All of the assistance programs referenced below are administered from the Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc.. This non-profit agency provides low to moderate income people as well as the elderly with grants to pay bills, advice, and referrals to other local charities and state or federal government programs. They have several offices around the region.

NH Electric Assistance Program (EAP)

This utility and heating assistance program provides qualified eligible customers a discount on their monthly electric bills. The discount will range anywhere from 5% to 70% off their bills, depending on the applicants  gross household income. Customers of the following utility companies may apply for the discount  from the NH Electric Assistance Program. New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, National Grid, Unitil Energy Systems.(formerly Unitil/Concord Electric and Unitil/Exeter & Hampton Electric Companies, and Public Service of New Hampshire.

 

 

Fuel Assistance Program (FAP)

This program offered by the Meredith community action agency will assist low and moderate income-eligible households with paying their energy and heating bills during the heating season. If you rent your home, as well as homeowners, are eligible to apply for a for a grant through the Fuel Assistance Program. Your exact eligibility and the amount of any benefits paid out will be determined by the number of household members, your annual energy usage, as well as combined gross income.

Rent Assistance and Homeless Prevention

There are two separate housing programs. The first is the Homeless Prevention, and that provides funds to provide one-time emergency assistance and cash grants to families and individuals to help them prevent homelessness that may be caused by eviction, a utility or heating service disconnect, no heat, etc.  The other program is New Start Program, which provides prevention/intervention, housing, support services, and rent funds. Find additional ways to get rent help. More.

NH Security Deposit Loan Guarantee Program

This housing assistance program provides a security deposit guarantee to landlords for income-eligible individuals/families to assist in securing housing and help them rent a home or apartment.

Emergency Energy Bill Help

The Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program provides emergency aid to those people who have experienced a financial hardship and have a utility or heating service shut off. Free cash grants of up to $300 may be available to qualifying households once in a 24 month period that will be applied toward utility bills. In addition it is important to note that those households with a member over 60 years old need not have a shut off notice to apply, so they can get the help regardless.

 

Stop by the main office of the Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. in Concord. Or call them at (603) 225-3295 to learn more about their services and programs.