General Assistance

PURPOSE

City of Keene Human Services Department (City Welfare) provides short-term, emergency assistance to qualified Keene residents for the essentials of daily living.

Human Services makes referrals to programs that aid individuals and families to return to a state of financial self-sufficiency.

Under the authority of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, Chapter 165, Section 1, II, and in accordance with City of Keene General Assistance Guidelines, Human Services provides assistance only to residents of Keene who qualify. 

Basic Needs Policy
Per the City of Keene Human Services guidelines, it is the applicant/recipient's responsibility to utilize all available benefits or resources to reduce the need for general assistance.  This department will direct the applicant/recipient to apply for other resources and also will require the applicant/recipient to use current resources to meet all basic needs in order to reduce the need for general assistance, now and in the future.

Allowable Expenses:   *Rent/Mortgage   *Non-Food hygiene products   *Utilities
                                            *Food  *Diapers  *Prescriptions/Medical   

Lease costly transportation expense will be allowed if needed for work or medical appointments or other appointments made in order to meet conditions of assistance.  Only basic telephone service is an allowable expense.

Unallowable Expenses:   *Car payments   *Credit card payments   *Loan payments
                            *Cable & internet  *Tobacco/alcohol products   *Insurance payments  
                             *Bail payment/court fines or fees  *Repayment of personal loans     
                *Restaurant/Fast food  *Miscellaneous payments/program expenses and or fees
      
As a condition of assistance, you will be required to first use all available resources, as directed, to meet your basic needs.  Unaltered, dated receipts for all expenses are required 

To APPLY

  • Complete a written application
  • Schedule an appointment to determine eligibility
  • Complete a full financial reivew

ACTIONS ON APPLICATION

  • Appointment
  • Financial Review
  • City will consider expenses for the essentials of daily living to determine eligibility
  • Responsibility of applicant to provide necessary documentation

NOTICE OF DECISION

  • Approval/Denial/Referral
  • Amount and type of assistance
  • Responsibilities of recipient
  • Referrals to other agencies.

PLEASE NOTE:

An appointment and complete financial review are required for the first and each subsequent request for assistance.

Applicants are required to provide in writing verification of income and all expenses for the essentials of daily living to determine eligibility.

WALK-IN HOURS

During walk-in hours only assistance with the following will be handled:

  • No heat 
  • Utility disconnect
  • Needed life threatening medications
  • Homeless, on the street

Walk-in hours are 8:30 am - 9:30 am Monday - Friday