Childcare Subsidies in New Hampshire
Financial assistance programs to help New Hampshire families pay for daycare and childcare.
New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship
Scholarship-based. DHHS administers.
Am I Eligible?
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in New Hampshire
Application Process
Apply for the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship through the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) online at nheasy.nh.gov or at your local DHHS district office. The NH Easy portal handles child care alongside other benefits. Documents needed include proof of income, NH residency, Social Security numbers, child birth certificates, and verification of work or education activity. Processing takes 2-3 weeks, and NH DHHS staff are generally responsive to inquiries. The state is small enough that caseworkers often know the local provider landscape well.
Co-Pay Structure
New Hampshire's co-pay is based on family income and size. The income ceiling is $68,592 for a family of four, which is relatively high and reflects New Hampshire's cost of living. Families below 100% FPL pay $0. Above that, co-pays are on a sliding scale; a family earning $50,000 might pay $100-$175/month. New Hampshire assesses co-pays per family, not per child. The co-pay schedule is reviewed annually.
Waitlist Reality
New Hampshire does not currently maintain a waitlist for the Child Care Scholarship. All eligible families are served. The state's challenge is provider availability, as New Hampshire lost significant child care capacity during COVID and has struggled to rebuild. The North Country and rural communities in particular have very few licensed providers. Concord, Manchester, and Nashua have better provider networks.
Additional Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not have a universal state pre-K program, though some school districts offer preschool using local funds. Head Start and Early Head Start are available in most parts of the state. The Licensed Plus quality program provides a modest quality rating for providers. New Hampshire's Preschool Development Grant has funded expansion of pre-K access in some communities. The Granite State Children's Alliance connects families to early childhood resources.
Tips for New Hampshire Parents
Apply through NH Easy for fastest processing. Since there is no waitlist, the key is finding a provider quickly; contact Child Care Aware of NH at (603) 578-1386 for provider referrals in your area. If you are in a rural part of the state, family child care homes are often your best option. Keep in mind that New Hampshire has no state income tax, so the federal CDCTC and DCFSA are your primary tax benefits for childcare. Begin your provider search before applying, as the scholarship approval will come before you find a spot in some areas.
Federal Programs Available Everywhere
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.
Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).
See Daycare Costs in New Hampshire
Compare childcare prices across 10 counties in New Hampshire. Center-based infant care averages $14,935/year.
View New Hampshire daycare costs →