General Assistance

The General Assistance (GA) department in a municipality provides temporary financial support and essential services to low-income or unemployed residents who do not qualify for other public assistance programs. Its role includes helping individuals meet basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and transportation while they work toward self-sufficiency. 

Please read the Town of Pelham Welfare Policy for more information on qualifications to receive benefits.  Basic Eligibility requirements:  A person is eligible to receive assistance when they meet the non-financial eligibility factors listed in Section C of the Town Policy and when the applicant’s basic maintenance need, as determined under Section E of the Town Policy, exceeds available income, Section F of the Town Policy,  plus available liquid assets, Section D of the Town Policy.  If the need exceeds the available income/assets, the amount of assistance shall be the difference between the two amounts.

You must submit a written Application for General Assistance and you should review the guideline amounts and eligibility formula in Section VIII of the Town Policy.

Your Rights and Responsibilities are found here.

If you are in need of food, you can go to the Pelham Food Pantry located behind St. Patrick’s Church or to the Hobbs Community Center at 8 Nashua Road.  The Food Pantry is open on Wednesday afternoon.  Food is available at the Hobbs Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

To reach General Assistance please call: 603-635-8233 Extension: 3105 or email at ga@pelhamweb.com