HIRE VETERANS. GROW NEW HAMPSHIRE

Discover tax credits, training programs, and recognition when you employ Veterans in New Hampshire.

WHY HIRE VETERANS?

Leadership & Skills

Veterans bring proven leadership, discipline, and specialized training to the workplace.
Teamwork

Experience working in diverse, high-pressure teams makes veterans strong collaborators.
Loyalty & Reliability

Veterans show commitment, reliability, and strong work ethic that benefits employers long-term.

Employer Incentives

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Receive up to $9,000 in federal tax credits for hiring qualified Veterans.
Federal Bonding Program

Provides free bonds to protect employers from potential risks when hiring at-risk job applicants.
NH Veteran-Friendly Business

Gain statewide recognition and access to veteran talent by becoming a certified veteran-friendly business.

Tax Credits & Financial / Cost Offsets

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
This is a federal tax credit. Employers who hire certain targeted groups—including unemployed veterans—can qualify. The credit amount depends on the veteran’s prior unemployment, disability status, length of employment, wages paid, etc. (Federally administered; NH employers can take advantage when hiring eligible vets.) shranh.shrm.org+2shaheen.senate.gov+2
Incentive funding for Registered Apprenticeship Programs in NH
New Hampshire’s ApprenticeshipNH, part of the Community College System (CCSNH), offers incentive funding to employers that build new Registered Apprenticeship Programs or expand ones and retain apprentices for six months. Examples: a $4,000 incentive when standards are signed for a new RAP, $500 per apprentice (up to 8) retained for six months. ApprenticeshipNH
Subsidies through Veteran Readiness & Employment (VA program)
For eligible Veterans with service connected disabilities (or other obstacles), the VR&E program (Veteran Readiness & Employment) provides employers with salary subsidies, reimbursement, or share of wages while Veterans are in on the job training or other “transition to work” arrangements. Employers can sometimes get up to 50% or more of the Veteran’s wage for some period. VA Benefits

Training, Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Assistance

Registered Apprenticeship + GI Bill Benefits
Employers with registered apprenticeship programs (especially those approved for GI Bill benefits) create strong incentives: Veterans can apply their GI Bill toward training costs, tuition/fees, get monthly stipends, etc., which reduces financial burden on both employer and Veteran. Such programs often yield more stable, better prepared workers. Click here to learn more.
Helmets to Hardhats (NH)
This program connects transitioning service members and Veterans with quality careers in the construction trades. It’s “earn-while-you-learn,” and many participating trade organizations have apprenticeship (or pre-apprenticeship) pathways. Employers in construction/trades benefit from pipelines of Veterans who may bring work readiness, discipline, reliability. Go to dmavs.nh.gov to learn more.
Operation VETS Connect / NH Employment Security programs
Programs like “Operation VETS Connect” enable businesses to try out Veteran job candidates during trial periods, or through “on the job training” (OJT) with partial/state/federal support. These reduce employer risk of hiring, help assess fit, and often come with supports or funding. Click here to learn more.
WorkNowNH is a FREE state program brought to you by the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security that is available to individuals enrolled in Medicaid or Expanded Medicaid.
The program provides support and assistance to qualified individuals in order to become job ready and to connect with hiring employers in order to enter into sustainable employment.
NHES will determine program eligibility and provide assessment and case management services. WorkNowNH can provide the following employment supports for eligible participants.
 - $6,500 in tuition payments
 - $1,500 in books, fee and supplies
 - $160 a month for travel reimbursement up to 6 months$100 for childcare registration fees
Request Information: https://www.ccsnh.edu/colleges-and-programs/workready-nh-faqs/workready-nh/
WorkInvestNH
WorkInvestNH, formerly known as the NH Job Training Fund, is a New Hampshire state program that provides matching grants to businesses to support workforce training and development. This program can be very helpful for Granite State businesses training their incumbent workers, which often includes Veterans.
WorkInvestNH Eligbility for a business:
• physically located in New Hampshire or intending to locate there.
• Businesses must pay into the NH Unemployment Trust Fund and be in compliance with state laws.
• Training must be for existing workers who are NH residents or work at an eligible NH business
• A fully executed contract must be in place prior to when the training begins
• It is a 50/50 cash match grant – More information available on what is and what is not covered by the program on the NHES website.
WorkInvestNH funds can be used for a wide range of training programs that enhance workforce skills, including:
o Structured, on-site laboratory or classroom training
o Basic skills training
o Technical skills development
o Quality improvement training
o Safety training
o Management and supervision training
o English as a Second Language (ESL)
o Other training programs that contribute to workforce development in New Hampshire
Details can be found at: https://www.nhes.nh.gov/services/employers/work-invest-nh.htm
WorkReadyNH
WorkReadyNH is a practical, tuition-FREE professional skills training program that builds the skills that help employees succeed in the workforce, and that NH employers highly desire via the Community College System of NH.
This program was developed through discussions with NH employers with the goal of strengthening our workforce. The skills employers value most in current and potential employees are:
o Professional Soft Skills, including effective communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem solving, and decision making
o Foundational Essential Skills, including how to read and use workplace documents, interpret graphical material, and apply mathematical reasoning.
Details can be found here

Fellowships For Transitioning Service Members

DOD SkillBridge Programs

Hiring our Heroes fellowships are DOD SkillBridge programs connecting transitioning service members to civilian internships. These nationwide opportunities are available to service members within 180 days of transition and traditional operate as 12-week fellowships, but the program is flexible to adapt to branch-and rand-specific SkillBridge policies.

Corporate Fellowships
- Hands-on corporate training with host companies across all industries
Industry-Based Fellowships
- Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, IT Support, Project Management, UX Design: Career Forward
Skills-Based Fellowships
- No college degree required; basic work experience and for those looking to upskill in high demand industries

Program Basics

DOD SkillBridge fellowships are for service members within 180 days of separation.
Opportunities for degreed and non-degreed candidates.
Nationwide placement: Fellowships can be facilitated in any U.S. state, provided there is a match between a fellow and a host company.

To learn more, attend a live Q&A information session held at 7 PM ET on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month: Click here

Recognition, Branding & Employer Reputation

NH Veteran Friendly Business Recognition Program
Run by NH Department of Military Affairs & Veterans Services (DMAVS) and NH Employment Security (NHES). Businesses can apply for this recognition if they have policies/practices that support Veterans (in hiring, retention, support). There are levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Benefits include being listed among “Veteran-friendly businesses,” using that in recruiting, improved goodwill in community, etc. Click here for more info.
“Hire Vets Medallion Program” (federal DOL) via local participation
Some NH HR organizations and business groups promote participation in this federal recognition program. Being a “Veteran Friendly / Veteran Friendly Employer” can help with public relations, recruiting, and employee morale. Click here for more info.

Employment Preference Laws, Reemployment Rights, Legal Protections

Preference in state / local government hiring
New Hampshire gives preference to Veterans (and their unwed spouses/widows in some cases) for certain state government positions: e.g. State Liquor Commission, Office of Veterans Services, the New Hampshire Veterans Home, etc.
Reemployment Rights
Veterans discharged from active service who apply within 90 days may have right of reemployment in a previous role for towns, political subdivisions if applicable. This can help employers in public sector keep experienced staff and reduce gaps.
Priority in state / federal employment & related services
Veterans often have priority or special access to employment services, training programs, and workforce development programs funded by the state or federal government. This includes job matching, counseling, skills translation, possibly discounted costs. Learn more here.