Financial Assistance for Inter-Island Travel

This service is intended for persons who have insufficient or no income to purchase boat-fare or airfare to the island of domicile after medical consultation or financial hardship.

Eligibility 

  • Persons earning minimum wage or below.
  • Bahamian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Over the age of 18.

Process 

  1. The applicant makes a request at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries, or online via the DOSS webpage.
  2. The Social Service Representative (SSR) conducts an interview and a home visit to assess the applicant’s eligibility.
  3. The SSR completes a report and a recommendation is made about applicant’s eligibility.
  4. The SSR contacts and informs the applicant of eligibility.

Community Support Services Division Outreach Centres – four (4) locations in New Providence:-

Fox Hill Centre                                              
Davis Building, Bernard Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas                                         
Tel. (242) 364-2200                           

Pitt Road Centre
V.B. Munnings Building, Pitt Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 326-1850

Robinson Road Centre                          
Alexander House, Robinson Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas                      
Tel. (242) 397-2524                                  

Wulff Road Centre
Sunshine Plaza, Baillou Hill Road (temporary location)
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 604-4200
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Family Island applicants may apply for services at the local DOSS’ sub-office on the island where they are domiciled or they may apply online. The SSR will contact them in order to implement steps to assess eligibility.

Note: This service requires inputs from the following agencies:

  • Princess Margaret Hospital for medical assessment.
  • Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for psychological evaluation.
  • Bahamasair Ticket Agents.
  • Charter Airplane Ticket Agents.
  • Mailboat Captains for Boat Fares.
  • Bahamas Fast Ferries Ticket Agent.

Application Form(s) 

The application is the General Assistance Form (GAF), which may be completed online by the applicant or in-office by the SSR at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries.

Supporting Documents 

For Citizens

  • Valid Passport.
  • Valid N.I.B. Card.
  • Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter.
  • Birth Certificate/Affidavit or Valid Passport of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and Proof of Guardianship.
  • Marriage certificate and similar documents of identification for spouse, as indicated above.
  • Divorce decree or legal separation documents to verify status.
  • Doctor’s letter, if unable to work due to ill health.
  • Quote from the Mail-boats or Ferries that are vendor-ready.
  • Quote from Bahamasair or other vendor-ready Airlines or Private Charters.

For Permanent Residents (Non-Citizens)

  • Valid Passport.
  • Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residency.
  • Valid Work Permit.
  • Birth Certificate of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and proof of Guardianship.
  • Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal separation documents, where applicable.
  • Doctor’s letter, if unable to work due to ill health.
  • Quote from the Mail-boats or Ferries that are vendor-ready.
  • Quote from Bahamasair or other vendor-ready Airlines or Private Charters.

Turn-around time SSR makes contact within three (3) days of completing the application (Intake). The request is processed within (3) three weeks of contact. The client is notified by SSR of extended processing time or queries, if any. SSR advises of outcome. 

Deadline Applicant can ONLY be assessed for Financial Assistance Inter-Island Travel once in a twelve (12) month period.