Grants for Seniors in New Hampshire

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in New Hampshire (60 and over)
Senior Population: 395,106 (28.3%) Senior Population: 395,106 (28.3%)
Male: 47.6% Male: 47.6%
Female: 52.4% Female: 52.4%
Median Age: 70 Median Age: 70
Disability: 25% Disability: 25%
With Social Security Income: 72% With Social Security Income: 72%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 5% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 5%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 8% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 8%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in New Hampshire for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in New Hampshire – 25 Assistance Programs

New Hampshire has become one of the best places for the elderly thanks to its low crime rates, affordable housing, and employment opportunities. This state is also known as the Granite State since it is very close to Canada. It presents various social events and outdoor activities for older citizens. New Hampshire is a very senior-friendly state since the taxes are very low and do not tax Social Security support or any sort of retirement revenue. Although it is a highly preferred state by seniors, some of them may need support to maintain their lives. There is a wide range of benefits and programs that are prepared by the federal government, State of New Hampshire, and local social organizations.


State Resources for Seniors

The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) operates under the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide supportive services for residents aged 60 and above. Seniors can turn to the BEAS to receive long-term support and referrals for programs that can meet their needs. The Bureau administers several programs in the state directly, partners with nonprofits to offer some services and provides funding for other programs. A repository of useful links is also maintained by the Bureau and can be accessed at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care.

Financial Assistance

New Hampshire Emergency Financial Assistance was formed and has been run by the New Hampshire Care Path. This monetary aid program was designed to help low and moderate-income families who are struggling to afford their utilities, food, essential needs, and so on. There are three cash assistance services on this program which are Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD), Old Age Assistance (OOA), and Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB). Seniors who are 60 years of age or older are eligible to apply for these benefits. The amount of help can differ based on the economic status of the applicant. For further information, please follow the link https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/financial-assistance-0 or contact 1 800 942 4321.

The Old Age Assistance Division of the Bureau of Family Assistance offers financial assistance specifically for elder citizens who are 65 years old or older. The basic criteria of this service are the financial condition and living standards of the applicant in New Hampshire. Those who are already receiving State Supplemental are directly qualified for this financial help. The amount of help depends on the general condition of the applicant. To learn more, click on the following link https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/old-age-assistance or make a call to 1 844 275 3447.

The Social Security Administration provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for seniors who are over the age of 65 and meet certain guidelines. SSI is available for low-income seniors who have limited assets and are unable to meet their financial obligations. Eligibility is determined by taking income and asset values into consideration. Eligible seniors are paid a monthly stipend which they can use to pay for their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Details can be obtained from https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/.

Housing and Rent Assistance

New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and managed by the state authorities for low and moderate-income individuals. Senior citizens who are having a hard time economically are prioritized by this program. Qualified candidates can have financial assistance to pay their rent for up to three months. This program also offers to help with utilities for eligible candidates for up to twelve months. Because the benefits of this program are limited, it is better to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please visit https://www.nhhfa.org/emergency-rental-assistance/ or make a call at 800 640 7239.

New Hampshire Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program-Section 8 is subsidized by the federal government for low-income households. The aim of this program is to make sure that everyone in need can live in secure, sanitary, decent, and low-cost houses. Even though applicants can choose their apartment, flat, or house by their wish, there are certain rules that must be followed according to the requirements of this program. While eligible applicants are looking for their house, they should keep in mind that the properties of the premises are compatible with the program. This service pays approximately 70 percent of the rent and 30 percent will be paid by the applicant. To learn more and apply, please go to https://www.nhhfa.org/rental-assistance/housing-choice-voucher-program/apply/ or dial 1 800 439 7247.

Home Repair Grants

Seniors can live independently and peacefully in their homes for as long as it is a safe environment for them. They also have access to a number of financial assistance programs that help seniors with house repairs in addition to housing and rent assistance. Home Repair Grants lists the available resources.

The United States Department of Agriculture provides Rural Development loans and grants to low-income New Hampshire residents. The funds provided can be used to repair, modify, modernize or improve homes so that health and safety hazards are removed. Several types of repairs qualify for the program funding, helping seniors bear some or all of the repair costs. Loans of up to $40,000 are provided for seniors who are below the age of 62. These loans have a 1% interest rate and can be repaid over a 20-year period. Seniors who are 62 years and older can apply for grants if they are unable to repay loans. The grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000 and the property must not be sold less than 3 years after receiving a grant. For seniors who can repay some part of the repair costs, a combination consisting of the loan and grant may be offered. Further details on this program can be obtained from https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/drought-wellfinassist.pdf.

Emergency Home Repair Loans (EHRL) of up to $25,000 may be gotten from the New Hampshire Housing Authority. These loans are intended to cover repairs necessitated by emergencies or events not covered by homeowner insurance which affect the safety of the home. Loans may be repaid over a period of 15 years and have a low interest rate. Seniors can visit https://www.gonewhampshirehousing.com/your-nhhfa-mortgage/homeowner-programs to apply.

Residents of Nashua City may apply for loans provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). These are deferred payment loans that the elderly can take advantage of to carry out home repairs. Seniors may receive loans to cover the full cost of repairs, up to $40,000 for single family homes. These loans have no interest rate and are not to be repaid until the property is sold. In this way, the program helps seniors maintain their housing arrangements and age in place for longer. The program guidelines can be found at https://www.nashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/402/Housing-Improvement-Program—Rules-PDF?bidId=.

Healthcare Assistance

ServiceLink was constituted and has been managed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. This is a health service to understand and learn more about Medicare and Medicaid for people who are looking for health information. Seniors who need to know more about their health condition, their family members, or caregivers can get in touch with this program by clicking on https://www.servicelink.nh.gov/about-us/index.htm or make a phone call at 1 866 634 9412.

The Medicare Beneficiaries Savings Program is also known as the Buy-In Program was formed and has been financed by the State of New Hampshire for adult people who are having financial problems or who have a disability. This program provides to cover the medical expenses of the applicant. It may cover the whole treatment process based on the current condition of the person. To learn more, follow the link https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility/medicare-beneficiaries.

Families First Health Center has special care programs designed to meet the needs of seniors in New Hampshire. The clinic has several medical services available for the elderly, to help ensure a long and healthy life. Primary care is offered to all seniors along with support for patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Families First accepts Medicare health insurance and offers dental care discounts for seniors with Medicare coverage. Patients can also get access to free or low-cost medication options, thereby reducing continuous health management costs. Sliding scale fee payments are available for seniors without medical insurance. This arrangement helps ensure that older patients are not charged more than they can afford. For details, visit https://getcommunityhealth.org/services/grandparent-caregiver-support/.

Lamprey Health Care provides medical care for seniors through clinics located around the state. Comprehensive treatment is provided to older residents with or without insurance. A sliding fee scale is offered for uninsured patients to help ease the burden of treatment. Lamprey Health Care also runs a financial assistance program. Eligible seniors receive a Financial Assistance Card which gives them a discount on services provided within the clinic. Seniors who require financial support to get additional services like laboratory tests from other facilities may be assisted with referrals and recommendations to other programs. More information can be found at https://www.lampreyhealth.org/patient-resources/financial-assistance/.

Amoskeag Health is a nonprofit medical organization that provides health care services to low-income New Hampshire seniors. Amoskeag offers several medical services, including primary health care and prescription refill assistance. Seniors without insurance can also receive treatment and get charged based on a sliding fee scale. This has five levels of discounts that may be applied to the treatment costs. Seniors can visit https://www.amoskeaghealth.org/ for further information.

Help with Dental Care

The Dental Lifeline Network is a network of dentists that provides dental care to vulnerable members of the state. Through the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, seniors over the age of 65 receive comprehensive dental care and laboratory exams at no cost. DDS offers services such as cleanings, extractions, dentures, root canals, etc. for eligible residents of New Hampshire. Elderly residents who have little or no income usually qualify for this program where they can get an oral health transformation. However, DDS does not provide emergency dental services. This is because there may be long wait times before patients can receive care from a dentist in the network. To download an application for DDS, visit https://dentallifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/New-Hampshire.pdf.

Community Dental Care of Claremont is a nonprofit organization that runs a program to help seniors get access to full dental treatment services. These services include dental check-ups, implants, dentures, etc. Community Dental Care of Claremont treats seniors, whether or not they have dental insurance, or are covered by Medicaid. For more information, visit http://communitydentalcareclaremont.org/.

Coös County Family Dental is a division of Coös County Family Health Services that provides discounted dental services to low-income seniors in the area. Elderly residents can visit the dental clinic for x-rays, extractions, fillings, fluoride treatment, and other Services. Fees are charged on a sliding scale basis and seniors may receive discounts of up to 80% on their dental treatment. For more information, visit https://www.coosfamilyhealth.org/oralhealth.php.

Utility Bills Assistance

The New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program was created and has been administered by the state authorities for the purpose of helping families who are in economic hardship. Qualified participants may have a certain amount of discount on their monthly bills. EAP provides support with bill payments for 12 months with discounts of up to 76% on the billsThe main criteria of this program are the total income of the household and the size of the family. Find out more at https://www.nh.gov/osi/energy/programs/electric-assistance/index.htm or get in touch with 603 271 2155.

The New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program was planned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist individuals who need heat support during the winter. Low-income elders who are not able to pay their utility bills are eligible for this benefit. They can receive between $158 and $1,575 based on their economic case. To read more about the application process, click the link https://www.nh.gov/osi/energy/programs/fuel-assistance/index.htm or make contact with the Fuel Assistance Administrator Eileen Smialowski at 603 271 8317.

For natural gas bills, the Gas Assistance Program provides discounts to seniors who are customers of Liberty Utilities or Unitil-Gas. These discounts are can be up to 60% and are applied on the delivery portion of the gas bill. Details can be found at https://www.puc.nh.gov/Consumer/gasassistanceprogram.htm.

Seniors who are recipients of certain assistance programs can qualify for help with their telephone bills. This is made possible through the Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program. A monthly discount is applied to the phone bills of eligible seniors who are customers of participating telephone companies. Lifeline helps seniors stay connected, which can be very important when emergencies arise. For a list of participating companies and other benefits of the Lifeline program, visit https://www.puc.nh.gov/Consumer/lifeline.htm.

There are other support programs funded by the state, churches, and local organizations that provide senior citizens with a reduction in their utility bills. These options can be found under Help with Bills.

Food Assistance

New Hampshire runs nutrition programs to support seniors, reduce food insecurity, and prevent hunger and malnutrition. Some of the arrangements provided by the programs also allow the elderly to get an opportunity to socialize. The Congregate Meals program provides nutritious meals for seniors at approved distribution locations. These meals are served in a group setting and open up opportunities for social interaction while eating. On the other hand, the Home Delivered Meals program serves healthy food to seniors who are homebound and unable to visit congregate meal service sites. The program also gives a chance for the person delivering the meal to assess the living conditions of the beneficiary so that recommendations for other supportive services can be made when necessary. For details on both programs, along with the location of service providers in the state, visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/food-meals-nutrition.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) was constituted by the State of New Hampshire for seniors who are 60 years of age or above. Those seniors who are having difficulties cooking at their homes or who cannot afford to buy nutritious and healthy food may apply for this program. Accepted seniors will have monthly food boxes that are composed of cheese, meat, pasta, canned food, fresh fruit, milk, pasta, and more. They can also participate in the training concerning healthy eating habits and various seminars on healthy food. To apply, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/supplemental-food-seniors or dial 1 800 942 4321.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a state-funded food program particularly for low-income seniors who are 60 years of age or above. This program offers fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown on farms for the elderly during the summer season. Accepted candidates will have these foods according to their health condition and diet. To see more information, please go to https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/food-meals-assistance or call 1 800 942 4321.

Other than CSFP and SFMNP, more Food Programs for Seniors are established in the country to meet the nutritional needs of the low-income senior citizens. Charities located across the state usually have food pantries where seniors can pick up perishable and non-perishable food items from. Numerous aid programs base their financial eligibility on the federal poverty threshold. Federal Poverty Level Calculator has annual and monthly calculators.

Transportation Assistance

Boston Express offers coach services within New Hampshire and to neighboring states. The services run along scheduled routes and allow seniors connect to other parts of the state. Residents over the age of 65 qualify for a half-fare charge, reducing the financial burden imposed on them. Seniors do not need to fill out any application forms for this program; all they need to do is present a valid ID to get the discount on their coach fare. For more information on the program, visit https://www.bostonexpressbus.com/deals-and-discounts/.

Seniors in New Hampshire with mobility challenges can get assistance with their transportation needs. Wheelchair Accessible Transportation is provided for those with reduced mobility by several organizations in the state. These enable seniors to get to medical appointments with little or no cost and with minimal logistics issues. Some of these services are offered to all low-income seniors while others are only open to Medicaid recipients. A directory of transport assistance providers can be found at https://www.nhcarepath.dhhs.nh.gov/partner-resources/documents/gsil-transportation-resources.pdf.

Charities and Organizations that Help Seniors

Catholic Charities in New Hampshire is a charity organization that has caregivers who provide support for seniors in the state. Many programs are offered by the charity to provide food, transportation assistance, financial support and more to the elderly. Volunteers also go out to purchase items for seniors and deliver to them at home, helping homebound elderly persons maintain access to important items that they need. Further program details can be found at https://www.cc-nh.org/programs/caregivers/.

Easterseals New Hampshire is another organization that concerns itself with the welfare of the elderly residents of the state. Transportation arrangements are made to get seniors to and from important locations and appointments at low cost. Volunteers also come in to assist seniors with chores around the home, including purchasing items from grocery stores. Financial assistance may also be provided but is subject to the availability of funding. For more information, visit https://www.easterseals.com/nh/our-programs/senior-services/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

Veterans Count is a nonprofit organization that provides urgent financial assistance to veterans in New Hampshire. The organization releases funds to help veterans meet various critical and urgent needs. Money is provided to pay for rent, food, transportation, utility bills, and other expenses. Links to benefits and other veterans’ entitlements are also provided by Veterans Count. To get help, visit https://vetscount.org/nh/.

The state offers care homes, medical centers, tax exemptions and many other benefits to veterans. A directory which lists these state-provided resources can be accessed at https://www.nhcarepath.dhhs.nh.gov/veterans-military/index.htm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial aid programs are available to seniors in New Hampshire? Seniors in New Hampshire have access to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating and utility bills, the State Supplement Program (SSP) for additional financial support, and the New Hampshire Medication Bridge Program, which aids in covering prescription drug costs.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire? Applications for Medicaid can be submitted online through the NH EASY portal, by mail, or in person at local Division of Family Assistance (DFA) offices. Essential documents include proof of income, assets, residency, and age.

3. Are there housing and rent assistance programs for seniors in New Hampshire? The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) provides the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, along with resources on affordable senior housing options. The agency also offers a Home Repair Program for necessary home safety and accessibility modifications.

4. Can seniors get assistance with utility bills in New Hampshire? Yes, LIHEAP assists eligible senior households with their heating and utility bills, ensuring seniors can maintain comfortable and safe living conditions.

5. How do seniors receive help with prescription medications? The New Hampshire Medication Bridge Program offers financial assistance for prescription drugs to seniors who meet specific eligibility criteria, helping to fill the gaps Medicare Part D may leave.

6. What property tax relief options are available for seniors in New Hampshire? The Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program provides a rebate on a portion of the state education property tax paid, offering financial relief to eligible seniors.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access? The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) administers programs providing in-home care services like personal care, meal preparation, and respite care to help seniors live independently for as long as possible.

8. How can seniors access transportation services? Local Area Agencies on Aging in New Hampshire offer transportation services for seniors, including rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential errands, often at reduced costs or for free.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in New Hampshire? The Elderly Nutrition Program provides congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious food and opportunities for social engagement.

10. How can seniors in New Hampshire receive legal assistance? Legal Advice & Referral Center (LARC) and New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) provide free legal services to low-income seniors, covering issues such as healthcare, housing, and consumer rights, protecting seniors’ legal rights and well-being.