General Assistance

Douglas County Social Services may assist residents with living expenses including food, rent, and utility bills. In each case, a current DCSS application must be on file and supported by requested documentation. Referrals to other resources will also be made, with assistance given to access those other services.

Food - Many individuals and households may be eligible for vouchers to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. The Food Closet can also be helpful in obtaining non-food needs such as personal care items, paper products and diapers.  These vouchers are often used as a way to extend any food stamp (SNAP) benefit the household receives or reserve cash funds for other expenses.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada will be at the Carson Valley Community Food Closet on the third Friday of each month between the hours of 12:30 and 3:30 to assist with applications for food stamps. 

Rent - A household that meets County income guidelines may be eligible for assistance in paying rent not more than one time per year. All household income is assessed in determining the amount that can be paid toward a resident's rent. It cannot be expected that the whole amount of rent can be paid and the landlord must agree to accept the terms of the County's payment. In each case, the resident must also have a clear plan for continued payment of rent after the County assistance. Other qualifications may apply depending on household characteristics. 

Utilities - Households meeting County and/or other program guidelines may be eligible for assistance in paying necessary utility bills. Necessary utilities include power, heat, and water.  Whenever possible, the household will be referred to additional support services that exist in the region including Energy Assistance Program, SAFE, Salvation Army, etc. Utility assistance is available no more than once per year per household. 

DCSS is an intake site for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) and can take your application with all the necessary documentation to submit to EAP with a record of it's submission date. 

Click here for Douglas County Social Services General Assistance Application.*

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