Hillsborough County assistance programs

Get help with bills, housing expenses, and other relief

Thousands of families and individuals in New Hampshire are struggling in the current economic environment, and the Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. (SNHS) offers these people several resources and services so they can get help with their bills, and get back on their feet.

Help with heating bills - Grants to pay heating bills are dispersed through the state of New Hampshire via local centers. The fuel assistance grants will be provided via the federal governments Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. If you apply and are accepted, money to help pay your heating bills will be sent directly to your gas, oil or electric companies. Or if your heat is part of your rent, the money will be paid directly to your landlord. The exact amount of the grant will vary, but amounts provided will range from $150 to $1,125 for the heating season. The state average amount of assistance provided to people in need was $726. Each year, applications for heating aid are accepted beginning July 1, and the government program has been in existence for decades.

Emergency Loans - This emergency program, which is currently being funded by both Bellwether Credit and St. Mary's Bank, will provide qualified participants with emergency assistance loans that can be used to pay bills or other expenses. St. Mary's will accept applications for the loans from clients in Manchester, Nashua, & surrounding towns. The maximum loan amount provided cannot exceed $1,000, and is payable within an 18 month period. Another option is Bellwether Credit Union. They only accept applications for loans up to $500 from clients in Hillsborough County. Find other loan products.

Rent Assistance, Eviction Prevention - If you are behind or struggling with your rent, short term assistance is offered to families who have rent or even utility bill arrearages. The program is targeted at those facing an immediate eviction or utility termination notices, and if they are at imminent risk of becoming homeless or being evicted from their home or apartment. Click here to find other rent programs.

Senior Energy Assistance Program (SEAS) - The SEAS program will provide funds to pay energy bills in an amount of up to $270 per elderly household for individuals. People who are 60 years of age or older may apply. These funds are in addition to any money the applicant may receive from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program - Another option for people who need help with utility and heating bills is the Neighbor helping Neighbor program. The program provides cash grants and funds for utility bills, heating, and energy assistance. Money can pay for electric or natural gas bills. Money will be paid to individuals who are experiencing some type of financial hardship, if they have an energy bill disconnect pending, and if they are ineligible for help from the Fuel Assistance Program mentioned above.

Heating System Repair or Replacement - If your heating system has broke or has malfunctioned, this program provides services to make energy saving improvements to your home, such as a new, energy efficient emergency heating system repair or replacement.

Weatherization - This federal government program will help people reduce their heating and energy bills. It will help them increase energy efficiency of their home and reduce household energy costs, and the average savings can be several hundred dollars per year. The program is free to qualified applicants.

Workforce Investment Act - Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. works closely with the Workforce Opportunity Council (WOC), other local Community Action Agencies and also the New Hampshire Employment Security to provide the following services to help people get a job. They offer resume writing, on the job training, job retraining, and other employment services.

To learn more about these programs, or to apply, stop by the agency at 40 Pine Street, Manchester, NH 03103. They also have other offices around the county. Feel free to call them as well at (603) 668-8010.