Before you start: what to have ready

Tick things off as you gather them. Your progress is remembered on this device.

Before you start: what to have ready

Most applications stall on a missing document. Tick these off as you find them.

Photo ID for every adult in the household
Social Security numbers for everyone being included
Proof of address - a lease, mortgage statement or recent utility bill
Recent pay stubs, or a letter if work has stopped
Last year's tax return, if you filed one
Bank statements for the last month
Current bills you are asking for help with
Immigration or residency documents, where they apply
A phone number and email you actually check

Everything you type stays in your browser - nothing is sent anywhere or saved. Which documents are actually needed varies by programme and by state - treat this as a starting point. These are estimates to help you think, not financial advice.