Persons who have insufficient or no income to provide for their basic needs can access the Emergency Food Assistance (EFA) on the same day that they make the request.

This service provides food coupons that are redeemable at selected supermarkets in New Providence and the Family Islands that are preapproved as vendor-ready by the Public Treasury.

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

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 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.
• 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.

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.

The request is processed and recommendation made the same day of contact. Applicant may ONLY apply within a three (3) month-period, if the need arises.

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       
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.