What proofs (verifications) do I need?

During your interview, the DTA worker should tell you what proofs are needed. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.550, 361.600. In addition, you will receive a computer-generated verification checklist by mail that tells you the specific proofs and alternate proofs you can provide. DTA should not ask you to resend proofs you already provided with your application. If you are eligible for expedited benefits, you only need to provide proof of your identity. See Can I get emergency SNAP/food stamp benefits?

If you do not have all the proofs when you apply, give DTA photo copies of what you do have. You do not need to provide original documents. If you mail or fax documents, be sure to put your name and last four digits of your SSN on each document so it can be matched with your file. Don't mail original documents! If you bring documents to DTA, be sure DTA gives you a receipt, makes copies, and gives you back your originals. If you send a fax, keep a copy of the fax receipt.

DTA cannot limit proofs to any single type of document and cannot require verification from any particular person. In many cases, you can sign a sworn statement (self-declaration) as proof, or give DTA permission to contact someone who can verify the information. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.640, 361.650, 363.210(G). See What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late? for what you can do if you don't have all the proofs the worker says you need.

Required proofs for SNAP/food stamp eligibility

• Proof of the identity of the head of household— for example, your birth certificate, driver's license, an I.D. for health benefits or other social service program, or wage stubs. If you don't have these, DTA can verify your identity by confirming your SSN through an SSN database, or your DTA worker can make a phone call (collateral contact) to a third party who knows you. See What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late? Only the identity of the head of the household needs to be verified. You do not need to verify the identity of children or other adults in the household unless their identity is questionable, but you do need to provide their social security numbers. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(G).
• Proof of where you live— for example, a lease, rent release, bank statement, a utility bill, a note from a neighbor, or a collateral contact (such as a telephone call by DTA to a neighbor) that shows where you live. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(H). Your worker cannot require you to get the DTA "landlord verification form" signed. Any other proof of your residence is acceptable. Note, you do not need proof of residency if you just came to the area, you are homeless or you are a migrant worker. 106 C.M.R. § 362.120.
• Proof of earned income— such as copies of wage stubs (usually the last four weeks, unless you just started working), direct deposit bank statements, or a statement from your employer about your earnings. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610(A), 363.210(G)(1).
• Proof of unearned income— such as a copy of a benefit or award letter, copy of a check or payment, bank statement showing direct deposit. 106 C.M.R. § 363.210(G)(2). DTA can also check certain government databases (such as the Social Security Administration SDX system, Division of Unemployment Assistance system) for information on many sources of unearned income.
• Proof of self-employment business expenses— for example, the purchase of a computer, cosmetology equipment, farm equipment, a truck to haul materials or carry tools, fishing boat or other equipment; rental fees if you drive a van or taxi; insurance costs; the cost of heating your office or part of your home used for your business; the cost of food and toys if you run a day-care center at home, etc. 106 C.M.R. § 365.940. See How is self-employment income counted?
• If you are subject to the asset test, DTA will need proof of your money in the bank, stocks and bonds, real estate, etc. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(E). Most households do not need to prove assets unless under sanction or they're elder/disabled households with gross income over 200% poverty level. See When do assets count?
• Proof of the immigration status of anyone in your household who is not a U.S. citizen and who wishes to receive benefits with the rest of the household. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(B). Proof includes a copy of your legal permanent resident "green card" (Form I-551) if you are an LPR, your work authorization documents (Form I-688), arrival departure (Form I-94), records of any other government proof or statement from an attorney that shows your immigration status. See Am I eligible if I am a legal immigrant? DTA will verify your status through the SAVE system. If you or someone in your household does not meet the immigration status rules or chooses not to be included in the application, you do not need to verify immigration status. The other members can still get benefits if otherwise eligible. Even if not on benefits, you will have to report your income to DTA. See Can my children get benefits if I am an ineligible immigrant?.
• The social security numbers (SSNs) of those persons in your household who are applying for SNAP/food stamp benefits. You do not need to show an SSN card or any other document with your SSN, but you do have to give DTA the number orally or write it down. DTA will verify the number through its computer system. If you are applying for benefits for yourself and do not have an SSN, you need proof that you have applied for one. If someone in your household does not meet the SSN requirement or does not provide his or her SSN, the other members of the household can still get benefits without including that person (but his or her income may be counted). 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610(F), 362.500. See Can my children get benefits if I am an ineligible immigrant?
• Other proofs relevant to your eligibility if DTA determines that information you gave is "questionable." 106 C.M.R. § 361.620. What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late? describes when information can be considered "questionable" by DTA.

Optional Information and Proofs to Increase Benefits

Some expenses that may increase your benefits can be self-declared. Other expenses and eligibility factors must be verified to get higher benefits. If you do not provide information on the expenses, or proofs where required, your benefits will be calculated without these deductions. In that sense, the information and proofs are optional. 106 C.M.R. § 364.450(D).

• Rent or mortgage/home-ownership expenses can be self-declared. Be sure to write down your shelter expenses on your application or recertification form. You can also send DTA a separate written statement. See Appendix C: Important Advocacy Forms for a sample self-declaration of shelter costs. If shelter costs appear questionable, DTA may ask for additional proof such as a rent receipt, canceled check, money order, tenancy lease, or a statement from your landlord. Home-ownership expenses, if questionable, can be verified by your mortgage statement, home insurance, property tax, and proof of repair costs. See What is the shelter deduction and how does DTA calculate it? 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610(K); 364.400(G).
• Child or adult dependent care expenses can be self-declared. This includes what you pay for day care, after-school programs, summer programs, care for an elder/disabled person as well as transportation to and from the care. See What is the child care/dependent care deduction? Be sure to write down your dependent care costs on your application or recertification form, or send in a separate statement (sample in Appendix C: Important Advocacy Forms). If you need to verify child care costs because information appears questionable, proof may include a statement from your caregiver, canceled checks or other proof of payment. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(K).
• Age or date of birth can be self-declared.  Your age is relevant if you are elderly (60 years of older) or are seeking an exemption from the work rules. A self-declaration is allowed unless the information is questionable. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610.
• Proof of receipt of a disability-related benefits is required to be able to claim medical expenses or uncapped shelter as a disabled person. Proofs can include a statement from the agency that provides the benefit. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.210, 361.610(I). If you get SSI, SS-DI, MassHealth as disabled or if DTA provides a cash benefit (such as EAEDC or TAFDC) where you have been determined to be severely disabled, you do not need proof. DTA can check your status in BEACON. See Question 19.
• Proof of child support paid to children outside the household including the amount you pay and of your legal obligations— such as a court order or legally enforceable agreement. See What is the child support deduction? 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610(J), 364.400(E).
• Proof of out-of-pocket medical and/or custodial expenses for a disabled or elderly (60 or older) household member. See What medical expenses can I claim if I am elderly (60+) or disabled? for more details on the range of proofs. 106 C.M.R. § 361.610(D).

Additional Policy Guidance on Scope of Verifications