How do I document my status as a Public Benefits Recipient?

To verify your status as a Public Benefits Recipient, first verify your identity.

After you confirm your email address and set up a form of multi-factor authentication, you may verify your identity by submitting either: 

  • Phone number + date of birth
  • Valid US driver's license
  • Valid US state ID card
  • Valid US passport

Then, verify your household income, and if prompted, submit one of the acceptable documents below, showing that at least one person in your household participates in one of the listed programs:

Program Acceptable documents
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

  • Letter from school proving enrollment

  • Report card

  • Registration confirmation
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
  • General Assistance letter from the BIA
Federal Pell Grant
  • Financial aid award letter
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Approval letter from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Verification letter from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
  • Lease agreement or contract from a local public housing authority (PHA)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Program approval letter or certification notice from a federal, state, or local agency
Medicaid
  • Medicaid card
  • Letter or statement from a Medicaid agency
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Notification of eligibility from Local Educational Agency
Qualifying low-income (135% or below of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
  • Prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return
  • Current income statement from an employer
  • Statement of benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Unemployment or workers’ compensation statement of benefits
  • Divorce decree or child support award
Qualifying loss of income
  • Layoff, furlough, or termination letter from former employer
  • Documentation from employer indicating reduced work hours and/or income
School Breakfast Program (SBP)
  • Notification of eligibility from local educational agency
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Program approval letter, benefit statement, or verification of coverage letter from federal, state, or local agency
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Social Security benefit verification letter
Tribal Head Start
  • Letter of enrollment from participating program
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Letter or statement from a tribal TANF organization
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Summary of benefits letter

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