According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the state of New Hampshire is home to more than 111,000 veterans, with almost half being over the age of 65. The state offers numerous benefits for these veterans and their families, and the State Office of Veterans Services is an excellent starting point to learning more about these benefits and how to access them.

Accessing quality health care is always a top concern for veterans and their families, and New Hampshire veterans have several choices available to them. The main VA facility for the state is the Manchester VA Medical Center, located at 718 Smyth Road in Manchester. Health services at the medical center include urgent care, primary care, ambulatory surgery, specialty clinics, mental health, hospital-based home care, community acute care, and long-term care. Additionally, the Research Department located at Manchester VAMC is internationally recognized for its study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other behavioral disorders. The VA also maintains several community-based outpatient centers and four vet centers at locations across the state.

New Hampshire senior veterans may be considering potential housing options that meet their health needs and budget. The New Hampshire Veterans' Home is a 250-bed facility for honorably discharged veterans who have served for a period of at least 90 days in the U.S. armed forces in time of war, and who have been New Hampshire residents for one year preceding application. Established in 1890 as the Soldier's Home for Civil War Veterans, the home is located in the heart of the Lakes Region and the foothills of the White Mountains, offering a scenic setting for residents. The professionals and staff of the home believe in a “holistic approach to care that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, social, and rehabilitative needs of each resident.” Health services include an on-site Medical Director, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurses, LPNs, LMNAs, LNAs, pharmacists, dietitians, therapeutic recreation, and social work staff. The home also has its own bank, store, library, chapel, and recreation areas for residents. Some restrictions on assets and medical treatment exist, and spouses who are veterans are also eligible for admission.

For veterans looking to enjoy New Hampshire’s beautiful state parks, they’ll be happy to know that any New Hampshire veterans with any VA service-connected disability rating are not charged a fee for day-use admission to state parks. Special number plates issued to disabled veterans, or a letter issued by the VA certifying that the veteran suffers from a service-connected disability, is considered sufficient proof. Additionally, any active member of a federally-recognized unit of the NH National Guard who is a legal resident of this state and is serving (or who retired) in pay grades E-1 through E-6 will not be charged a fee for admission to the state park system.

Additionally, honorably discharged New Hampshire resident veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability may be issued a free perpetual Fish and Game License. Patients at the Manchester and residents of the NH Veterans' Home also may be issued free fishing permits under certain conditions. Disabled veterans may hunt from motor vehicles or boats under certain conditions with a proper permit.

The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery was established in 1997 and was the first state cemetery east of the Mississippi River to allow the interment of nonresident eligible veterans. Additionally, eligible dependents and spouse of a veteran may also be buried in the cemetery for a small fee. The location currently encompasses 14 acres of burial sites, with six additional phases for future expansion into its 100-acre landscape, previously a state forest. The cemetery hosts events throughout the year on special days of remembrance such as Memorial Day.

To find out what veterans benefits exist in other states in the U.S. please visit our complete Veterans Benefits by State guide here.

New Hampshire Veterans Benefit for Assisted Living

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to New Hampshire senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. Here is more information on how the Aid and Attendance benefit helps New Hampshire veterans.

Written by Megan Hammons