With the higher cost of living in New Hampshire, there are seniors who struggle financially. They may find it difficult to pay for some of their basic needs, such as rent, purchasing food, and paying for their utilities. The good news is that there are programs they can turn to that will provide the help they need. There are programs offering financial assistance for seniors in New Hampshire.
The federal and state government has created programs that aim to help meet people’s basic needs. Most of the programs seniors can turn to are made possible through funding by the federal or state government or organizations that have a mission of serving the people in need in their community. The good news is that the financial assistance is not considered a loan, so it’s not something that has to be paid back.
By applying for multiple programs you will help ensure that your basic needs are met. There are no limits to how many you can apply for, so be sure to apply for all those you feel qualified for. There are enough helpful programs for seniors in New Hampshire that it should not be difficult to get assistance for those who have a low income and are legal residents. Some programs limit how long you can assistance from them, so be sure to keep that in mind when applying.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government created this program to help prevent people in the country from going hungry. The program used to be called food stamps and is still largely known by that name. Those who have a low income and are legal residents may get assistance to pay for their food. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that is used to pay for groceries at the store and some farmers markets. There is no limit to how long you can receive help from this program. Those who continue to meet the qualifications will be able to keep getting assistance from it. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has many locations around the country and state. They provide a range of services to help people in the community who need assistance. They are well known for their services to the community that provide free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, and shelters. Seniors can go to one of their locations to obtain free food. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
New Hampshire Food Bank – Seniors who need help obtaining free food can contact this organization for assistance. They provide people with boxes of food and supplies. They offer a food pantry, as well as a mobile food pantry, where people can simply pull up and they will load the food supplies into your vehicle. To find a location near you to get free food from, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors who need help paying for their rent should apply with HUD. This is a federal agency that provides the most amount of housing assistance in the nation. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident. There is no limit to how long you get help through this agency. They offer a variety of programs, including rental assistance, weatherization services, help paying for house repairs, and more. They will also provide people with a government owned housing unit to live in. To get more information and apply, click here.
New Hampshire Housing – This organization offers rental assistance for low income seniors and others in the state. They offer a voucher program, which allows people to live where they want as long as it meets safety requirements, and pays for the rent. They also offer an emergency rental assistance program, which may help those who are facing an eviction or needs help with a security deposit. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This fuel assistance program is funded by the federal government. Seniors who need help paying for their utility bills can apply for the program. The benefits to help pay for fuel assistance range from $100 to $2,177. The average payment that a household receives is $1,248. If you are approved for the program, they will send the payment directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – Seniors who need financial assistance in New Hampshire can call this number to get referrals to local programs that can help. The service is provided by the United Way organization and it is free and available to everyone. They will find programs to refer people to that will help with paying utility bills, rent, buying food, medical bills, and more. To get more information, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program, funded by the federal government, will provide medical bill assistance for seniors who are under the age of 65, have a low income, and are legal residents. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program as long as you meet the qualifications. Medicaid will help people pay for such medical bills as those from a doctor, dentist, hospital, and even prescription drugs. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one above, only it is for seniors who are over the age of 65, and there are no income level requirements. This program is open and available to every senior in the country. Once registered for it the program will help pay for most medical bills and prescription drugs. This program is provided by the federal government and there is no limit to how long you can get help through the program as long as you meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply, click here.
