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Last updated: 15 September 2026
If you cannot cover food, heat, housing, medicine, or another basic need, use the fastest route first. Emergency programs use different offices, so the right first call can save time.
Bottom Line: Call 911 for immediate danger. Call 2-1-1 for food, shelter, utilities, and local crisis referrals. Call New Hampshire’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, still widely known as ServiceLink, at 1-866-634-9412 for senior, Medicare, home-care, caregiver, and long-term support help.
Need Help Right Now?
Danger: Call 911.
No food, no safe place to stay, utility crisis, or urgent local need: Dial 2-1-1 or use 211 New Hampshire. A 2026 state resource guide lists 211 NH as available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Mental health or suicide crisis: Call or text 988 Lifeline. Veterans can call 988 and press 1.
Suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation: Call Adult Protective Services at 603-271-7014 or 1-800-949-0470 from inside New Hampshire. The state adult abuse page also has reporting information. Call 911 if the person is in immediate danger.
Start Here
- Name the crisis. Write down the exact problem and deadline: no food today, fuel tank empty, shutoff date, eviction hearing, unsafe home, missed medicine, or caregiver breakdown.
- Call the fastest office. Use 2-1-1 for urgent local openings. Use the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-866-634-9412 when you need help sorting senior services, Medicare, Medicaid, home care, meals, or caregiver support. The state ADRC page explains this system.
- Apply for longer-term help too. Emergency help may solve today, but programs such as SNAP, energy assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, and housing aid may reduce next month’s bills.
| Problem | Start here | Ask for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| No food today | 2-1-1 | Open pantry, meal site, senior meals | SNAP helps longer term; a pantry may be faster today. |
| No heat or fuel | Community Action | Fuel Assistance and emergency options | The 2026-27 season has its own dates and income rules. |
| Electric shutoff | Utility and Community Action | Payment plan and Electric Assistance | Call before the shutoff date if possible. |
| No safe housing | 2-1-1 and town welfare | Shelter, emergency aid, eviction help | Open beds and local funds can change quickly. |
| Medicare costs too high | ADRC / ServiceLink | Medicare Savings screening | Income and resource rules apply. |
| Unsafe or exploited | APS or 911 | Adult protection report | Use 911 for immediate danger. |
What Has Changed
Local welfare law changed in July 2026. New Hampshire added RSA 165:1-f, effective July 21, 2026. It requires temporary emergency assistance for up to six days when needed to relieve a basic-needs emergency for a person temporarily in a town or city while residency or responsibility is being sorted out. The current RSA 165 law contains the new rule.
The 2026-27 heating season is underway for applications. Current Community Action information shows Fuel Assistance priority intake began July 1 for households with a person age 60 or older, a person with a documented disability, a child under 6, or wood as the main heat source. General intake began September 1. One current Community Action timeline shows benefits running December 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. Apply now rather than waiting for winter.
Food Help: SNAP, Food Boxes, and Senior Meals
What it helps with: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help eligible households buy groceries. Pantries and meal programs can help when food is needed before an application is decided.
Who may qualify: SNAP uses household income, expenses, and program rules. Households that include a person age 60 or older can have rules that differ from younger households. The current New Hampshire SNAP page is the safest place to confirm what applies to your household.
Where to apply: Use NH EASY for SNAP and several other state benefits. If you are out of food now, call 2-1-1 while the application is pending. The GFS guide to SNAP for NH seniors can help you prepare before you apply.
Food boxes for age 60+: New Hampshire also participates in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The 2026 CSFP guidelines set the income standard at 150% of the federal poverty guideline; for one person, that is $1,995 per month.
Reality check: An online food-benefit application is not a same-day meal. If the cupboard is empty, ask 2-1-1 for a pantry, senior meal, or other open food source first.
Heat, Electric Bills, and Weatherization
What it helps with: New Hampshire’s Fuel Assistance Program can help eligible households with heating costs. The Electric Assistance Program can reduce monthly electric bills. Weatherization may lower future energy use through insulation, air sealing, and other approved work.
Who may qualify: Current 2026-27 Community Action guidance uses 60% of New Hampshire State Median Income for energy-assistance screening. The state energy eligibility page explains the program framework. Your local Community Action Agency makes the application decision.
Where to apply: Start with the New Hampshire Fuel Assistance page or your local Community Action office. If you also need electric-bill help, the Electric Assistance page explains the statewide program. Discounts can range from 5% to 86% based on household income and size.
Do this now: September 2026 intake is open. Gather income proof, heating account information, landlord information if you rent, and current utility bills.
Reality check: Fuel Assistance is seasonal and processing takes time. If you already have no heat or a shutoff notice, call your utility or fuel company and Community Action the same day and explain the deadline.
Housing, Shelter, and Rent Trouble
If you have nowhere safe tonight: Call 2-1-1 and ask for shelter, coordinated housing help, and the closest local crisis resource. Also call your town or city welfare office if you cannot meet basic needs.
For longer-term rental help: New Hampshire Housing runs the statewide Housing Choice Voucher program. Its current voucher application page says most applicants may wait an estimated 7 to 9 years, depending on voucher availability and preference status. Its FAQ says the list is open at the time of this update, but waitlist status can change.
Do not rely on one list: Apply statewide, check local housing authorities and subsidized properties, and keep your contact information current. The GFS NH housing guide explains more routes.
Reality check: New Hampshire Housing says it does not run a general emergency rent program for people without one of its vouchers. For a rent crisis or eviction risk, use 2-1-1, Community Action, town welfare, and legal help rather than waiting on the long voucher list.
Town or City Welfare for Basic-Needs Emergencies
What it helps with: New Hampshire law requires towns and cities to administer general assistance for eligible people. Depending on need and local rules, help can involve basic necessities such as shelter, utilities, food, or other urgent expenses.
Where to apply: Call your town or city hall and ask for the welfare official. State any deadline. The 603 Legal Aid welfare guide explains application rights, written decisions, and appeals.
New 2026 rule: RSA 165:1-f now provides temporary emergency assistance for up to six days in certain basic-needs emergencies while a municipality sorts out residency or financial responsibility. This matters if you are temporarily in a town and are being told another municipality may be responsible.
What to bring: Take ID, housing papers, bills, shutoff or eviction notices, income proof, bank information, and other program letters. Ask for a written decision if help is denied.
Reality check: Local welfare rules and allowances vary by municipality. A town may ask for detailed proof of income, liquid assets, expenses, and the emergency. Apply anyway if you need help and ask what rule is being used.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Help Staying at Home
Medicare Savings Programs: These programs can help eligible Medicare beneficiaries with the Part B premium and, for some categories, other Medicare cost sharing. New Hampshire uses income and resource rules. The state Medicare help page explains the program, and the GFS NH Medicare Savings guide gives a senior-friendly overview.
Where to apply: Use NH EASY or ask the Aging and Disability Resource Center for help. Do not self-deny based on one gross-income number; program-specific counting rules can matter.
Home and community care: Choices for Independence (CFI) is New Hampshire’s Medicaid home- and community-based program for eligible adults who meet financial and clinical requirements. The current CFI waiver page describes the program.
If disability makes forms, travel, communication, or home safety harder, the GFS NH disability guide can help you plan what accommodation or service to ask for.
Reality check: Medicaid long-term care can require both financial and clinical reviews. If a hospital discharge, loss of a caregiver, or unsafe home situation makes the need urgent, say that clearly when you call the ADRC.
Property Tax Pressure
State relief: New Hampshire’s Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program can reduce part of the State Education Property Tax for eligible homeowners. The current property tax relief page lists income limits of $37,000 or less for a single homeowner and $47,000 or less for a married homeowner or head of a New Hampshire household.
2026 filing window: The regular 2026 filing period ran from May 1 through June 30. The Department of Revenue Administration says certain late applications may be accepted through November 1 when the claimant meets the statutory late-filing conditions, such as accident, mistake, misfortune, or a federal tax-filing extension.
Local relief: Towns may also offer elderly exemptions, deferrals, veterans credits, or other relief. The GFS NH property tax guide explains the main paths.
Reality check: Property tax relief is not same-day emergency cash. If a tax deed, foreclosure, or loss of housing is becoming urgent, call the town tax collector, town welfare, and legal aid now.
Veterans, Scams, and Legal Protection
Veterans: The New Hampshire veterans office can help veterans and family members identify state and federal benefit routes. The GFS NH veterans guide focuses on senior-specific options.
Scams or exploitation: If someone pressures you for gift cards, money transfers, Medicare numbers, bank access, or a deed, stop. The NH consumer hotline takes scam reports. Use Adult Protective Services when a vulnerable adult may be exploited.
| Program or route | Helps with | Where to start | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Groceries | NH EASY | Income, expenses, and document requests |
| CSFP | Food package for age 60+ | State or local food agency | Income guideline and local distribution schedule |
| Fuel Assistance | Heating costs | Community Action | Season dates and processing time |
| Electric Assistance | Monthly electric discount | Community Action | Annual recertification and income tier |
| Town welfare | Basic-needs emergencies | Town or city hall | Local guidelines and proof of need |
| Housing vouchers | Long-term rent subsidy | New Hampshire Housing | Long wait and changing list status |
| Medicare Savings | Medicare premiums and some costs | NH EASY or ADRC | Income and resource rules |
| CFI | Home and community long-term care | ADRC / ServiceLink | Financial and clinical review |
Local New Hampshire Help
If you do not know which office serves your town, start with 2-1-1 or the Aging and Disability Resource Center. The GFS guide to NH aging agencies explains the statewide network.
- Community Action: fuel, electric, weatherization, and some emergency household help.
- Town or city welfare: local general assistance for eligible residents and, under the new 2026 rule, certain temporary emergency cases while residency is sorted.
- ADRC / ServiceLink: Medicare counseling, caregiver help, long-term care navigation, meals, and benefits support.
- 603 Legal Aid: help understanding local welfare, housing, benefits, and other civil legal problems.
If you need help using state websites, the GFS NH benefits portal guide explains NH EASY and other major online entry points.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
- Lead with the deadline. Say, “My power is scheduled to be shut off on September 15,” not only, “I need help with electricity.”
- Ask which office decides. A referral line may guide you, but another agency may make the actual decision.
- Apply even if you are unsure. Do not self-deny because one income number looks too high. Ask the program to screen the full household under its current rules.
- Keep proof. Save confirmation numbers, names, dates, upload receipts, notices, and copies of documents.
- Ask what happens next. Ask what is missing and when to follow up.
Documents to Gather
| Need | Useful documents | Why they matter |
|---|---|---|
| Food or health benefits | ID, Social Security number, income, rent, utilities, medical costs | The worker may need proof of household finances and deductions. |
| Heat or electric help | Fuel or electric bill, account number, income, household list | Community Action needs the right account and household information. |
| Town welfare | ID, lease, bills, bank information, income proof, shutoff or eviction notice | The town reviews resources, expenses, and the immediate need. |
| Housing | ID, household records, income, landlord notices, prior addresses | Housing programs verify household and income details. |
| Property tax relief | Final tax bill, federal tax return, ownership records if requested | The state program uses the final bill and household income information. |
Phone Scripts You Can Use
Food today
“I am an older adult in [town]. I do not have enough food until my next income arrives. Which pantry, meal site, or home-delivered meal option is open today or tomorrow? I also want help applying for SNAP.”
Heat or electric emergency
“I live in [town] and I have [no fuel / a shutoff notice]. The deadline is [date]. I want to apply for Fuel Assistance or Electric Assistance. What do you need from me today, and is there an emergency process while the application is reviewed?”
Town welfare
“I need to apply for town or city welfare for a basic-needs emergency. My problem is [rent / heat / utilities / food / medicine], and the deadline is [date]. What documents should I bring, and how do I get the decision in writing?”
Home care or caregiver strain
“I need help staying safely at home. I need help with [bathing / meals / mobility / supervision / caregiver relief]. Can the Aging and Disability Resource Center screen me for home-care options, Choices for Independence, and caregiver support?”
Reality Checks
- Emergency help and long-term help are different. A pantry or town welfare payment may solve an immediate crisis, while SNAP or a housing voucher takes longer.
- Funding can be limited. Local grants and charitable help may open, close, or run out.
- Housing waits are long. A voucher application is worth filing, but it is not a plan for tonight.
- Energy help is seasonal. Apply during the intake window and ask what to do if the emergency happens before benefits begin.
- Program workers need proof. Keep current bills, income, ID, and notices together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last day: Call as soon as you receive a shutoff, eviction, or overdue notice.
- Using only online forms: Applications are useful, but a phone call can identify faster emergency help.
- Leaving out medical expenses: Ask whether out-of-pocket medical costs should be reported for food or health-benefit screening.
- Ignoring mailed notices: A request for one missing paper can stop or delay an application.
- Paying for a public application: Be cautious if someone charges money to “guarantee” approval.
- Missing a hearing or court date: Keep the legal deadline even while you are waiting for assistance.
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
Ask for the decision in writing. Ask which rule was used. Ask what document is missing. Ask for the appeal deadline and whether benefits or services can continue while an appeal is pending.
If the need cannot wait, repeat the exact deadline. For town welfare, 603 Legal Aid may help if you were not allowed to apply or believe the decision was wrong.
If forms are difficult because of a disability, ask the program for a reasonable accommodation. The GFS disability guide linked above has examples of what to request.
Backup Options
- Food: Use SNAP, food pantries, CSFP, and senior meals together when eligible.
- Health care: If you cannot afford care, use the federal health center finder to locate nearby community health centers and ask about sliding-fee care.
- Phone service: The federal Lifeline program may reduce phone or internet costs for eligible households.
- Missing Social Security payment: Use the official Social Security site or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Unsafe home repairs: Emergency aid may not cover a roof, furnace, ramp, or other major repair. The GFS NH home repair guide explains repair and weatherization paths.
Resumen en Español
Si necesita ayuda urgente en New Hampshire, llame al 911 si hay peligro. Llame al 2-1-1 para comida, refugio, servicios públicos y recursos locales. Para Medicare, Medicaid, comidas, cuidado en casa o apoyo para cuidadores, llame al Aging and Disability Resource Center al 1-866-634-9412.
Para SNAP u otros beneficios estatales, use NH EASY. Para calefacción o electricidad, llame a Community Action. Fuel Assistance 2026-27 ya acepta solicitudes. Para otras necesidades básicas, llame también a la oficina de bienestar local. Desde el 21 de julio de 2026, una nueva ley incluye ayuda temporal de emergencia en ciertas situaciones mientras se resuelve la residencia.
Para abuso, negligencia, auto-negligencia o explotación financiera, llame a Adult Protective Services al 603-271-7014 o al 1-800-949-0470 dentro de New Hampshire. Guarde copias y pida una decisión por escrito si le niegan ayuda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get emergency help in New Hampshire?
Call 911 for immediate danger. Call 2-1-1 for urgent food, shelter, utility, and local referrals. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-866-634-9412 for senior services, Medicare, home care, meals, and caregiver help.
Is Fuel Assistance open for the 2026-27 season?
Yes. Current Community Action information shows priority intake began July 1, 2026 and general intake began September 1, 2026. Benefits for the main fuel season are scheduled from December 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. Contact your local Community Action Agency because local appointment and document procedures can differ.
Can town welfare help with an emergency?
It may. New Hampshire towns and cities administer general assistance for eligible people. A new law effective July 21, 2026 also requires temporary emergency assistance for up to six days in certain basic-needs emergencies while residency or municipal responsibility is being sorted out.
Does New Hampshire have emergency rent help?
There is not one permanent statewide emergency rent fund for every renter. Call 2-1-1, contact Community Action, and apply to town or city welfare. If you have an eviction notice or court date, also seek legal help and do not miss the hearing while waiting for assistance.
Who helps with Medicare costs in New Hampshire?
Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible people with Medicare premiums and, for some categories, other Medicare costs. Apply through NH EASY or call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-866-634-9412 for free counseling and application help.
What should I do if I think a senior is being abused or exploited?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger. Otherwise, report suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation to New Hampshire Adult Protective Services at 603-271-7014 or 1-800-949-0470 from inside New Hampshire.
About This Guide
Sources: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources linked in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced under the GFS Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is not affiliated with a government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Despite careful verification, errors may occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, funding, and availability can change. Confirm current details directly with the responsible official program before acting.
Last updated: 15 September 2026 · Next review: 15 January 2027
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