Welfare

Town of Antrim

66 Main Street Antrim, NH 03440

603-933-3274

[email protected]

Welfare FAQs

Q. What does the Welfare Office do?

A. The Welfare Office in Antrim provides a “safety net” according to NH RSA 165:1 (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 165 and following) which states: “Whenever a person in any town is poor and unable support himself, he shall be relieved and maintained by the overseers of public welfare of such town whether not he has a residence there.”

Q. What does “relieved and maintained” mean?

A. The Welfare Office helps with basic needs such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities and some medical costs whenever inability of the applicant to pay would result in eviction, utility disconnect and other adverse events. The assistance is designed to be an emergency response. It does not mean regular sustained aid that substitutes for employment or services provided by the State of New Hampshire and/or the Federal government.

Q. What kinds of aid does the Welfare Office provide?

A. We can help with: • Rent or mortgage • Electric bills • Propane bills • Oil bills • Out of pocket critical medical bills • Prescriptions

Q. What kinds of aid will the Welfare Office not pay?

A. In general, anything that is other than basic needs such as but not limited to: • Car payments • Personal expenses such as credit card debt • Dental work (other agencies do help) • Taxes • Fines • Legal settlements • Gambling debts

Q. Who administers aid in Antrim?

A. The Welfare Director oversees welfare aid and may delegate the process to another employee but retains final decision-making authority along with the Town Administrator.

Q. I just moved to Antrim and have been here a very short time. Am I eligible to apply?

A. Yes. Residence, or length of time you’ve been a resident, does not disqualify you for aid.

Q. How do I apply?

A. First, pick up an application from the Town Hall or on the Town’s website www.Antrimnh.gov and fill it in as completely as possible. This helps determine your eligibility. All expenses claimed must be accompanied by receipts, bills, canceled checks and/or other proof of payment. All income including but not limited to employment, Social Security payments, child and/or spousal support must be declared and verified. Sign the areas allowing Antrim officials to request information if needed to verify your statements. It is important to fill out the application as completely as possible to avoid delay or disqualification. We compare your income and liquid assets to your expenses for the month you are applying for to determine need. Need is the “shortfall” amount you are unable to pay for that month. Other non-financial factors may be considered.

Q. Why all this paperwork if I just need one electric bill to avoid shutoff?

A. We need a complete picture of your financial situation to see if your need qualifies you for assistance.

Q. Will you provide a security deposit?

A. It depends on the circumstances. We can sometimes assist with a first month’s rent if you meet the requirements for sustainability. There are other social agencies that may provide assistance for security deposits.

Q. I am behind in rent and may be evicted. Will you pay my back rent?

A. No; in general, we do not pay arrearages. We will, however, make every effort to prevent eviction and with your permission will discuss your situation with your landlord.

Q. Am I required to repay any aid given to me?

A. Yes. Repayment is expected on a schedule customized for you and designed to best fit your circumstances. The Welfare Administrator or delegated officer will help you.

Q. The amount Welfare will pay is not quite enough. What can I do?

A. Remember, your “need” is the difference between your assets including income and expenses and not your request. Other agencies may help make up the difference. Ask for a copy of the Nashua Area Continuum of Care Toolkit that lists additional resources.

Q. I disagree with the determination. What recourse do I have?

A. You may file a notice for a “fair hearing” which you will find at the bottom of the Notice of Decision. One or more neutral officials (not the Town Administrator or delegated officer) will schedule and hear your case.

Rev August 2024