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1. Do I need to reimburse the City for the assistance I receive?

Yes, you must reimburse assistance granted if returned to an income status and if such reimbursement can be made without financial hardship.  RSA 165:20-b.

2. What happens if I own my home and I need assistance?

The law requires the municipality to place a lien for welfare aid received on any real estate owned by an assisted person in all cases except for just cause.

3. Does my immediate family have to pay the City back for assisting me?

RSA 165:19  Liability for Support.  The relation of any poor person in the line father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, son, daughter, husband, or wife shall assist or maintain such person when in need of relief.  Said relation shall be deemed able to assist such person if his weekly income is more than sufficient to provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health.

Should a relation refuse to render such aid when requested to do so by a county commissioner, selectman or overseer of public welfare, such person or persons shall upon complaint of one of these officials be summoned to appear in court.  

4. Do I have to participate in the Workfare program?

Under state law and the Welfare Guidelines of the City, any recipient of assistance may be required to work for the City or an appropriate local human service agency at any available bona fide job that is within his/her capacity (RSA 165:31) for the purpose of reimbursement of benefits received.  Participants in the workfare program are not considered employees of the municipality, and any work performed by workfare participants does not give rise to any employee-employer relationship between the recipient/workfare participant and the City.

5. Do you offer daycare services because I home school my children.

Unfortunately, the Welfare Office does not offer daycare services.

6. What documentation does the City need to determine if I am eligilbe?

- Proof of Identification: Photo ID, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards for yourself and all members in your household.

- Proof of all sources of income/resources: Employment (past 4 weeks of pay stubs), Social Security Income, Tax Refund or Tax return, child support, unemployment, workers compensation and any other source of income. Proof of all resources: checking account and/or savings account statements, IRAs, Certificates of Deposit, life insurance policies, etc.

- Proof of all expenses: Rent (by having your landlord fill out the form attached to the application); utility bills, phone bills, food receipts, tuition, prescriptions, insurance, auto repair and any other expense for the last 4 weeks.

- Eviction notices or utilities disconnect notices.

- Proof that you applied or are receiving Food Stamps, TANF, Medicaid, fuel assistance, electrical assistance and/or any other assistance.

7. How do I apply for city assistance?

The best method is to call us at 603-527-1267. We can answer your questions and assess your situation and direct you to any other programs that will also be beneficial to you.

To apply for City assistance, you can visit our office and get an application for assistance along with other forms that may be appropriate.  You can also print one from our website.  Once this application is completed, you will need to call 527-1267 to set an appointment.

Included in your application will be a list of documentation that is required to determine eligibility.

Print the Application for Assistance (PDF)