NH Housing Relief Program Information

NH Housing Program Update

The NH Housing Relief Program administered by Community Action Partnership of New Hampshire will stop accepting applications on December 18th.

Without the extension of the CARES Act, the State of New Hampshire must close the programs by the end of this year. We encourage all households that need assistance to apply by the deadline of December 18th.December 18th will be the last day Southern New Hampshire Services will be able to accept completed applications via the online portal or by mail. Any outstanding applications must include all necessary documentation. If you’ve already submitted an application and provided the necessary documentation, then a representative from Southern New Hampshire Services will contact you.

Southern New Hampshire Services is only allowed to pay for services up until December 30th.

New Hampshire Housing Relief Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire Services helps facilitate the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program for those in need of rent, mortgage or utility assistance due to COVID-19. This program will pay past-due rent, mortgage and utilities from April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 for households that lost income or had increased household expenses as a result of COVID-19. You are still responsible for any rent or utility payments that were past due before March 31, 2020.

HOW IT WORKS

The New Hampshire Housing Relief Program can help you in a few different ways:

• A one-time grant up to $2500 for those able to maintain housing without any additional help
• Monthly financial assistance spread over the period of a few months for those needing more help that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable
• Financial assistance finding and maintaining permanent housing while transitioning out of a shelter situation that gradually reduces as you become more financially stable

The payments you are deemed eligible for will be made directly to the landlord or service provider.

In order to receive ongoing financial assistance from the Housing Relief Program you will be required to work with a case manager who will work with you on the following:

• Determining which part of the program is most appropriate to help you maintain your housing
• Talking on a regular basis to evaluate progress, provide support and modify any plans as needed
• Reviewing your income and expenses before COVID-19 to see how much they have changed
• Developing a budget plan for maintaining housing while receiving assistance and after it ends
• Working with you and your landlord to ensure everyone agrees with whatever plans are developed to maintain your housing
• Discerning if other household expenses may be eligible for payment
• Helping find suitable housing if necessary
• Applying for other benefits and/or services for which you may be eligible if necessary

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must have lost income OR had increase in household expenses as a result of COVID-19
• You do NOT need to be under an eviction notice to participate in the program
• There is no income limit to be eligible

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying for assistance is simple. First, you must provide basic information about yourself and the members of your household followed by completing a brief three page application. The application bust be completed in one sitting as progress is not saved. After submitting your application a staff member will contact you via email to schedule an intake interview.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

To prove eligibility at the time of application, you may be asked to provide various documentation which may include but is not limited to:

• Demand for Rent or Eviction Notice
• Income documentation (paystubs, SSI, unemployment, etc.)
• Non-income documentation (food stamps, other benefits, etc.)
• Lease agreement
• Mortgage bill/foreclosure notice
• Proof of loss of employment (furlough, layoff notice, etc.)
• Utility bills including electric, gas, oil and internet
• Any items documenting other COVID-related household expenses

For the application process, you will need to have the following information on hand for every member of your household:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Health insurance status and/or type
• Marital status
• Highest level of education
• Employment status
• Veteran status
• Primary phone (for children provide your own and not theirs)
• Email (for children provide your own and not theirs)

The CDC has placed a temporary ban on evictions through December 31, 2020 to prevent possible homelessness for tenants due to the hardships many are facing during this time. For more information about the CDC Eviction Ban, check out the What You Need To Know Infographic from New Hampshire Legal Aid.