New Hampshire Food Assistance
Food Stamps * Food Banks * Food Pantries * Soup Kitchens * WIC
School Meals * Special Milk * Summer Food * Senior Nutrition
In the State of New Hampshire, there are many sources for help with food. The New Hampshire Food Stamp Program, food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens are all helping residents in need to cope with hunger and food insecurity.
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Learn more about
SNAP benefits a.k.a. Food Stamps.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) in New Hampshire?
How to apply for New Hampshire Food Assistance?
How does New Hampshire Division of Family Assistance (DFA) determine eligibility?
Approved! When and how do I get the Food Stamps benefits?
How much Food Stamps benefits do participants receive per month?
How and where to use Food Stamps benefits?
Food Stamp (SNAP benefits) in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Food Stamp Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the Food Stamps Program as it is known by the public, is a federal program that provides grants to the States for purpose of reducing hunger and malnutrition in all eligible households across the nation. SNAP helps provide healthy food to qualifying low-income families with children, elderly or disabled in each State of the USA, including New Hampshire.
It is important to know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal entitlement program funded by U.S. Government grants. Any U.S. Citizen, even some legal alien residents, will get free food assistance as long as they meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. In other words, there is enough Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for every American that qualifies.
In New Hampshire, the SNAP is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Division of Family Assistance (DFA). The Federal Government oversees the State operation of the Food Stamp Program. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services “The Food Stamp Program is about preventing hunger and promoting health. It exists to keep New Hampshire residents from going hungry by providing a way to buy healthy foods. It serves children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.”
%
Approx. of the total New Hampshire population received Food Stamp Benefits in 2018
Recipients in June, 2018 of Food Stamps (SNAP) Benefits in New Hampshire
Recipients in June, 2017 of Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits in New Hampshire
Who is Eligible for New Hampshire Food Stamp Assistance?
The eligibility rules and benefit amounts in New Hampshire, like in other States, are based on a limited income, limited liquid resources, household size, and other requirements. Most eligibility rules are determined by regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
The federal law allows States some flexibility when implementing SNAP on a State level. State agencies can adapt some of the food assistance program rules in order to meet the needs of the eligible, low‐income local populations.
New Hampshire Food Stamp Program is designed for individuals and families with limited income resources, who compose a household, and purchase and prepare their meals together for home consumption.
In general, to qualify for New Hampshire Food Stamp Benefits you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
- New Hampshire Resident – must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident with SNAP eligible non-citizen status;
- Work Requirement – unless exempted, each able-bodied household member, age 16-60, who are unemployed or under-employed must be registered to work, and accept a suitable employment offer;
- Resource Limit – countable household assets are limited to $2,250 or less ($3,250 or less for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years of age or older), assets not countable include the home you live in, personal belongings, cash value of life insurance policy, and vehicles;
- Income Limits – income limits eligibility depends on household size and composition.
- Households with no elderly or disabled individuals must meet both gross and net income limits.
- Households with all members who are elderly or disabled need only meet the net income test.
- There are higher gross income limits for households who have at least one member who is elderly or disabled.
- No income or resource limits for households of which all members receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Financial Assistance for Needy Families (FANF), or State Supplement Program (SSP) benefits.
Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, dividends, child support, self-employment income, unemployment compensation, social security benefits, and other sources. Household net income is computed by deducting certain allowed expenses from gross income.
See the table with New Hampshire food stamp income limits per household size below.
New Hampshire Food Stamps – Quick Eligibility Check
USDA Food and Nutrition Service offer this Pre-Screening Tool you can use to find out if you may be eligible to get New Hampshire Food Stamp Benefits. Although you will be notified immediately if you qualify, after completing the questionnaire, you still have to make an application to the New Hampshire Division of Family Assistance (DFA).
Regardless of the results of the Pre-Screening Tool, potential applicants can find out if they qualify for Food Stamp Benefits by calling 1-603-271-9700 or visiting one of the DFA offices and inquire.
To figure out, before applying, if you'd qualify for food stamps benefits in your state you have to consider the following:
- Your Household size: How many people you live and buy food with? Count:
- anyone you live with and buy and make food with
- children under 22 years old and,
- elderly 60+ and disabled that you make food for.
- Your Income: How much money does your household make? This includes both:
- earned income - the money you make from jobs and
- unearned income - cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, child support, etc.
Who counts as a member of the household for SNAP eligibility?
In general, anyone who lives with you and you buy food with counts a member of your household.
Your children under 22 of age count as household members, even if they buy and make their own food.
But your tenant, for example, or your adult children that are over 22 of age do not count. They are not counted in the household number for the purpose of food stamp benefits qualification.
The elderly age of 60+ and disabled people count as household members if you buy and make food for them, or you buy and make food together. If they live with you, but they buy and make food separately, they do not count as household members.
See the updated table below for this fiscal year's income limits and monthly benefits (allotments).
What is the gross and net income limit that qualifies you for food stamps?
SNAP Max Income for Food Stamps
Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of poverty) | Max Food Assistance Benefit Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 | $291 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 | $535 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 | $766 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 | $973 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,785 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 | $1,751 |
| Each additional member | +$557 | +$429 | +$219 |
Source: USDA, SNAP Income Eligibility Standards
What are the Benefits?
If approved, the New Hampshire Food Stamp Benefit amounts depend on the household size and the amount of their net income. USDA has maximum food stamp benefit limits per month, per household size. Check the table column about Max Food Assistance Benefit per month in dollars for each size of the household.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services offers various ways to apply for Food Stamp Benefits. All looking for help with food can apply in person by visiting one of the District DHHS/DFA Offices.
You can apply online using the NH EASY web portal where you check if you would qualify for other assistance programs and services in addition to the Food Stamps.
To apply for Food Stamp Benefits you can also use the Application for Assistance form which can be printed from the DHHS website. The form can be used to apply for different types of assistance as offered by New Hampshire DHHS. In addition to requesting Food Stamp Benefits, you can apply for Cash Assistance, Child Care, Medical Assistance, Home and Community-Based Care (HCBC), Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Nursing Facility (NF) Services.
Check the programs and services you would be applying for, fill out the required information by answering the questions as best as you can, sign and mail or turn the application at your local DFA office. If you do not have all the information – complete as much as you can including your name, social security number, what you are applying for, and sign it. The DHHS/DFA has to accept the application with the current date. You can provide the rest of the information later.
The information you are providing to the Department of Health and Human Services is strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone without your written permission.
Before a decision is made a New Hampshire DFA worker has to verify all the paperwork and schedule an interview with the applicant. A face-to-face interview is required to help DFA establish the applicant’s eligibility. See the list in the next section of acceptable proofs that may be required at the Food Stamp eligibility interview.
At the interview, applicants must provide all required documentation for verification and approval purposes.
If the applicant is found eligible, they will receive within 30 days a notice stating how much of a benefit they qualify for when to expect their benefits, and for how long is the applicant eligible for getting food stamps.
New Hampshire Food Stamps Approval, Rules, Proofs Required
New Hampshire DHHS/DFA needs to verify submitted information before determining if the household is eligible for Food Stamp Benefits.
The DHHS lists examples of acceptable documents and information that may be needed to determine your eligibility when you apply for Food Stamps Benefits.
Proof of Identity:
- Driver’s License
- Photo ID Card
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
Proof of Immigration Status of Non-Citizens:
- Resident Alien Card
- Copy of a residency document issued by the Department of Homeland Security
Vehicles current statements including the balance for any:
- Car
- Truck
- Motorcycle
- Camper
- Snowmobile
- Boat
Proof of Income:
- Four weeks of current and consecutive pay stubs, or DFA Form 756. This includes:
- On the Job Training
- Work-Study
- Stipend/Grant
- VISTA
- Summer Youth Program
- Senior Citizens Community Service
- Census Bureau income
- State Supplemental Income
- Social Security (Survivors/Disability/Retirement)
- Child Support/Alimony (bring all legal documents)
- Adoptions Subsidy/Foster Care Payment
- VA Pension, other Pension
- Short/Long Term Disability
- Workman’s Compensation
- Unemployment Compensation Benefits
- Annuity/Trust/401k Income
- Interest/Dividends/Royalties
- Rental Income
- Railroad or Strike Benefits
- Terminated Employment – Letter from your employer stating your last day worked and reason for termination and proof of all gross wages paid in the current month, or DFA Form 756
Cash Resources:
- Checking/Savings account
- Passbook savings account
- Credit Union account
- Christmas Club account
- Stock/Bond Certificates
- Certificate of Deposit (CD)
- Trust, IRA/401k, Keogh, Mutual Fund, Medical Savings Account, and the total amount of any cash on hand.
Real Estate:
- Deed
- Mortgage (Principal and Interest)
- Reverse Mortgage
- Tax Bill
- Home Owner’s Insurance
Expenses:
- Rental Expense (Rent Receipt/Lease/DFA Form 775/written Shared Shelter Statement or DFA Form 768 if you have a roommate you do not eat with)
- Utility Expense (Heat/Electric/Phone/Fuel Assistance Award Letter)
- Child Care (Receipts/Letter from your Provider/Cancelled Checks)
- Medical Expenses for anyone 60 years and older or disabled (any expense incurred from illness, including transportation expenses and adult daycare)
This is not a complete list and depending on the case the DFA may request additional types of proof and application supporting documents.
New Hampshire Food Stamp participants between the ages 16-60, able to work and who are unemployed or underemployed must register to work.
As per SNAP federal regulations, the State of New Hampshire is required to offer an employment and training program for Food Stamp participants. This program is known as the New Hampshire Food Stamp Employment and Training Program (FSET) and offers training, education, and job search assistance to Food Stamp participants. The Food Stamp E&T Programs can help you with your job search when you get Food Stamp benefits and are not getting FANF cash assistance. You may be able to get help with your job search mileage costs too. Call 1-800-852-3345 x 9329 to learn more.
Approved! When and How Do I Get the Food Assistance Benefits?
New Hampshire Food Stamp Program provides the SNAP benefits via the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.
The monetary benefits of the New Hampshire Food Stamps are transferred to the accounts of qualified beneficiaries and are accessible through New Hampshire EBT Card.
Benefits are made available on the 5th of every month.
If you have any question regarding your EBT Account or EBT Card call New Hampshire EBT Customer Service: 800-997-7777
How and Where to Use Food Stamp Benefits?
New Hampshire Food Stamp benefits can only be used to purchase eligible food items at Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) authorized stores displaying the Quest mark.
Households and individuals get Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to use their food assistance benefits at any grocery stores and farmers’ markets that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Check this Your New Hampshire Food Stamps Stores Near You – those are participating stores that are authorized to take EBT cards for purchasing of SNAP-eligible food items. Eligible food items are any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Seeds and plants to grow food for your own family’s consumption are also allowed to be purchased with food stamp benefits. You cannot buy non-grocery items with food stamp benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
I Need Food Assistance Now. It is an Emergency!
Some households may get Expedited Services – that is getting Food Assistance Benefits within 7 calendar days if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources (cash, checking or savings accounts) of $100 or less; or your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources, or a member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker. In order to get expedite assistance, if you qualify, provide all required information and proof as soon as possible. Call 1-603-271-9700 for more information on New Hampshire Food Stamp Program.
New Hampshire Food Assistance Program
Find more about New Hampshire Food Assistance Program
Search for Food Assistance by County and Town
Food Banks in New Hampshire
New Hampshire food banks play an important role in the overall New Hampshire food assistance effort to end hunger and food insecurity throughout the State of New Hampshire.
Their main objective is to collect food from various sources like wholesale organizations, grocery stores, and farms who have food in excess and are willing to donate.
Food banks then, sort, store, and distribute donated food to local soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries.
The Food Bank Association of New Hampshire is such a non-profit organization that works to alleviate hunger in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Food Banks
Food Pantries in New Hampshire
Food pantries offer food directly to people that need it and who have the means to cook it. They usually receive food from local food banks and in turn distribute it to low-income individuals and households at no cost.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be distributed to a particular individual or a family.
Soup Kitchens in New Hampshire
Soup kitchens serve cooked meals on-site to needy people at no cost. Like food pantries, they normally receive their food from local food banks.
Soup kitchens take care mostly of homeless people and people who do not have the means to cook for themselves.
They require storage, cleaning, and cooking equipment as they have to do food preparation, serving, and cleaning after the meals.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be served to a particular individual or a family.
WIC Program in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, health care referrals to New Hampshire pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children during times of important growth.
New Hampshire Women, Infants, and Children Program
School Meals in New Hampshire
School meals in New Hampshire are offered mainly through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
The New Hampshire school meals programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day in the year.
School meals nutritional standards are based on the recommendation from the Institute of Medicine and the U.S. Government and teachers have reported that students perform better in class if they get regular meals.
Children getting school breakfast also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates, according to a Tufts University study.
New Hampshire School Lunch Program | New Hampshire School Breakfast Program
Special Milk Program in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Special Milk Program offers milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps. Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk.
Schools may elect to offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for New Hampshire Special Milk, the child must be a resident of the State of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Special Milk Program
Summer Food Program in New Hampshire
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is another New Hampshire food assistance program that provides free meals and snacks to help low-income New Hampshire children get nutritious meals in the summertime.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program that provides grants to local sponsors who want to combine a food service with a summer activity program.
The funding provided by SFSP ensures that New Hampshire children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast.
New Hampshire Summer Food Service Program
Senior Nutrition in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets. To qualify for New Hampshire senior nutrition special checks, the applicants must be 60 years of age or older and their gross household income must not exceed certain limits.
An application must be completed for each person in the household that wants to apply for the SFMNP benefits. Once approved, each beneficiary must reapply every year to continue participating in the New Hampshire Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Learn more about how the senior nutrition program works.
New Hampshire Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Sources: State Agencies, FNS, USDA