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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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New Hampshire · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or someone you love is getting older in New Hampshire and paid assisted living or nursing care simply isn't affordable, please take a breath. You are not out of options, and you are not alone. The state, your local ServiceLink center, and trusted nonprofits offer a network of help built for exactly this moment.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-866-634-9412This is your front door. ServiceLink is New Hampshire's Aging and Disability Resource Center, and it also provides free Medicare counseling (SHIP). One call reaches a lot of help.
Many families never reach out because they assume they won't qualify, or they dread the paperwork and the fear of being told no. Don't let that stop you. The people who answer these phones help folks in your situation every day, and they're kind about it. These programs are funded by your tax dollars — using them is exactly what they're for.
This page gathers New Hampshire's most useful resources into one plain-language place. Read it all or jump to what you need. When you're ready, start with the three numbers below.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather stay in their own home than move to a facility, and New Hampshire Medicaid can help through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Slots and eligibility involve both financial and care-needs reviews, so it's smart to start early.
New Hampshire Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral health, and — important for seniors — long-term care, including nursing facilities and home-based services through waivers. For adults covered under Medicaid expansion, the program is known as Granite Advantage.
Who qualifies? It depends on your income, assets, and care needs. There are special rules for seniors and for people who need long-term care. The exact income and asset limits change every year, so please don't rule yourself out based on a number you heard. Call and let them check for you — it's free.
Apply online anytime through NH EASY, by phone, or at a local DHHS District Office.
If you're on Medicare
If you have Medicare and a limited income, you may be overpaying. Two programs help:
Apply through DHHS, or ask a ServiceLink/SHIP counselor to help.
Ask a counselor to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
Medicare confuses almost everyone. New Hampshire's free counseling program — SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program — is provided through ServiceLink. Counselors help for free and never sell anything.
They can help you understand Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D; compare drug and Advantage plans at open enrollment; sort out bills and denials; and find programs that lower your costs.
Free Medicare counseling through ServiceLink.
The national SHIP locator can also connect you to help.
Everyday essentials
Apply through nheasy.nh.gov or by phone. Many seniors qualify without realizing it.
ServiceLink and local senior centers offer home-delivered meals and senior dining.
The New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries offer free groceries. Dial 211 to find one near you.
If housing costs are a strain, these can help:
Dial 211 for local rent, utility, and housing assistance.
Public Housing and Section 8
Your local housing authority offers reduced-rent options for low-income seniors.
Helps with heating bills through your local Community Action Program — call 211 to find yours.
Can point you to senior housing options.
Guidance & protection
In New Hampshire, ServiceLink Resource Centers serve as your local aging and disability hubs. They connect you to senior meals, transportation, caregiver support, in-home help, Medicare counseling, and benefit applications — all with friendly, knowledgeable guidance.
The statewide line — reach your local ServiceLink office for help with meals, transportation, caregiver support, and more.
Use this national line to find your local ServiceLink office.
Free civil legal help focused on older adults.
If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, call DHHS.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted-living facility and something isn't right — poor care, lost dignity, unfair treatment — the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate who works for the resident.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. Also reachable at 603-271-4375.
Dial 211 for help with almost any need: food, housing, utilities, transportation, and more.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412. Describe your situation and ask what help you may qualify for. This one call opens the most doors.
Call for free1-866-634-9412New Hampshire Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income; Granite Advantage is the name for the expansion group that covers many low-income adults. For seniors, Medicaid is the main way to pay for long-term care, at home or in a facility.
Generally, no. Medicare covers medical care and only short skilled-nursing stays after a hospital visit. For ongoing long-term care, Medicaid is the program that helps — so it's worth checking your eligibility.
Yes. These programs are built for people on fixed and limited incomes. Social Security counts as income, but many seniors on Social Security still qualify. Don't assume you make "too much" — call and let them check.
Very possibly. Medicare Savings Programs can cover your Part B premium (about $185/month) and sometimes more. Call 1-844-275-3447 or ask ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412.
That's what the Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver is for. Call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412 to ask. Start early, since eligibility involves a review.
Yes, for free. Call ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412 or dial 211, explain your situation, and let them guide you. That's exactly what they do.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These programs exist because New Hampshire believes older people deserve care and dignity no matter their income. Make one call today and take it one step at a time. You've got help.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.