When you are applying for help, you will be asked to supply proof of certain things such as those listed below. Your worker will advise you of what you must prove. If you bring proof with you when you first come in, you may be able to get the help you need sooner.
Note: For SNAP, citizenship must be documented only if questionable. Citizenship or alien status does not need to be proven for pregnant women applying for MEDICAL ASSISTANCE only or for an undocumented alien applying for emergency medical assistance.
| You will need to provide proof of: | Examples of acceptable proof: |
| Who you are | Photo ID, Driver's License, US Passport |
| Age of each applying household member | Birth or baptismal certificate, hospital records, driver's license |
| Where you live | Current rent receipt, mortgage records statement from non-relative landlord |
| Shelter Expenses | Current rent receipt, current lease, mortgage records, property and school tax records, sewer and water bills, utility bills, telephone bills |
| Social Security Numbers | Social security card or proof that you have applied for Social Security numbers for every one in your household who is applying for assistance |
| Citizen or Alien Status | Birth certificate, US Passport, military service records, naturalization certificate, immigration and naturalization service documentation. SEE NOTE ABOVE. |
| Earned Income | Current pay stubs, tax records, business records, statement from roomer or boarder of amount paid for lodging |
| Unearned Income you may be receiving | |
| Child Support | Statement from person paying support |
| Social Security Benefits | Current benefit check or award letter |
| Veteran's Benefits | Current benefit check, current award letter, official correspondence from Veteran's Administration |
| Unemployment Insurance Benefits | Official correspondence from NY State Department of Labor |
| Interest and Dividends | Statement from bank, credit union or broker |
| Educational Grants and Loans | Statement from school or bank current award letter |
| Worker's Compensation | Current award letter or check stubs |
| Resources and certain expenses you have | |
| Bank Accounts | Bank books or credit union records |
| Checking Accounts | Bank statements |
| Burial Trust or Fund | Bank statement or copy of funeral agreement |
| Life Insurance | Policy (If applying for FOOD STAMPS only, proof of this is not needed) |
| Real Estate Other than Where you Live | Deed, appraisal/estimate of current value by real estate broker |
| Motor Vehicle | Registration, title, financing information |
| Stocks and Bonds | Stock certificates, bonds |
| School Attendance of those Attending School | Records, statement from school |
| Health Insurance | Policy, insurance card, statement from provider of coverage, Medicaid card |
| Unpaid Rent or Utilities | Copy of each bill, statement from landlord or utility company |
| Paid or Unpaid Medical Bills | Copy of each bill |
| Absent Parent | Death certificate, survivors benefits, divorce papers, Veteran's assistance or military records. (If applying for FOOD STAMPS only, proof of this is not needed |
| Disabled/Incapacitated/Pregnant | Statement from medical professional, proof of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits |
| Other Expenses/Dependent Care Expenses | Cancelled checks or receipts, statement from child care provider, court order, statement from aid or attendant |