General Assistance (Emergency Assistance)

General Assistance (Emergency Assistance) is sponsored by City of Nashua Welfare Department (and other local municipal welfare departments). The City of Nashua Welfare Department provides interim emergency assistance to low-income residents through a voucher system.

Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Frequently Asked Questions You must come in to the office to pick up the application. At that time an Intake Specialist will assess your current situation, and set you up for an appointment to be seen by a Welfare Specialist.

The Intake Specialist will also inform you in writing of the required documentation you will need for the Welfare Specialist. In unusual circumstances, the Intake Specialist may assess that the applicant needs to meet with a Welfare Specialist immediately.

The City of Nashua Welfare Department does not provide housing, but will refer the applicant to housing resources including homeless shelters, housing authorities, and local housing providers. Programs for housing and rental assistance can be found at New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority or call 800-640-7239 (NH only). New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority How do I know if I am eligible for assistance?

After meeting with a Welfare Specialist and providing all necessary documentation you will receive a written decision regarding your application. Each applicant’s household circumstances including social/economic factors are reviewed between the applicant and the Welfare Specialist in a confidential setting before a decision is issued.

If you are dissatisfied with the decision you have the right to ask for an appeal or "Fair Hearing". I am falling behind in rent or utility payments. What help is available?

For general assistance with rent or utilities, you may contact your local municipal Welfare Office and/or Town Hall of the city or town you reside in. Contact information for the Greater Nashua Region is noted below. What are the income guidelines for eligibility, and is money or checks given to the applicant if eligible?

Income guidelines change based on several factors. Specific questions involving assistance amounts will be discussed between the Welfare Specialist and applicant. If the applicant is deemed eligible for assistance, a voucher will be issued to a vendor such as a landlord or grocery store.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits? For information on unemployment benefits, visit NH Employment Security or call the unemployment assistance hotline at 603-271-7700. If you do not have access to a computer and need to complete an application online, call the local office of employment security in Nashua at 603-882-5177.

To apply for New Hampshire Division of Health & Human Services benefits, you may contact the local district office at 603-883-7726 or apply for benefits online at www. nheasy. nh.

gov and will be scheduled for a phone interview in order to complete their benefits application. The Welfare Specialists are neither social workers nor case managers but will refer the applicant to other organizations if warranted. How do I report suspected child abuse?

If an immediate threat to a child’s safety is present, contact your local police department immediately. If you feel an investigation is warranted on suspected child abuse or neglect, contact the Division of Children, Youth, and Families by calling 800-894-5533. Will there be additional requirements put on the applicant if assistance is granted?

Yes, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Able-bodied applicants may be required to perform community service work to repay the City for their debt as well as prove that they are looking for gainful employment. Applicants needing long-term assistance will be required to apply for such programs.

These requirements are given to the applicant in writing and are discussed during the interview between the applicant and the Welfare Specialist. Are there consequences if the applicant refuses to cooperate with written requirements? Yes, an applicant refusing to cooperate with written requirements may be deemed ineligible for assistance as warranted by NH law (RSA 165).

The consequences will be discussed between the applicant and the Welfare Specialist during the interview process. How many times does the applicant have to see a Welfare Specialist for assistance, and are there time limits on the program? Each time an applicant requests assistance an interview must take place between the Welfare Specialist and applicant.

Since the City of Nashua Welfare Department provides short term emergency assistance, applicant eligibility for the program is assessed at each interview between the applicant and Welfare Specialist. There are no time limits on receiving assistance as long as the applicant meets qualifying criteria. Government Websites by CivicPlus®