You may apply for food stamp in New Hampshire through the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This benefit, which is officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is available to low-income families and individuals. You may submit a food stamp application even if you are unsure whether you qualify. The DHHS will determine if you are eligible and, if so, evaluate the amount of benefits that you can receive. There is no consequence for applying if you are ineligible.
A food stamp application form can be submitted using several easy methods. Once your form is received, you will receive benefits no more than one month later if you are approved. Below, learn everything you need to know before you apply for SNAP in New Hampshire and find out what steps you need to take.
What do you need to apply for food stamps in New Hampshire?
When you sign up for food stamps in NH, the DHHS will need to provide a variety of information about your household to verify it meets the program’s eligibility requirements. Details and documents that you may need to provide include:
- Your name, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN) and signature.
- The names, dates of birth and SSNs of each household member who wants benefits.
- Your street and mailing address, if different.
- Your sources of income and amount of income.
- A form of identification.
- A list of resources and their value.
- Information on certain expenses that may be deductible.
You have the option to submit an incomplete SNAP benefits application if you do not have all of the abovementioned information on hand. However, in order for your application to be accepted, it must contain at least your name, address and signature.
If you submit an application with missing information, the DHHS will require you to provide it at a later date. Learn more about the details you need to provide by downloading our free guide.
Applying for New Hampshire Food Stamps Online
It is simple to submit a New Hampshire food stamp application online using the official state portal. Overall, this system is used for most types of government benefits offered in the state.
Before you can request food stamps online, you will need to set up an account or log into your existing account if you already have one. Once you are logged in, choose the application you want and follow the on-screen steps to finish your form.
Submitting a New Hampshire Food Stamp Application by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits through the mail, you will need to access the paper application form. This document can be downloaded and printed from the official state portal. Alternatively, you may contact the DHHS or visit an office in person to receive a copy. Note that the paper application is used to request several different types of benefits.
If you only want to apply for SNAP in NH, simply fill out the corresponding sections. Otherwise, you may apply for multiple benefits at once if you are eligible for more than one program. Once your form is complete, return it to a DHHS office by mail.
Applying for SNAP In-Person in New Hampshire
For certain petitioners, it is easier to apply for food stamps in person. To do so, you must simply visit any DHHS branch and pick up a form, which can be completed in the office.
Once your application is complete, return it to the DHHS staff. You may need to talk to a Family Services Specialist (FSS) after submitting your form. The FSS agent will tell you whether you need to take any additional steps.
Checking Your SNAP Application Status in New Hampshire
After you apply for SNAP in New Hampshire, you may wish to check whether your application has been processed. To look at your food stamp application status, you may contact the DHHS and provide your name, case number or other identifying information. If you applied online, you can log into your account to view your application.
Before you check food stamp application materials, it helps to know that most forms are processed within 30 days. In certain emergency situations, your application may be approved within seven days. It is recommended that you contact the DHHS if you have not received any response within 30 days of applying.
New Hampshire Food Stamp Interview Process
In some cases, it is necessary to have a food stamp phone interview or an in-person meeting after you apply. The purpose of a benefits interview is to verify the information on your application and request any details that you may have missed. An FSS will tell you whether such an interview is required.
During an interview, you may need to provide various documents that confirm your information. If you are not able to find everything you need, a caseworker can oftentimes help you locate missing details.
About SNAP Recertification in New Hampshire
If your food stamp application is approved, you will receive a letter that tells you how long you are able to get benefits. This is known as your benefit period or certification period. The length of time varies based on your situation.
In order to keep getting assistance once this period ends, you must recertify your eligibility. You may renew food stamps online, in person or by mail. The food stamp renewal process is similar to the steps you initially took to apply for benefits.
About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in New Hampshire
You have the right to appeal food stamps decisions that you disagree with. For example, you may request an appeal if your benefits are reduced or terminated. If you have your food stamps denied or reduced, the DHHS will include instructions for appealing the decision if you wish.
The review board is separate from the DHHS and offers impartial hearings. During these hearings, you will have an opportunity to explain why you disagree with a decision and present any evidence that may help your case. Despite the fact that appeals are legal proceedings, they are conducted in an informal setting. Learn more about the denial and appeal process by downloading our free guide.
Last Updated: February 24, 2023