What you may be asked to prove    Examples of how to prove it

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: (Examples of)	Proof: (Examples of)
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: (Examples of)	Proof: (Examples of)
Bank Accounts	Bank books or credit union records
Checking Accounts	Bank statements
Burial Trust or Fund	Bank statement or copy of funeral agreement
Burial Plot or Agreement	Statement from cemetery, funeral director or church, 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/Dependant Care Expenses	Cancelled checks or receipts, statement from child care provider, court order, statement from aid or attendant

 Emergencies

An emergency is an urgent need or a situation that has to be taken care of right away. Some examples of an emergency are:

 

	You are Homeless
	You have little or no food
	Your landlord has told you that you must move or has given you a notice of impending eviction
	You do not have fuel for heating in the cold weather period
	Your utilities are shut off, about to be shut off or you have a notice of impending shut off
	You or someone in your family has been beaten, abused threatened with violence by a husband, wife, partner or other member of your household
	You have little or no income, few or no resources
	The total of your income and resources are less than the total of your rent or mortgage plus heat, utilities and telephone
	You are a migrant or seasonal worker

If you meet any or all of the above specifications contact our office as soon as possible.