Persons who have to decrease their rental arrears and/or relocate to another rental following eviction.

NOTE: This service provides a one-time cheque to the Landlord during a twelve (12) month cycle.

• Persons earning minimum wage or below.
• Bahamian citizen or permanent resident.
• Over the age of 18.
• The applicant MUST be the Head of the Household.
• The applicant MUST be employed.

1. The SSR contacts and informs the applicant of eligibility.
2. The applicant makes a request at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries, or online via the DOSS webpage.
3. The Social Service Representative (SSR) conducts an interview and a home visit to assess the applicant’s eligibility.
4. The SSR completes a report and a recommendation is made about applicant’s eligibility.

Community Support Services Division Outreach Centres – four (4) locations in New Providence:-

Fox Hill Centre                                              
Davis Building, Bernard Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas                                         
Tel. (242) 364-2200                           

Pitt Road Centre
V.B. Munnings Building, Pitt Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 326-1850

Robinson Road Centre                          
Alexander House, Robinson Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas                      
Tel. (242) 397-2524                                  

Wulff Road Centre
Sunshine Plaza, Baillou Hill Road (temporary location)
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 604-4200
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Family Island applicants may apply for services at the local DOSS’ sub-office on the island where they are domiciled or they may apply online. The SSR will contact them in order to implement steps to assess their eligibility for this service.

Note: This service requires inputs from the Bahamas Employment Exchange.

The application is the General Assistance Form (GAF), which may be completed online by the applicant or in-office by the SSR at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries.

For Citizens

• Valid Passport.
• Valid N.I.B. Card.
• Birth Certificate/Affidavit or Valid Passport of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and Proof of Guardianship.
• Marriage certificate and similar documents of identification for spouse, as indicated above.
• Divorce decree or legal separation documents to verify status.
• Doctor’s letter, if unable to work due to ill health.
• Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter.
• An up-to-date and typed RENT LETTER from the applicant’s Landlord addressed to the Department of Social Services with the Landlord’s full name, detailed address, post office box number, telephone contacts (landline and cell phone), banking information (name and branch, account number – specify whether savings or checking account), the location of the rental unit, the weekly or monthly rental fees, and the total amount of rent in arrears.
• The RENT LETTER from the Landlord MUST be submitted along with two (2) copies of the Landlord’s Government-issued identifications (the Landlord’s Passport – copy pages 1 to 3 and the Landlord’s NIB Card – copy the front and back).
• The RENT LETTER MUST be signed by the Landlord and also include the Landlord’s printed or typed name.
• The Landlord MUST be vendor-ready with the Public Treasury by way of the DOSS Accounts Division, prior to the approved Rent Assistance being released.

For Permanent Residents (Non-Citizens)

• Valid Passport.
• Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residency.
• Valid Work Permit.
• Birth Certificate of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and proof of Guardianship.
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal separation documents, where applicable.
• Doctor’s letter if unable to work due to ill health.
• Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter.
• An up-to-date and typed RENT LETTER from the applicant’s Landlord addressed to the Department of Social Services with the Landlord’s full name, detailed address, post office box number, telephone contacts (landline and cell phone), banking information (name and branch, account number – specify whether savings or checking account), the location of the rental unit, the weekly or monthly rental fees, and the total amount of rent in arrears.
• The RENT LETTER from the Landlord MUST be submitted along with two (2) copies of the Landlord’s Government-issued identifications (the Landlord’s Passport – copy pages 1 to 3 and the Landlord’s NIB Card – copy the front and back).
• The RENT LETTER MUST be signed by the Landlord and also include the Landlord’s printed or typed name.
• The Landlord MUST be vendor-ready with the Public Treasury by way of the DOSS Accounts Division, prior to the approved Rent Assistance being released.

There are NO FEES associated with this service.

Department of Social Services
Sunshine Plaza 
Baillou Hill Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
P.O. Box N-1545
Tel: (242) 604-4200
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.