This service is intended for persons who have insufficient or no income to purchase boat-fare or airfare to the island of domicile after medical consultation or financial hardship.

• Persons earning minimum wage or below.
• Bahamian citizen or permanent resident.
• Over the age of 18.

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

Note: This service requires inputs from the following agencies:

• Princess Margaret Hospital for medical assessment.

• Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for psychological evaluation.
• Bahamasair Ticket Agents.
• Charter Airplane Ticket Agents.
• Mailboat Captains for Boat Fares.
• Bahamas Fast Ferries Ticket Agent.

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.
• Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter.
• 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.
• Quote from the Mail-boats or Ferries that are vendor-ready.
• Quote from Bahamasair or other vendor-ready Airlines or Private Charters.

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.
• Quote from the Mail-boats or Ferries that are vendor-ready.
• Quote from Bahamasair or other vendor-ready Airlines or Private Charters.

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.