Financial Assistance for Payment of Water or Electricity Bills - Government

Government

Questions ?

Who is eligible ?
What are the steps involved in this process?
What form(s) do I need to fill out?
What document(s) do I need to bring?
How long does this process take?
Are there any deadlines associated with this process?
Are there any related fees?
Where can I find more information?

This service provides assistance to families whose utilities (water or electricity) have been disconnected or are facing disconnection.

Eligibility

Persons earning minimum wage or lower.
Bahamian citizen or permanent resident.
Over the age of eighteen.
The applicant must be the Head of the Household.
The applicant must be employed.

Process

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

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

Application Form(s)

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.

Supporting Documents

For Citizens

Valid Passport.
Valid N.I.B. Card.
Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter.
Marriage certificate and similar documents of identification for spouse, as indicated above.
Divorce decree or legal separation documents to verify status.
A death certificate.
A letter from the Funeral Home indicating outstanding balance must be provided (must be vendor ready).

For Permanent Residents (Non-Citizens)

Valid Passport.
Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residency.
Valid Work Permit.
Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal separation documents, where applicable.
A death certificate.
A letter from the Funeral Home indicating outstanding balance must be provided (must be vendor ready).

Turn-around time

SSR makes contact within three (3) days of completing the application (Intake). The request is processed within three (3) weeks of contact. The client is notified by SSR of extended processing time or queries, if any. SSR advises of outcome.

Deadline

Applicants can ONLY be assessed for Financial Assistance for water or electricity once in a twelve (12) month period.

Related Fee(s)

There are NO FEES associated with this service.

For more information please contact

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.

Related Services

Agency Contact Info

Useful Links