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1. How do I apply for help?

You must come in to the office to pick up the application. At that time an intake worker will assess your current situation, and set you up for an appointment to be seen by a case technician. The intake worker will also inform you in writing of the required documentation you will need for the case technician. In unusual circumstances the intake worker may assess that the applicant needs to meet with a case technician immediately.

2. Do you provide housing?

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

3. How do I know if I am eligible for assistance?

After meeting with a case technician 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 case technician 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".

4. I am falling behind in rent, mortgage, or utility payments due to COVID-19, is help available?

If you are behind in rent, mortgage, or utility payments related to issues around COVID-19, help is available. If you live in Hillsborough County, we encourage you to contact local organizations for assistance. It is important that you are communicating with your landlord and are seeking assistance to pay any rent due in order to avoid eviction.  

The CDC eviction moratorium has been extended through March 31, 2021. However, this does not mean as a tenant you do not have to pay your rent. For more information on this process, please access the following link which connects to the CDC Eviction Moratorium page. There is also a link on the CDC page to the tenant declaration form.  

For general assistance with rent, mortgage, 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.

• Amherst: 603-673-6041
• Brookline: 603-673-8855
• Hollis: 603-465-2209
• Hudson: 603-886-6024    
• Merrimack: 603-424-2331
• Milford: 603-249-0672
• Nashua: 603-589-4555

Additional resource agencies providing assistance at this time include:

• Southern NH Services 
  • Phone: (603) 668-8010 
  • Website: www.snhs.org
• The Front Door Agency
  • Phone: 603-886-2866
  • Website: www.frontdooragency.org/
• The Salvation Army
  • Phone: 603-889-5151 x101
  • Email: Rosemarie.Dykeman@use.SalvationArmy.org
• Corpus Christi
  • Phone: (603) 598-1641
  • Website: www.corpuschristifoodpantry.org
• Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter
  • Phone: (603) 889-7770
  • Website: www.nsks.org
• 211
  • Phone: 2-1-1
  • Website: www.211nh.org/search/

5. 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 benefit amounts will be discussed between the case technician 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.

6. I lost work due to COVID-19, what can I do?

You may be eligible for unemployment relief, even if you are self-employed. Find out if you are eligible for benefits online. 

If you are looking for employment opportunities, search at NH Job Match System.

7. Who is eligible for unemployment benefits under the Federal CARES Act?

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you are required to file a continued claim each week certifying the reason(s) you were unable or unavailable to work for the prior week. Here are the updated questions, required by the Federal CARES Act, that you will see when filing your weekly claim. 

If you are able to self-certify as to being unable or unavailable to work because one of the circumstances in the above document related to COVID-19, then you are eligible for unemployment benefits under the Federal CARES Act. For more information, 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. 

As of March 19th, the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Bureau of Family Assistance District Office buildings will be closed for client-facing activities until further notice. People in need of assistance may apply for benefits online at www.nheasy.nh.gov and will be scheduled for a phone interview in order to complete their benefits application.

8. Are you social workers?

The case technicians are neither social workers or case managers but will refer the applicant to other organizations if warranted.

9. 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.

10. 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 case technician.

11. 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. The consequences will be discussed between the applicant and the case technician during the interview process.

12. How many times does the applicant have to see a case technician for assistance, and are there time limits on the program?

Each time an applicant requests assistance an interview must take place between the case technician 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 case technician. There are no time limits on receiving assistance as long as the applicant meets qualifying criteria.