In general, the Department decides on an application on the basis of a comparison of an applicant’s basic needs and his or her resources. Needs which the Department will consider are outlined in Section IV. Resources include income from all sources and available assets, and are outlined in Section IX.
A person is considered poor and unable to support him/herself when he lacks sufficient money or material possessions to meet his and his family’s basic needs. This means that, as a rule, General Assistance will be provided to the extent that the needs exceed resources (income plus available assets), and that if needs do not exceed resources, General Assistance will not be provided. In the case of unusual needs not covered in these Guidelines or “emergency” situations in which delay may cause unnecessary or undue hardship the Welfare Official may make allowances considering the emergency. Any such determination, and the reasons therefore, shall be stated in writing in the applicant’s case record.
If the applicant or recipient shares expenses of shelter and utilities with a non-applicant or recipient, then need will be determined on a pro rata share based on the total number of persons in the residential unit. A receipt for rent and utilities paid on a pro rata share by the non-applicant must be provided before assistance on a pro rata share is issued to a recipient.
College students refusing full time employment are not eligible for General Assistance.
No person who is otherwise eligible for assistance under these Guidelines shall receive such assistance if he or she has made an assignment, transfer or conveyance of property for the purpose of rendering himself or herself eligible for such assistance within 3 years immediately preceding his or her application for such assistance. (RSA 165: 2-b).
Any person eligible for assistance who voluntarily terminates employment within the 60-day period before filing an application for assistance, shall be ineligible to receive assistance for 90 days from the date of employment termination, provided the conditions in RSA 165: 1-d are met. Also, if a “suitable” job, for example one within traveling distance and within one’s physical capabilities is refused, aid may be discontinued. If the recipient is able to complete work searches and /or work on the Work Program, but refuses, aid can be discontinued until the conditions are met.
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