New Hampshire Emergency Assistance (Housing & Utility Crisis)
Last updated August 2026
New Hampshire Emergency Assistance, or EA, is one-time help for families with children who face a housing or utility crisis. That includes homelessness, a utility shut-off, or no heat, hot water, or cooking fuel. It can also help when living conditions are unsafe or unhealthy. Because it runs under the FANF program, families apply through DHHS: at your local District Office, through NH EASY at nheasy.nh.gov, or by calling 1-844-275-3447.
EA is tied to FANF eligibility, so a child must be in the home. You either have to be getting FANF cash assistance already, or be eligible for FANF even if you do not currently receive the cash. This is not a general grant for anyone; it is a housing-crisis benefit for families with children.
The help for moving into a new home is capped. EA can pay no more than $650 for a security deposit, first month's rent, or both combined, as long as the total does not go over $650. A second $650 deposit within a 12-month period can be allowed only if the earlier deposit has been or will be refunded.
Help with past-due housing costs is also limited. For back rent or a mortgage, EA pays only what is needed to keep your housing, and no more than a two-month arrearage. Your monthly rent or mortgage also cannot be more than the total monthly income your household has available.
The crisis cannot be one you caused on purpose. EA is denied if an adult in the home brought on the emergency by quitting a job without good cause, or is under a work-program sanction, though someone actively fixing a sanction may still apply. If your home is unsafe, you can show it with a note from a school nurse, social worker, case manager, medical provider, or similar source, and if none is available, a written statement of your own.
Move fast when a crisis starts, since funds are limited and a vendor is usually paid only once in a 12-month period. Apply through DHHS as soon as the problem appears, line up FANF and SNAP at the same time, and dial 2-1-1 to find local rent and utility funds that can add to the help.
Phone 1-844-275-3447
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with dependent children who qualify under the FANF rules and face homelessness, a utility termination, or a lack of heat, hot water, or cooking fuel not caused by quitting a job
- Funding is capped and a vendor is generally paid only once in a 12-month period, with limited exceptions for heating fuel and rental deposits, so apply as soon as the crisis starts
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply through your local DHHS District Office, NH EASY (nheasy.nh.gov), or by calling 1-844-275-3447.
- 2
Make sure a child is in the home and that you meet the FANF rules.
- 3
Explain the crisis: homelessness, a utility shut-off, or no heat, hot water, or cooking fuel.
- 4
Gather proof of the emergency, such as a shut-off notice or a note about unsafe conditions.
- 5
Apply as soon as the crisis starts, since a vendor is usually paid only once in 12 months.
What to have ready
- Proof that a child lives in the home
- The shut-off notice, eviction papers, or other proof of the crisis
- Proof of your income and housing costs. Your District Office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who can get Emergency Assistance?
Families with a child in the home who meet the FANF rules and face homelessness, a utility shut-off, or a lack of heat, hot water, or cooking fuel. You do not have to be getting the FANF cash to qualify.
How much can it pay toward a new home?
No more than $650 for a security deposit, first month's rent, or both combined. A second deposit within 12 months is allowed only if the earlier one is refunded.
Can it cover back rent?
Only what is needed to keep your housing, and no more than a two-month arrearage. Your monthly rent cannot be more than the income your household has available.
How do I apply?
Through your local DHHS District Office, NH EASY at nheasy.nh.gov, or by calling 1-844-275-3447. Apply as soon as the crisis starts.
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