Documents You’ll Usually Need for New Hampshire SNAP (Food Stamps)

Applying for New Hampshire SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called food stamps) usually goes more smoothly when you have the right documents ready.

This guide walks through the typical paperwork New Hampshire households are asked to provide, why it’s needed, and how to prepare before you contact the official state agency.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site. This article is for information only, to help you understand what to expect so you can work more confidently with New Hampshire’s official SNAP office.

What New Hampshire SNAP Is and Who Usually Qualifies

SNAP helps eligible households buy food each month using an EBT card. In New Hampshire, the program is usually managed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS).

While exact rules can change, people who often qualify include:

• Low- and moderate-income families with children
• Single adults with limited income
• Older adults (typically 60+) with low income
• People with disabilities and low income
• Certain unemployed or underemployed workers

Eligibility usually depends on:

• Household size
• Total income (earned and unearned)
• Expenses (like rent, utilities, child care, some medical costs)
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Student status (for some adults in school)
• Work rules (for many adults without dependents)

The documents below help the state verify these points. Having them ready can prevent delays or requests for more information.

Overview: Common Documents Needed for New Hampshire SNAP

Most New Hampshire SNAP applicants are asked to provide proof of:

• Identity
• New Hampshire residency
• Social Security number (or proof of having applied for one)
• Household income
• Household expenses
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Age and relationship, for some household members
• Disability status, in certain cases

Requirements can vary by household situation, so your local DHHS office or the official benefits portal is the final word.

Quick Reference Table: Typical SNAP Documents in New Hampshire

*Each local NH DHHS office decides what it will accept. If you cannot get a specific document, ask the office what alternatives they allow.

Proof of Identity

Every SNAP case must have at least one person’s identity verified (and sometimes more).

Common identity documents include:

• New Hampshire driver’s license or state photo ID
• U.S. passport
• Military ID
• School or work ID with photo
• Tribal ID
• For children: school records, birth certificate, or other official records

If you do not have a photo ID, the local office may accept:

• A non-photo document combined with another document (for example, birth certificate plus a Social Security card)
• A signed statement from a shelter, employer, or case manager (when allowed)

If you are unsure what counts, you can call the local DHHS district office before applying.

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

New Hampshire SNAP generally requires an SSN for each household member applying, or proof that you have applied for one.

You may be asked for:

• Social Security cards
• SSA award letters
• Medicare cards (showing SSN)
• Tax documents showing the full SSN

If someone does not have an SSN, the SNAP office typically asks for:

• Proof of having applied for an SSN (for example, a receipt from the Social Security Administration), or
• Discussion of how to proceed if the person is not eligible for an SSN (often for some non‑citizens)

People who choose not to provide an SSN for a household member can sometimes still apply for SNAP for others in the household, but that member is usually treated as “non‑participating” in the eligibility calculation. The local office can explain how this works.

Proof of New Hampshire Residency

You usually must show that you live in New Hampshire to receive New Hampshire SNAP.

Common residency documents include:

• Current lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Utility bill (electric, gas, heat, water, internet, landline)
• Official mail with your name and NH address, such as:
  • Letter from NH DHHS
  • Other state or federal agency letter
  • School or medical facility correspondence

For people without a traditional address (for example, staying with friends, in a shelter, or experiencing homelessness), the office may accept:

• A letter from a shelter or service provider
• A signed statement from the person you are staying with, including their address and contact information

New Hampshire typically does not require you to live in the state for a long time before applying; you just have to currently reside there.

Proof of Household Income

Income is one of the main factors for SNAP eligibility and benefit amount.

You are usually asked to provide proof of all income sources, such as:

Earned Income (Job or Self‑Employment)

• Recent pay stubs (often the last 4–5 weeks)
• Employer letter (on company letterhead) stating:
  • Your start date
  • Hourly wage or salary
  • Average hours per week
• Self‑employment records, such as:
  • Invoices or receipts
  • Business ledgers
  • Tax returns or profit‑and‑loss statements

If your work schedule or income has changed recently, share that with the worker so they know to use the most current information.

Unearned Income

This can include:

• Unemployment benefits: award letters, online printouts, or statements
• Social Security (retirement, SSDI, SSI) award letters or bank statements showing deposits
• Pensions or retirement payments (401(k), private pensions)
• Child support you receive: court orders, payment records, state child support agency statements
• Alimony received
• Workers’ compensation documents
• VA benefits (veterans’ benefits)
• Regular contributions from family or friends (sometimes called “gifts” or “cash support”)

If you have no income, you may be asked to sign a statement explaining how you are meeting basic needs (for example, “my sister is paying my rent” or “I am staying at a shelter”).

Proof of Household Expenses

Documenting expenses can sometimes increase your SNAP benefit amount, because certain costs are deducted from your income when calculating eligibility.

Housing Costs

You may be asked for:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts (or a written statement from your landlord)
• Mortgage statements
• Property tax bills and homeowner’s insurance bills (for homeowners)

If you are staying with others and do not have a formal lease, the SNAP office may ask for:

• A statement from the person you live with that explains:
  • Whether you pay rent
  • How much you pay
  • What utilities you share

Utility Costs

Common utility bills include:

• Electric
• Gas
• Heating fuel (oil, propane, wood, pellets)
• Water and sewer
• Trash collection
• Phone (landline) and sometimes cell phone
• Internet (rules may vary)

If you receive a fuel assistance or utility discount, bring documentation; it can still help with your SNAP calculation.

Child Care or Dependent Care Costs

If you pay someone to care for:

• A child so you can work, look for work, or go to training/school, or
• Another dependent (for example, an older or disabled adult),

you may be asked for:

• Receipts or cancelled checks
• A written statement from the care provider showing:
  • Name and contact information
  • Child or dependent’s name
  • How much you pay and how often

Medical Expenses (for Elderly or Disabled Members)

If someone in your household is elderly (often 60+) or has a qualifying disability, you may be able to deduct out‑of‑pocket medical expenses over a certain amount.

Typical documents include:

• Pharmacy printouts of monthly prescriptions
• Medical bills (doctor, dentist, therapist, hospital)
• Medicare premiums (for example, Part B premiums not already paid by another program)
• Private health insurance premiums
• Receipts for medical equipment or supplies (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
• Transportation costs to medical appointments (mileage logs or receipts, when accepted)

These rules can be specific, so it helps to ask your local DHHS worker what counts and how to document it.

Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status

SNAP has specific rules for citizens and non‑citizens, and not everyone in the household has to be eligible for the entire household to apply.

For U.S. Citizens

You may be asked for citizenship proof such as:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Certain tribal documents

Sometimes, other records already on file with state agencies can be used instead. The local office can explain what they already have and what is still needed.

For Non‑Citizens

Non‑citizens who apply for SNAP typically must provide immigration documents such as:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• I‑94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Employment Authorization Document
• Other DHS/USCIS documents showing status

Only certain non‑citizens are eligible for SNAP. If some household members do not qualify or do not want to share immigration information, you can usually still apply for eligible members (for example, U.S. citizen children) and leave others as non‑applicants. The state usually will not require immigration details for non‑applicant household members.

For specific immigration questions, it is best to talk directly with the SNAP office or an immigration‑knowledgeable legal aid organization.

Additional Documents for Specific Situations

Some New Hampshire SNAP applicants are asked for extra documentation based on their circumstances.

Students in College or Training

College and some vocational students may have special SNAP rules. You might be asked for:

• Student ID
• Class schedule (part‑time vs. full‑time enrollment)
• Financial aid award letter (grants, scholarships, work‑study)
• Proof of work‑study, employment, or work hours, if needed to meet student rules

People Experiencing Homelessness

If you do not have a permanent address, you can still apply for SNAP. Documents might include:

• A letter from a shelter, outreach worker, or service agency
• A statement about where you are staying (park, car, friend’s home, etc.)
• Any ID or benefit letters you may have

The office can often work around missing paperwork for homeless applicants, but you may still be asked to verify identity and any income.

Households with Child Support Payments

If you pay child support (not just receive it), you may be asked for:

• Court orders showing required payments
• Proof of payment, such as:
  • Pay stubs with child support deduction
  • Bank records
  • Statements from the state child support agency

This may affect the SNAP calculation.

How and Where to Apply for New Hampshire SNAP

You cannot apply for SNAP through HowToGetAssistance.org. To start an application, people in New Hampshire typically use one of these official channels:

• The New Hampshire DHHS online benefits portal
• A local DHHS district office (in person)
• Paper applications that you pick up, print, or request by mail and then submit to DHHS
• In some cases, by phone through the official DHHS number

Because application methods can change, it’s best to:

1. Search for the official New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website, or
2. Call NH DHHS or 2‑1‑1 (New Hampshire’s community information line) for current instructions.

When you start your application, you will usually receive:

• A list of documents they want from you
• A deadline to turn them in
• Information about your interview (often by phone)

What Happens After You Apply

Once you submit your application through official channels, the usual steps in New Hampshire are:

1. Application received

   • If you appear to have very low or no income, the office may screen you for expedited SNAP, which can mean a faster decision if you qualify.

2. Interview

   • Most applicants complete a phone or in‑person interview with a SNAP worker.
   • You may be asked to clarify your situation and discuss missing or unclear documents.

3. Verification

   • The office reviews your documents. If something is missing or unclear, they may send a request for additional information with a due date.

4. Decision notice

   • You receive a written notice saying whether you are approved or denied and, if approved, your benefit amount and certification period (how long before you must renew).

If you do not understand a letter or deadline, contact your local DHHS office right away. Missing a deadline can delay or stop your application.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Knowing common problems can help you avoid them.

Typical issues include:

• Missing documents

  • Not turning in requested pay stubs, ID, or other verification on time.

• Information that does not match

  • For example, an application says you work 10 hours per week, but pay stubs show 30 hours. This usually triggers questions or delays.

• Unclear household composition

  • SNAP rules focus on who buys and prepares food together. Confusion about roommates, adult children, or extended family can slow things down.

• Income too high for program limits

  • Even if you have many bills, income above program cutoffs may result in denial.

• Not completing the interview

  • If you miss or skip the interview and do not reschedule, your application may be denied.

If you are denied, the notice usually explains why and often provides information about your right to appeal.

How Reviews, Renewals, and Appeals Usually Work

Recertification (Renewal)

SNAP benefits do not last forever. In New Hampshire, you typically must recertify (renew) after a certain number of months.

You will usually receive:

• A recertification notice and form
• A deadline for returning the form and documents
• Possibly another interview

You may again be asked for updated documents, such as:

• Current income proof
• Recent rent/utility bills
• Any changes in household members

If you do not respond by the deadline, your benefits can stop, even if you are still eligible.

Changes During Your Certification Period

You are often required to report certain changes, such as:

• Someone moving in or out of the household
• Significant income changes
• Changes in work hours (for some adults)
• Changes in shelter or child care costs

The local office or your approval notice usually lists which changes must be reported and by when.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision—for example, a denial or a reduced benefit—you usually have the right to request a fair hearing.

General steps often include:

1. Read your notice carefully for instructions and deadlines.
2. Request a hearing by contacting the number or address listed on the notice.
3. Gather your documents that support your case (pay stubs, bills, letters, etc.).
4. Attend the hearing, where you can explain your situation and present evidence.

You may be allowed to bring a friend, advocate, or legal representative for support. Local legal aid organizations in New Hampshire sometimes help with SNAP appeals.

If You Don’t Qualify for New Hampshire SNAP

If you are not eligible for SNAP or receive only a small benefit, there may still be other resources:

• Food pantries and soup kitchens

  • Many are coordinated through community organizations, churches, or food banks.

• Meals programs

  • Congregate meals for older adults, or home‑delivered meals (like Meals on Wheels) in some areas.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • For pregnant/postpartum people, infants, and young children who meet income and nutrition risk criteria.

• School meals

  • Free or reduced‑price school breakfast and lunch for eligible children, and sometimes summer meal programs.

You can dial 2‑1‑1 to ask about food resources, or contact local community service agencies and food banks in New Hampshire.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

When seeking SNAP in New Hampshire, it’s important to confirm you are dealing with real government offices:

• Look for websites that end in “.gov” when accessing state benefits portals.
• Be cautious of third‑party sites asking for payment or promising guaranteed approval. SNAP applications are typically free.
• Official SNAP offices generally do not charge fees for applications, recertifications, or appeals.
• If you’re unsure whether a site or phone number is official:
  • Call New Hampshire DHHS using a number listed in the phone book or on a clearly official government site, or
  • Call 2‑1‑1 for help confirming the correct office.

Never share your EBT card number, PIN, or full Social Security number with anyone who is not clearly an authorized government worker or a trusted legal/advocacy organization.

Simple Checklist: Documents to Gather Before You Contact NH SNAP

You do not have to wait until you have everything perfect, but collecting these first can help:

1. Identity
   • Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
2. Social Security Numbers
   • SSN cards or other proof for everyone applying
3. Residency
   • Lease, mortgage, or recent utility bill with your NH address
4. Income
   • Last 4–5 weeks of pay stubs
   • Any benefit award letters (unemployment, Social Security, pensions)
5. Expenses
   • Rent or mortgage statement
   • Utility bills (electric, heat, water, etc.)
   • Child care or dependent care receipts
   • Medical bills and prescription printouts for elderly/disabled members
6. Citizenship/Immigration (if available)
   • Birth certificates, passports, or immigration documents
7. Other Situation‑Specific Papers
   • Student enrollment/financial aid documents
   • Child support court orders and payment records
   • Letters from shelters or service providers if you are homeless

Once you have these documents together, you can contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services through their official website, local office, or phone line to start a SNAP application or ask what else they may need for your specific case.