Having the correct paperwork when you apply will make your application easier.  The list below answers the questions most people have about what to bring.  If you have a different income, or still have questions after reading the list, please call us or use the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page.

    • Proof of Social Security Numbers for All Household Members. Bring Social Security cards for everyone living in your home.  If someone does not have a card, contact the branch office you will visit to find out what to do. Adults can use a valid Iowa Driver’s License instead of a Social Security Card.
    • Most Recent Heating Bill.
    • Most Recent Electric Bill.
    • Proof of Income for All Household Members.  You may provide income from the past 30 days prior to the application, or for the past year, whatever is easier or more beneficial for you.  The chart below describes the documents you should have available for the types of income that apply to your household.  Having these documents when you visit one of our offices will make applying easier.

    Proof of Income Documents

    Type of Income

    Past 30 Days

    Past Year

    Wages, Salary

    Paycheck stubs for the past 30 days (if paid every other week, 2 most recent paystubs)

    All W-2 forms, or your last completed Federal Income Tax return

    Self Employment, Rental Income, or Farm Income

    Not Applicable

    Last completed Federal Income Tax return

    Social Security (Disability or Retirement), or SSI

    Check copy, award letter, or bank statement showing direct deposit

    1099 SSA letter, or last completed Federal Tax return for SSA or SSDI. For SSI, we will need a printout from social security for all months.

    Pension, Retirement, or Veteran’s Benefits

    Check copy, award letter, or bank statement showing direct deposit

    1099 R for pension or retirement, or last completed Federal Tax return

    Adoption Subsidy

    Copy of the check or the monthly statement

    Monthly statements from the past year

    Child Support

    Child support printout, copy of the check, or statement from the payer.

    Printout of the past year, copies of the checks, or statement from payer

    Family Investment Program (FIP) Benefits

    Award letter rom DHS or copy of your check. If you have received FIP for more than one month, we may be able to get this for you.

    Our office can get this for you if you have lived in the county for the past year.

    Worker’s Compensation

    Benefit Statements

    Benefit statements for the past year or statement from the payer.

    Dividend Benefits

    Letter or statement showing the amount received

    1099 DIV or the most recent Federal Income Tax return

    Unemployment Benefits

    Printout from Workforce Development

    1099 G or the most recent Federal Income Tax return