
- Take part in approved job training
- Are looking for work
In two-parent households, both parents usually need to be working, in school, in training, or doing another approved activity. Exceptions may be available if a parent has a disability, illness, or another approved reason they can’t participate.
Single parents, legal guardians, foster parents, and relatives caring for a child may also qualify if they meet program rules.
Report any changes right away to help protect your benefits. Your local DHHS office can explain what documents you need and help with issues, such as transportation problems that affect your work or training schedule.
Child Age and Care Needs
Child care assistance may help pay for care for eligible children from birth through age 12. Children with disabilities or special needs may qualify for help after age 12 if they need extra support.
You may qualify if your child needs safe, supervised care while you:
- Work
- Attend school or job training
- Take part in another approved program
New Hampshire looks at your child’s age, needs, and the hours care is needed.
- Babies and young children may need full-day care at a licensed child care program.
- School-age children may qualify for care before or after school.
- Children with disabilities may qualify for care after age 12 if they need specialized support.
When choosing a provider, ask about safety, disability accommodations, transportation, and meals. Your local assistance office can explain which types of care are allowed and what documents you need.
New Hampshire Child Care Income Limits
Your eligibility for New Hampshire child care assistance depends on your household’s total income before taxes and the number of people in your family. Larger families may qualify with a higher income. When you apply, include everyone in your household. Check the state’s current income limits to see if you may qualify.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for New Hampshire child care assistance, your household income must be below the program’s income limit. The limit depends on how many people are in your family and can change over time.
Before you apply, check the most current income guidelines. Eligibility is based on your gross income, meaning your income before taxes and other deductions.
To prepare your application:
- Compare your household income with the current income limits.
- Gather documents such as pay stubs, benefit letters, and self-employment income records.
- Contact your local office if you have questions about deductions, reporting changes, or other program rules.
The topics below can help you learn more about whether you may qualify.
Household Size Limits
Your household size affects the income limit for New Hampshire child care assistance.
Report everyone who lives with you and is part of your assistance household. This may include parents, caregivers, and dependent children. In general, a larger household may qualify for a higher income limit.
You may need to provide current proof of who lives in your home, your income, and custody arrangements. If you’re unsure whether someone should be included, contact your local Department of Health and Human Services office.
Reporting accurate information can help prevent delays, incorrect payments, or having to repay benefits later.
Work, School, and Training Eligibility Rules
Work, School, and Training Rules
You may qualify for New Hampshire child care assistance if you’re working, going to school, or taking an approved training program. You must also meet the program’s income rules.
You will usually need to show that:
- Child care is needed while you work, attend school, or take part in training.
- Your child needs adult supervision during those hours.
- You meet the program’s income and participation requirements.
To apply or keep receiving assistance, you may need to:
- Provide your work schedule, recent pay stubs, or a letter from your employer.
- Submit proof that you’re enrolled in school or training, such as a class schedule or attendance record.
- Report changes right away if your work hours, school or training attendance, or job status changes.
Contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to learn which activities are approved and what forms you need. Keep your records in one place so they’re easy to provide when requested.
How Much Child Care Assistance Can You Get?
The amount of child care assistance you can get in New Hampshire depends on your income, family size, and how much child care you need.
You may have to pay part of the cost, called a copayment. The program pays the rest, up to its approved payment limits for child care providers.
Check the current benefit and provider rate tables to get an estimate of how much help your family may receive.
Income-Based Benefit Amounts
Income-Based Benefit Amounts
New Hampshire child care assistance is based on your family’s income, household size, and approved child care costs. The amount you receive may be different from other families.
Families with lower incomes may receive more help. Families with higher incomes may need to pay more of the child care cost. Your approval notice will show:
- The approved child care provider rate
- The amount of your benefit
- Any copayment you must pay
To help keep your benefits:
- Report changes in your income as soon as possible.
- Check provider rates before choosing a child care program.
- Plan for your copayment and other household expenses.
Contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services or a local resource agency for current income limits, payment information, and help applying.
Family Size Considerations
Your household size can affect whether you qualify for child care assistance in New Hampshire and how much help you may receive.
You will usually report the children and adults who live with you. This may include parents, guardians, and other people whose income or relationship must be counted.
A larger household may qualify for help at a higher income level. Changes in your household—such as having a baby, getting married, separating, or having a relative move in—may affect your benefits.
Report changes as soon as possible. You may need to provide documents, such as birth certificates, custody papers, or proof of where you live.
When looking for child care, tell providers what hours you need care and whether your child has a nap schedule. This can help them decide if they’ve an opening that works for your family.
Copayment and Provider Rates
Copayments and Provider Rates
New Hampshire child care assistance may pay part of the cost of approved child care. You may need to pay a copayment. Your copayment is based on your household income and family size.
The amount of assistance you receive depends on:
- State copayment rules
- Your eligibility information
- Your approved child care schedule
- The provider’s approved rate
Read your notice carefully. Contact your local DHHS office if you need help understanding how much you must pay.
- Your copayment may change if your income, household size, or approved care schedule changes.
- Assistance may only pay up to the approved provider rate for eligible care.
- You may have to pay extra if your provider charges more than the approved rate or charges for services that aren’t covered.
Keep your records and report changes as soon as possible.
Which Child Care Providers and Programs Qualify?
To use New Hampshire child care assistance, you usually must choose a child care provider approved by the state. This may include:
- Licensed child care centers
- Licensed family child care homes
- After-school programs
- Approved relatives or in-home caregivers
The provider must meet program rules, accept state payments, and care for your child during the hours you’re approved for assistance. Some school-age programs may qualify if they supervise children before or after regular school hours.
Ask your local child care resource agency to confirm whether a provider is approved. Rules can differ depending on the type of care.
How to Apply for New Hampshire Daycare Assistance
You can apply for New Hampshire child care assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This program may help pay for child care while you work, go to school, or take part in job training.
To apply:
- Go to the NH EASY online portal and create an account, or log in if you already have one.
- Fill out the child care scholarship application.
- Provide information about your household, income, family size, and work, school, or training schedule.
- Submit any documents DHHS asks for.
- Respond quickly if DHHS contacts you with questions or needs more information.
You can also contact your local DHHS district office for help with the application. Ask DHHS about your application status, renewal dates, and help finding a child care provider.
Documents Needed for Your Application
Gather your documents before you apply for the New Hampshire child care scholarship. Having them ready can help DHHS review your application faster.
You will usually need:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of household income
- Proof that you work, go to school, or attend training
Send clear copies of your documents and keep the originals. Use secure DHHS ways to submit documents to protect your privacy. Do not use daycare advertisements or marketing materials as proof that you qualify.
| Document | Examples | Why DHHS needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Photo ID, birth certificate | To confirm who is in your household |
| Income | Pay stubs, tax return | To determine if you qualify financially |
| Work, school, or training | Work schedule, school enrollment record | To confirm your need for child care |
If you cannot get a document, contact DHHS as soon as possible. They may accept another type of proof.
How to Find an Approved Child Care Provider
After DHHS approves your child care scholarship, choose a child care provider that accepts the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program.
- Use the New Hampshire Child Care Finder to look for licensed child care centers and family child care homes.
- Contact providers to ask about available openings, the ages they serve, hours of care, transportation, and whether they accept scholarship payments.
- Before enrolling your child, confirm with DHHS that the provider is approved to accept the scholarship.
Your provider must meet state licensing or registration rules unless DHHS has approved an exception.
You can also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for help finding child care options.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you apply for a New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship, DHHS will review your application. They’ll look at your household income, work or school schedule, child care needs, and eligibility.
DHHS may ask you to send documents, such as pay stubs, work or school schedules, ID, or proof of where you live. Send requested documents as soon as you can to avoid delays.
DHHS will let you know if you’re approved or denied. If approved, the notice will explain:
- How much scholarship help you can receive
- What you may need to pay toward child care
- How many hours of care are approved
If you’re denied, read the notice carefully. It will explain why and tell you about any appeal options.
Keep copies of everything you send and check your mail, email, and messages for updates. If you have questions, contact DHHS.
How to Report Changes to Your Benefits
Tell New Hampshire DHHS about changes as soon as they happen. Changes may affect whether you qualify for the Child Care Scholarship, how much DHHS pays, or how many hours of child care are approved.
Report changes through your local DHHS office or the method listed in your benefit notices. Keep copies of any documents you submit and any confirmation you receive.
Report changes to:
- Your income, job, school, training, or work schedule.
- Your household size, address, phone number, or child care provider.
- Any documents DHHS asks for. Submit them by the deadline to avoid delays or payment problems.
Only report information related to your benefits. Give complete and accurate details so DHHS can review your case and make sure you receive the right child care support.
What to Do if Your Application Is Denied
If New Hampshire DHHS denies your Child Care Scholarship application, read the denial letter carefully. It should explain why you were denied and what you can do next. You may be able to send in missing information, fix an error, or ask for a hearing.
| Why you were denied | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Missing documents | Send the requested documents as soon as possible. |
| Income issue | Check that DHHS used the correct income information for your household. |
| Eligibility mistake | Ask for a fair hearing if you think the decision was wrong. |
Pay attention to the deadline in the denial letter. Keep copies of all forms, pay stubs, documents, and messages you send or receive.
You can contact DHHS if you have questions about what they need or how to submit corrections. Ask them to confirm that they received your documents.
Other New Hampshire Child Care Support Resources
Beyond the Child Care Scholarship, New Hampshire families may be able to get help finding child care and early learning programs. Options may include Head Start, Early Head Start, child care referral services, and local community action agencies.
Eligibility may depend on your income, your child’s age, where you live, whether you work or attend school, and whether programs have open spaces.
You can explore:
- Head Start and Early Head Start: Free early learning, health, and family support services for eligible low-income families with young children.
- Child care referrals: Help finding licensed child care providers, available openings, and quality-rated programs.
- Community action agencies: Help with applying for family services, transportation, and other local support.
Ask each program whether it has a waiting list and what documents you need to apply. Apply as soon as you can so unrelated questions about budgeting or other funding don’t slow down your child care application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Child Care Assistance Available for Summer Camps or School Breaks?
Yes. You may be able to get child care assistance for summer camps or care during school breaks if you meet income and work, training, or school requirements.
Contact your local assistance office to ask which camps or providers are approved, how to apply, and whether funding is available.
Can Grandparents Receive Assistance for Caring for Their Grandchildren?
Yes. You may qualify for help caring for your grandchildren, depending on your income, work status, and whether you have legal custody. Contact your local assistance office to ask about available programs, funding, and how to apply.
Does New Hampshire Offer Emergency Child Care Assistance?
Yes. New Hampshire may offer emergency child care help through state programs if you meet income and work requirements.
For quick help finding care or applying, contact your local welfare office or Child Care Aware. They can help you check eligibility, find available child care, and apply for assistance.
Are There Waiting Lists for Child Care Assistance Benefits?
Yes. You may be placed on a waiting list if there is not enough funding or enough child care providers available.
Apply as soon as you can. Ask program staff:
- How long the wait may be
- Whether your family qualifies for priority placement
- What documents you need to keep your application active
- How you will be notified when help becomes available
- Whether there are other child care resources you can use while you wait
Can I Use Assistance for Overnight or Weekend Child Care?
You may be able to get help paying for overnight or weekend child care if you qualify and need care because of work, job training, or school.
Check which child care providers are approved in your area. Many programs cover care during nontraditional hours, but available providers may vary by location.
Conclusion
New Hampshire child care assistance may help pay for child care while you work, go to school, or attend job training. Your child can receive care in a safe setting while you focus on your goals.
To apply, check the income, household, and work or school requirements. Gather the documents you need, and report any changes as soon as possible. If your application is denied, you can ask for more information or appeal the decision.