Page 22

State of New Hampshire

TANF State Plan

21 New Hampshire State Plan Effective October 2023 Individual Rights: • Application — Individuals have the right to apply for assistance and to have a timely eligibility decision made on the application. • Authorized Representative — Individuals may choose any adult to assist them in any aspect of the eligibility process. • Case Decisions — Individuals have the right to be notified of the outcome of all eligibility decisions and of any changes which affect the amount of their benefits or their level of eligibility. • Civil Rights — DHHS does not discriminate against individuals because of their age, sex (including pregnancy sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics), race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin or political affiliation or beliefs. • Complaints and Administrative Appeals — Individuals have the right to request a review of their circumstances and/or an administrative appeal when they are dissatisfied with any action or inaction by DHHS which affects their participation in any DHHS program. Individuals have a right to bring someone with them to the appeal, like a friend, relative, or lawyer, or they can come alone. DHHS will not pay for any legal services the individual wants, but there is free and reduced cost legal services available in NH. • Confidentiality — Information concerning individuals is confidential. Use or disclosure of information in DHHS files is limited to persons directly involved in administration or enforcement of DHHS programs, or as otherwise permitted by policy, or federal or state laws. • Notification of Requirements — Individuals have the right to be notified of the eligibility requirements they must comply with, and of the actions, DHHS must take if the individual does not comply.

Individual Responsibilities: • Accurate Information — Individuals are responsible for supplying complete and truthful information to the best of their ability to meet eligibility requirements. • Changes — Individuals are responsible for reporting all changes in circumstances, which affect eligibility or the amount of assistance. • Compliance — Individuals are responsible for complying with the eligibility requirements for the program(s) of assistance they are applying for. • Verification — Individuals are responsible for providing required verifications.

The Department does not discriminate against people because of their age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin or political affiliation or belief. There will be no discrimination in accepting or providing services, or the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any of the Department's programs or activities.

The Ombudsman is responsible for coordinating the civil rights compliance efforts of the Department, component offices and divisions to follow state and federal rules against discrimination.

If all eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance begins on the earlier of the following: