Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in New Hampshire. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in New Hampshire)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (New Hampshire SHIP)
New Hampshire's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is delivered through ServiceLink, the state's network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), facilitated by the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services within the Department of Health and Human Services. SHIP-certified Medicare specialists give free, confidential help with Medicare benefits, plan comparisons, enrollment, Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, Medigap, Medicare Savings Programs, and appeals.
ServiceLink / SHIP statewide toll-free: 1-866-634-9412 NH DHHS ServiceLink page: dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/servicelink
Medicaid in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicaid is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Seniors and adults with chronic illness or disability may qualify for standard Medicaid and for the Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver, which provides in-home and community services for people who are clinically eligible for nursing facility care but choose to remain at home. Because CFI is not an entitlement program, enrollment slots are limited and a waitlist can form.
How to apply: online or by phone through NH EASY at 1-844-275-3447 (nheasy.nh.gov). You can also call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412 or your local Area Agency on Aging for help starting a CFI application. Be ready with Social Security and Medicare cards, income and bank records (often up to 60 months of statements for long-term care), property deeds, and insurance policies.
NH DHHS Home and Community Based Care: dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care
Prescription help
New Hampshire does not operate a broad State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) for all seniors separate from Medicaid. Options available:
Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that substantially reduces Part D prescription drug costs for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov.
BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs and additional savings.
NH SHIP / ServiceLink counselors (1-866-634-9412) can help you check Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program eligibility at no charge.
Energy and utility help
New Hampshire's Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) is the state's version of LIHEAP, administered by the NH Department of Energy and delivered through local Community Action Agencies. Benefits are a grant that does not have to be repaid. There is also an Electric Assistance Program (a discount on electric bills) you may qualify for at the same time.
Eligibility: households with income up to 60 percent of the State Median Income may apply. For the 2025-2026 program, the maximum gross annual income is approximately $47,604 for a household of 1 and $62,252 for a household of 2 (larger households allow more).
Timing: for 2025-2026, pre-applications opened to priority groups (elderly, disabled, and families with children under 6) after July 1, and to all others after September 1. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. Benefits range from about $100 to $2,177 depending on income and energy costs.
How to apply: contact your local Community Action Agency for an appointment. Find yours through the NH Department of Energy at energy.nh.gov (Help with Energy and Utility Bills, then Fuel Assistance) or call 211.
Property tax relief (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire has two distinct tracks for senior and low-income property tax relief, and they work very differently:
New Hampshire Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a): a reduction in the assessed value of a qualifying older homeowner's primary residence. This exemption is adopted and administered by each municipality (New Hampshire has 234 cities and towns), and each one sets its own exemption dollar amounts and its own income and asset limits, usually tiered by age (for example, separate amounts for ages 65 to 74, 75 to 79, and 80 and older). Basic statewide eligibility: you must be 65 or older as of April 1 of the tax year, have been a New Hampshire resident for at least 3 consecutive years, and own and occupy the home as your principal residence.
Because the income limits, asset limits, and exemption amounts are set separately by each of the 234 cities and towns and are updated locally, there is no single statewide figure. Do not assume a neighboring town's numbers apply to you. Ask your local assessing office for your town's current RSA 72:39-a income limit, asset limit, and exemption amounts. Apply by filing Form PA-29 with your local assessing office, generally by April 15.
Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief (state program, NH Department of Revenue Administration): a separate, statewide refund of part of the State Education Property Tax. Single homeowners with income up to $37,000 and married homeowners with income up to $47,000 may qualify. You must have owned and lived in the homestead as of April 1, 2025. File Form DP-8 through Granite Tax Connect (gtc.revenue.nh.gov) between May 1 and June 30 following the final property tax bill.
NH DRA, Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief: revenue.nh.gov (Taxpayer Assistance) NH DRA Taxpayer Services: (603) 230-5920
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
New Hampshire's aging services are coordinated by the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services and delivered locally through ServiceLink ADRCs and Area Agencies on Aging.
ServiceLink statewide: 1-866-634-9412
Services available through the network:
- Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels)
- In-home care, personal care, and homemaker services
- Family caregiver support
- Transportation assistance
- Long-term care ombudsman services for residents of care facilities
Legal aid: free civil legal help for older New Hampshire residents is available through New Hampshire Legal Assistance and the Legal Advice and Referral Center (nhlegalaid.org). You can also reach legal help through ServiceLink or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently asked questions
What is New Hampshire's SHIP program? NH's SHIP is delivered through ServiceLink, the state's Aging and Disability Resource Centers. SHIP-certified Medicare specialists give free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide at 1-866-634-9412, covering plan comparisons, enrollment, drug plans, Medigap, and Medicare Savings Programs.
Does New Hampshire offer property tax relief for seniors? Yes, in two ways. The Elderly Exemption (RSA 72:39-a) reduces your home's assessed value, but it is run by your town, and each of the 234 municipalities sets its own income, asset, and exemption amounts, so you must ask your local assessor for your town's current figures. You must be 65 or older, a 3-year NH resident, and file Form PA-29 with your local assessor by April 15. Separately, the state Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program refunds part of the State Education Property Tax for single filers under $37,000 income and married filers under $47,000, filed on Form DP-8 between May 1 and June 30.
How do New Hampshire seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Fuel Assistance Program, run by the NH Department of Energy and delivered by local Community Action Agencies. Households up to 60 percent of State Median Income may qualify; benefits run roughly $100 to $2,177 and do not have to be repaid. Priority groups (elderly, disabled, families with young children) can pre-apply after July 1; the deadline is April 30, 2026. Contact your Community Action Agency or call 211.
How does a New Hampshire senior apply for Medicaid? Apply through NH EASY at 1-844-275-3447 (nheasy.nh.gov), or call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412 for help. The Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver can provide in-home care for seniors who qualify medically and financially, though a waitlist may apply.
Sources
- CMS, NH SHIP / ServiceLink contact: https://www.cms.gov/contacts/nh-ship-servicelink-resource-center/general-beneficiary-contact/1562141 (Verified June 12, 2026)
- NH DHHS, ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Centers: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/servicelink (Verified June 12, 2026)
- NH DHHS, Home and Community Based Care (Choices for Independence): https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/home-and-community-based-care (Verified June 12, 2026)
- NH Department of Energy, Fuel Assistance Program: https://www.energy.nh.gov/consumers/help-energy-and-utility-bills/fuel-assistance-program (Verified June 12, 2026)
- NH DRA, Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief: https://www.revenue.nh.gov/resource-center/taxpayer-assistance/low-and-moderate-income-homeowners-property-tax-relief (Verified June 12, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.