Special SNAP Services in New Hampshire

In specific situations, New Hampshire residents may qualify for special SNAP services. These programs offer targeted assistance for emergencies, disasters, power outages, and summer nutrition gaps for children.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency Food Stamps)

This service provides food assistance within seven days for households that cannot wait the standard 30-day processing time. It is designed for those with extremely low income and resources, including migrant or seasonal farm-worker households who need immediate support.

You may be eligible if your household’s gross monthly income is under $150 with liquid resources below $100. Eligibility also extends to households whose shelter costs exceed their income and resources, or migrant farm-worker households with under $100 in resources.

To apply, submit a SNAP application through the NH EASY portal or a DHHS District Office. Staff will determine eligibility on the same day. Approved benefits are issued within seven days. For assistance, call 1-877-347-SNAP.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

Disaster SNAP is authorized only after a federal major-disaster declaration. It provides short-term food benefits to households that have suffered disaster-related losses, such as income, property, or food. Current SNAP households can also receive supplemental help through this program.

When activated, any household in the approved counties with qualifying disaster losses may apply if they meet special income and resource tests. Current SNAP households can request supplemental benefits without needing a separate application for D-SNAP.

NH DHHS announces D-SNAP sites and dates via local media. Applicants file an affidavit and show ID, receiving benefits within three days. Monitor the DHHS website and the USDA D-SNAP page for activation notices.

SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss

This service allows current SNAP households to replace food purchased with benefits that spoiled due to a power outage, flood, or similar disaster. It helps prevent disaster-related losses from worsening food insecurity for families.

Any SNAP household that lost food within the last ten days from a power outage of four hours or more can request replacement benefits. The replacement amount cannot exceed the value of the food lost or the household's last monthly allotment.

File a signed Statement of Loss (Form 772) with a DHHS District Office within ten days via mail, fax, or NH EASY. Benefits are typically issued within two days of approval. Guidance and forms are available online.

Summer EBT (S-EBT)

Summer EBT provides a one-time $120 food benefit for each eligible school-age child. This program helps families bridge the summer nutrition gap when school meals are unavailable, ensuring children have access to food during the break.

Children are eligible if they received SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid and were enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. Eligibility also extends to children who received free or reduced-price meals or meet specific income requirements at an NSLP-participating school.

Most eligible children receive benefits automatically. Others can apply online at NH EASY or update their address between November 16 and December 15. A separate S-EBT card is mailed within 14 days of approval. More information is available online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in New Hampshire

Once approved for SNAP, you'll need to know how to use your benefits, including what you can purchase and where you can shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a standard debit card. Your monthly food assistance funds are loaded directly onto the card, eliminating the need for paper food stamps.

When you shop at an authorized store, you simply swipe your EBT card at the checkout terminal and enter your personal identification number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household. Generally, you can buy any food product meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

Conversely, some items are not eligible for purchase with an EBT card. These restrictions cover non-food goods, alcoholic beverages, and foods sold hot and ready to eat.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions for seafood)

• Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and many smaller corner stores. Look for signs at the entrance or checkout indicating they accept EBT. This allows you to shop for groceries at a wide variety of authorized food retailers across the state.

Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT, providing access to fresh, local produce. Some markets may offer programs that match your spending, helping your benefits go further. It is best to check with the market manager to confirm they participate in the program before shopping.

You can also use your benefits for online grocery shopping with participating retailers like Amazon and Walmart. This allows you to order eligible food items for pickup or delivery, though SNAP funds cannot cover any associated delivery fees or service charges.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can make your benefits go further. You can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also offers rewards on services including Uber and Lyft, helping you save on other essential expenses.

You can download Benny for free to get started. Simply connect your EBT card to begin earning cashback as you shop.