THE UNQUALIFIED FILES
APPLICATION PACKET CHECKLIST

Use this as a general organizer. Every program has its own rules.

Front page
- Program name
- Applicant name
- Contact information
- Application/case number, if assigned
- One-sentence statement of what you are requesting

Core documents
- Completed and signed application
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address / residency
- Proof of current income
- Recent bank statements, if requested
- Proof of housing cost / mortgage / rent
- Utility bills, if relevant
- Insurance documentation, if relevant
- Medical/disability documentation only when relevant to eligibility or hardship
- Personal hardship statement
- Any program-specific forms

Before sending
- Date every page that requires a date
- Sign every signature line
- Put your case/application number on supporting documents when instructed
- Save a complete copy
- Record where and how it was submitted
- Save email confirmations, fax confirmations, certified-mail receipts or upload receipts

Follow-up
- Confirm the packet was received
- Ask whether it is complete
- Ask what is still missing
- Ask for the next decision date or review step