While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In New Hampshire, the TANF program is known as Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF). To learn more about FANF and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the New Hampshire FANF website here.
Financial Assistance to Needy Families (FANF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The FANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services the FANF program provides to participating families, review the New Hampshire TANF webpage found here.
FANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Both FANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, FANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
Many FANF participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here
To apply for Food Assistance and/or FANF, visit NH EASY here.
If you have questions about FANF or Food Assistance, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (603) 271-9700.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TANF here and benefit amounts in New Hampshire here.
To qualify for FANF in New Hampshire, you must meet the following requirements:
Before you apply for Financial Assistance to Needy Families, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the FANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply here.
To apply for FANF online, create an account on NH EASY here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for FANF in person, click here to find the nearest New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services office location.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local district office.
To apply for assistance in Spanish, fill out the application form here.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (603) 271-9700.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for FANF, you must speak with a Family Services Specialist (FSS) about your application and the program benefits that your family may be eligible for.
Following your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Human Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are approved.
If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your FANF benefits will be deposited. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (603) 271-9700.
If you do not agree with the FANF benefit decision given to you by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by email, or by mail within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Health and Human Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by email or mail, complete the Appeal Request form found here and email your request to dhhs.aau@dhhs.nh.gov or mail it to your local district office.
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal to avoid unnecessary delays.
For help with obtaining Financial Assistance to Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (603) 271-9700.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Health and Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.