Bahamas - Apply for Rent Assistance

ProcedureEdit

Apply In-Person

The Government of The Bahamas Ministry of Social Services and Urban Renewal Program, provides assistance which includes Rental Assistance to Permanent residences and Bahamian citizens to decrease their rental arrears or relocate to another rental following eviction.
The applicant must submit a request in person at a local Outreach Centre.
Visit the following link for Contact Details:Contact Link
The application is the General Assistance Form (GAF), which can be filled by the applicant in office by the SSR at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries.
Applicants from Family Islands can apply for services at the local DOSS sub-office on the island where they live.
To determine the applicant's eligibility, the Social Service Representative (SSR) performs an interview and a home visit.
The SSR prepares a report and provides a recommendation about the applicant's suitability.
The SSR contacts the applicant and tells them of their eligibility.

Required DocumentsEdit

For Citizens

Valid Passport.
Valid N.I.B. Card.
Birth Certificate/Affidavit or Valid Passport of child or children under the age of eighteen 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 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 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 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.

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

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.

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.
Contact Link

EligibilityEdit

The following are eligible to apply:

Persons earning minimum wage or below
Bahamian citizen or permanent resident
Persons over the age of 18
The applicant must be the Head of the Household
The applicant must be employed

FeesEdit

No processing fee for this service.

ValidityEdit

In a twelve-month period, an applicant can only be assessed for Rent Assistance once.

Documents to UseEdit

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Sample DocumentsEdit

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Processing TimeEdit

SSR contacts you within three days of receiving your application. Within three weeks of receiving the request, it is processed. SSR notifies the client if there is a longer processing time or if there are any inquiries. The outcome is communicated through SSR.

InstructionsEdit

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e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

Required InformationEdit

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e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or Country of Birth.

Need for the DocumentEdit

It is required to apply for rental assistance.

Information which might helpEdit

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External LinksEdit

Website Link

OthersEdit

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