The NH EASY portal at nheasy.nh.gov is New Hampshire's single online gateway for applying for Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, cash assistance, childcare help, and energy assistance. One account, one application, and most decisions arrive within 30 days. This guide walks through every step to create your account, gather documents, and submit your application in 2026.
What Programs You Can Apply for Through NH EASY
NH EASY covers the main assistance programs run by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can apply for all of these through one combined application:
- Medicaid (Medical Assistance) including Granite Advantage for adults ages 19 to 64
- SNAP (food assistance, commonly called food stamps)
- Cash Assistance (TANF for families with children)
- Child Care Scholarship for families with children under age 13
- Medicare Savings Programs (help with Medicare premiums for seniors and people with disabilities)
- Long-Term Care Medicaid for nursing home and home-based care
- LIHEAP (low-income heating and energy assistance)
You do not need to apply for each program separately. A single NH EASY application covers all programs you choose, and the system routes your information to each relevant program automatically.
New Hampshire Medicaid Income Limits 2026
New Hampshire expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion program is called the Granite Advantage Health Care Program and covers adults ages 19 through 64.
Important 2026 update: Granite Advantage participants with income at or above 100% FPL will begin paying monthly premiums starting July 1, 2026, ranging from $60 to $100 per month based on family size. A new work requirement of 80 hours per month (work, job training, or volunteering) will also apply to many adults ages 19 to 64. Exempt groups include parents with dependent children under 6, people with disabilities, pregnant or postpartum women, and full-time students.
| Population | Income Limit | Monthly Limit (Single) |
|---|
| Adults 19 to 64 (Granite Advantage) | 138% FPL | approximately $1,799/month |
| Children under 19 | 323% FPL | approximately $4,215/month |
| Pregnant women | 201% FPL | approximately $2,623/month |
| Seniors and people with disabilities (standard) | 100% FPL | approximately $1,304/month |
| Nursing home Medicaid (single) | under $2,982/month | $2,982/month |
Income limits above reflect 2026 federal poverty guidelines. Family-size adjustments apply. Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to get an estimate based on your specific household.
New Hampshire SNAP Income Limits 2026
New Hampshire uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is higher than the 130% FPL standard used in many other states.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit (200% FPL) | Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $2,608 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $4,444 | $2,222 |
| 4 | $5,358 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $6,276 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $7,194 | $3,597 |
New Hampshire has no asset limit for SNAP. Savings accounts and vehicle values do not count against you. These limits are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Net income is calculated after deductions including a standard deduction, earned income deduction, dependent care, excess shelter costs, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members.
What Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents before starting your NH EASY application. Having them ready shortens your processing time.
Identity and residency:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of New Hampshire residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
Income:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) for all working household members
- Self-employment records or most recent tax return if self-employed
- Benefit award letters (Social Security, pension, unemployment, child support)
Household:
- Birth certificates or other proof of age for children
- Proof of pregnancy (letter from a doctor or midwife) if applicable
- Proof of immigration status for non-citizens applying
Expenses (for SNAP deductions):
- Rent or mortgage statement
- Utility bills (electric, gas, water)
- Childcare receipts
- Medical bills for elderly or disabled household members
Your NH EASY account will display a personalized "proofs needed" checklist after you submit your application so you know exactly what to upload or bring in.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Through NH EASY
Step 1: Go to nheasy.nh.gov
Open your browser and go to nheasy.nh.gov. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. You do not need to download an app.
Step 2: Create an Account
Click "Create Account" on the homepage. You will enter:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email address and phone number
- A username and password
If you are an existing DHHS client and received a PIN by mail, enter it when prompted. If you have no PIN, click "Don't have a PIN?" and the system will send one to you. Once your PIN arrives, return to the site and complete account setup.
Step 3: Start a New Application
After logging in, select "Apply for Benefits" from your dashboard. The system will ask which programs you want to apply for. Select all that apply, including Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, and childcare if relevant. A combined application is more efficient than separate ones.
Step 4: Complete the Application
The application walks you through sections for:
- Household members (everyone living with you)
- Income for each household member
- Expenses (rent, utilities, childcare)
- Medical needs and disability status
Answer all sections for the programs you selected. The system saves progress so you can stop and return later.
Step 5: Upload or Indicate Your Documents
After completing the application, you will see a list of required documents. You can upload scans or photos directly from your phone or computer. Alternatively, you can fax, mail, or bring documents in person to your local DHHS District Office.
Step 6: Submit and Track Your Application
Click "Submit" to send your application. You will receive a confirmation number. To track status, log into your NH EASY account and view your dashboard. Status updates, notices, and letters are all stored in your account.
Step 7: Respond to Any Requests
DHHS may contact you for an interview (required for SNAP in most cases) or to request additional documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays. Most interviews are done by phone.
Step 8: Receive Your Decision
Standard processing takes up to 30 days. If you are in immediate need (very low income, little food, or utility shutoff), you may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits within 7 days or emergency Medicaid coverage.
Applying Without an Account: Alternative Options
If you cannot apply online, DHHS offers two other options:
By mail or fax: Download the paper application (Form 800) from nheasy.nh.gov/forms/E/800.pdf. Complete it and mail or fax it to your local District Office.
In person: Visit a DHHS District Office to apply with help from a caseworker. Find your nearest office at dhhs.nh.gov.
By phone: Call 1-844-275-3447 (1-844-ASK-DHHS) Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with your application or answer questions about eligibility.
Managing Your Benefits After Approval
Once approved, your NH EASY account becomes your main hub for managing benefits:
- Report changes: Report income, household, or address changes within 10 days. Failure to report can result in overpayments you must repay.
- Complete annual reviews: Medicaid requires a yearly redetermination. SNAP reviews happen every 6 to 24 months depending on your household type. Your account will prompt you when a review is due.
- View notices: All official letters and notices appear in your account. You can also opt in to email or text alerts.
- Check benefit amounts: See your current SNAP balance, Medicaid coverage dates, and other benefit details.
LIHEAP Energy Assistance Through NH EASY
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with heating costs. For program year 2026, LIHEAP provides:
- Heating benefit: $100 minimum up to $2,177 maximum
- Winter Crisis assistance: up to $2,177 for households facing shutoff or fuel emergency
Income limits for LIHEAP are set at 60% of the state median income or 150% FPL, whichever is higher. Apply through NH EASY or by calling 1-800-852-3345.
Child Care Scholarship Through NH EASY
The New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship helps eligible families pay for child care for children under 13. Payments go directly to qualifying childcare providers. Income limits are based on a percentage of the state median income and vary by household size.
After applying through NH EASY, DHHS will verify your income and childcare need. You choose a qualified provider from the state's approved list, and the scholarship covers part or all of the cost depending on your income.
Who Is Not Eligible for Granite Advantage Medicaid
Granite Advantage (expansion Medicaid for adults 19 to 64) does not cover:
- Adults 65 and older (covered under standard Medicaid or Medicare)
- Individuals with income above 138% FPL (may qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies instead)
- Undocumented immigrants (limited emergency Medicaid may apply)
- Incarcerated individuals (except the 30-day rule before release)
If you do not qualify for Granite Advantage, you may still qualify for ACA subsidies through the federal Marketplace. Visit the New Hampshire benefits page for a full breakdown of your options.
Free Eligibility Check Before You Apply
Not sure which programs you qualify for? The Benefits Navigator screener checks your household against Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, EITC, and other programs in about 2 minutes. It uses your ZIP code, income, and household size to estimate eligibility before you spend time on a full application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NH EASY portal?
NH EASY is New Hampshire's secure online portal at nheasy.nh.gov for applying for and managing state assistance benefits including Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, childcare scholarships, and energy assistance. It is run by the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
Can I apply for multiple programs at once through NH EASY?
Yes. The NH EASY application is a combined form that covers Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, childcare, and Medicare Savings Programs in one submission. You select which programs apply to your household and fill out the information once.
How long does it take to get a decision after applying?
Standard decisions take up to 30 days. If you have very low income or an immediate food emergency, you may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits in 7 days or fewer. Medicaid coverage can sometimes be backdated to the first of the application month.
Do I need a Social Security number to apply?
You need an SSN for each household member you are applying for. Household members who are not applying (such as undocumented family members) do not need to provide an SSN, and their presence in the household is kept confidential.
What is the Granite Advantage program?
Granite Advantage is New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion program for adults ages 19 through 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (approximately $1,799 per month for a single person in 2026). It provides comprehensive health coverage with no or low cost-sharing.
Are there work requirements for New Hampshire Medicaid in 2026?
Starting July 1, 2026, Granite Advantage enrollees ages 19 to 64 who are not exempt must complete 80 hours per month of work, job training, volunteering, or other approved activities. Exempt groups include parents of children under 6, people with disabilities, pregnant or postpartum women, and full-time students.
What if I lose my NH EASY login information?
On the nheasy.nh.gov login page, click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" to reset your credentials. You can also call 1-844-275-3447 for account help.
Can I apply for NH EASY benefits on my phone?
Yes. The NH EASY portal is mobile-friendly and works on most smartphones and tablets through a standard web browser. No app download is required.
What happens after I submit my application?
You receive a confirmation number and can track your application status in your NH EASY dashboard. DHHS may contact you for a phone interview (required for SNAP) or to request additional documents. Check your account and the phone number you provided regularly.
