Page 1
Date: January 1, 2026
To: Area Agencies, Provider Agencies, Service Coordination Agencies, BDS Staff, and NH Guardianship Agencies
From: Jessica Gorton, Bureau Chief NH Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS)
Re: 2026 Standard of Need and Income Changes
The Division of Economic Stability (DES), Bureau of Family Assistance (BFA) has announced there is a 2.8% increase for 2026 in Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and the Standard of Need (SON) for individuals receiving financial assistance under New Hampshire’s Adult Assistance categories. SSA/SSI benefit levels will increase to $994 per month, formerly $967.
The SON levels for individuals eligible for Medicaid under Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD), Old Age Assistance (OAA), and Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB) are as follows:
For an individual in independent living;
• $1,008 per month formerly $981
For an individual living in an He-M 1001 Certified Staffed Residence, He-M 521 Certified Family Setting, or He-M 525 Certified Family Setting with a residential service;
• $1,070 per month formerly $1,043
For an individual living in an He-M 1001 Certified Enhanced Family Care residence, or an He-M 525 Certified Enhanced Family Care residence.
• $1,188 per month formerly $1,161
BDS will apply the $27/month increase to the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA). PNA for individuals receiving BDS Waiver Services will increase to $222/month, formerly $195 per month, for individuals residing in a staffed residence or enhance family care home. Individuals living independently or in their family’s home will have a PNA equal to the Nursing Facility Cap.
Lori A. Weaver Commissioner
Melissa A. Hardy Director STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DIVISION OF LONG TERM SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
BUREAU OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
105 PLEASANT STREET, CONCORD, NH 03301 603-271-5034 1-800-852-3345 Ext. 5034 Fax: 603-271-5166 TDD Access: 1-800-735-2964 www.dhhs.nh.gov