Welfare Department

About Us

The City of Nashua Welfare Department promotes, protects, and preserves the health and well-being of our community by helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through direct assistance or referrals to community resources in order to meet basic needs. 

The goal of the Welfare Program is to have universal access for individuals and families to connect to necessary resources and services so everyone in our community can thrive and prosper.

COVID-19 Update

Temporary Change in Services

Our Welfare Team continues to process applications for assistance through telephone interviews and may be able to see individual’s in-person on a limited basis by appointment only. To request an application and to schedule an interview for determination of assistance requested, please call us at 603-589-4555. 

Application materials may be sent electronically via email to Welfare2@nashuanh.gov, via facsimile, or mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements can also be made to pick up or drop off application materials in person by calling us.

Are you behind on rental or mortgage payments due to COVID-19?

Apply for assistance here.

Have you lost work due to COVID-19?

You may be eligible for unemployment relief, even if you are self-employed. Find out if you are eligible for benefits online. If you are looking for employment opportunities, search at NH Job Match System.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits under the Federal CARES Act?

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you are required to file a continued claim each week certifying as to the reason(s) you were unable or unavailable to work for the prior week. As of June 21st, the questions presented on your weekly claim have changed to reflect the expiration of the NH Stay-at-Home Order. Here are the updated questions, required by the Federal CARES Act, that you will now see when filing your weekly claim. If you are able to self-certify as to being unable or unavailable to work because one of the circumstances in the above document related to COVID-19, then you are eligible for unemployment benefits under the Federal CARES Act. For more information, visit NH Employment Security or call the unemployment assistance hotline at 603-271-7700.

If you do not have access to a computer and need to complete an application online, you can do that by calling the local office of employment security in Nashua by dialing 603-882-5177. Call volume may be very high, so please be patient. If you request a call back, please make yourself available to answer your phone for up to 45 minutes.

As of March 19th, the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Bureau of Family Assistance District Office buildings will be closed for client-facing activities until further notice. People in need of assistance may apply for benefits online at www.nheasy.nh.gov and will be scheduled for a phone interview in order to complete their benefits application. 

How Does City Welfare Work?

The City of Nashua Welfare Department provides interim assistance for low income residents through a voucher system. Assistance is available with rent, food, utilities, and medication. 

  • Each applicant will be interviewed confidentially to review household circumstances and eligibility for assistance. 
  • Applications are available during hours of operation (excluding holidays).
  • Under NH Law RSA 165, every town and city in the State is mandated to relieve and maintain those in need and are required to have written guidelines to ascertain eligibility. If you do not live in Nashua, please contact your local town office for information and assistance.

Guidelines & Standards

Assistance Programs

Homelessness Assistance

If you are experiencing homelessness in Nashua, you should contact the Coordinated Entry Line at 1-844-800-9911. They will complete an assessment and refer you to the appropriate agency for assistance. You may also contact NH 2-1-1 (Dial 211 in NH) for possible homeless resources outside of Nashua. 

Long Term Assistance

If you are seeking information on long term assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance To Needy Families (TANF), foster care, disability grants, Medicaid, nursing home care, elderly care, and the food stamp program you may contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. If you live in the Greater Nashua Area, contact the State branch located in Nashua at 603-883-7726.

Entitlement Programs

For entitlement programs such as disability, Medicare, retirement benefits, and widow benefits contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit their website at Social Security Online.

If you are looking for information on other non-profit human service organizations within the Greater Nashua Region, you may contact the Greater Nashua Continuum of Care. Their toolkit includes information on area homeless shelters, food pantries, mental health services, and more.

If you are seeking information on obtaining unemployment compensation benefits, job re-training, current employment opportunities, and job search techniques you may contact the Department of Employment Security at 603-882-5177 or visit their website at New Hampshire Employment Security Home Page.

Additional Information


For More Information: 603-589-4555