General Assistance

Douglas County Social Services may assist residents with living expenses including rent, utility bills and food.  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.  Before requesting assistance on rent or utilities, all eligible households must apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).  Once the household is receiving TANF, however, they are not eligible for rent or utility assistance from the county.

Food - Clients within 150 % of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for vouchers to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. Vouchers can be issued on a one-time or repeating basis. The Food Closet can also be helpful in obtaining necessary household items like personal care products, paper items and diapers. 

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 can not 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 some cases, an internal referral may be made to the DCSS housing grant programs for rent.  In the event that someone is pending Social Security Disability, and Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) rental agreement may be available.  The IAR assists with a determined amount of rent each month until the disability is approved. Once approved by disability, the first check issued to the client is received by the county for repayment of the amount paid out in rent and/or utilities. The balance of the check is then forwarded to the client.

Utilities - Households meeting county guidelines may be eligible for assistance in paying necessary utility bills.  Necessary utilities include power, gas, propane, water. Necessary utilities do not include telephone, cable, automobile expenses, etc.  Whenever possible, the household will be referred to other support services that exist in the region including Energy Assistance Program, SAFE, Salvation Army, etc.  Utility assistance direct from the county is available no more than once per year per household.  

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