Resource Guide - Documentation (pdf)
While documentation is not needed to apply for various benefits and access to resources, the veteran will eventually be asked to verify the information they give these agencies, so the quicker the veteran provides necessary documents, the faster their eligibility will be determined.
It is imperative to meet with the shelter case worker to obtain a Shelter Residency Letter which will ease some of the governmental red tape. It is important for the veteran to check with their case worker for updates and to not automatically assume these documents have been requested.
Lack of documentation is the number one complaint for obtaining sustainable housing, so ensure all documents are updated and enrollments completed.
Eligibility & Documentation Checklist
Checkmark each item the veteran has in their possession and currently updated. Be sure to enroll in each program that supports housing and other entitlements.
- Cellphone:
- E-mail Account:
- DD-214
- Bank/Credit Union debit card
- Birth Certificate
- State ID or Driver’s License
- EBT Benefits card
- IDNYC card
- Passport
- Veterans Affairs ID card
- Social Security card
- Local Library card
- VA Award Letter
- 2010e Mental Health form
- Checking/Savings Acct statement
- Documentation & Identification Resources
Cellphone: Unless the veteran is assured that their phone (and plan) are secure from disconnection, it is best to get a free government phone as soon as possible and use that number for all housing matters. SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phone service each month for income-eligible customers. In addition to the Safelink portal, veterans can also find phones and iPads at most HRA offices around the city. There are also individual cell phone providers:
Tatyana: (347)254-8245
Amirys (646)668-7408 (Spanish)
For more information: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02961
Email Account: Veterans who receive a lot of email might find it easier to establish an alternative email account as to keep track of any/all messages coming in that might otherwise end up in spam folder. It is recommended that all documents are scanned and then emailed to the account which can then be forwarded to any necessary contacts.
DD-214: A veteran should be able to obtain a copy of their DD-214 at a VA Regional office, but unless the DD214 is in the veteran’s C-file or easily accessed, the VA isn’t so inclined to assist the veteran to obtain an updated DD214.
The last duty station and military post of discharge should have a copy. Submit a military records request to get your DD214 or other military service records through the MilConnect website. Click: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/
Birth certificate: A veteran’s DD-214 can substitute for a birth certificate until an original is obtained. Click: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm
IDNYC: IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers, from all backgrounds, and from all five boroughs. The free, municipal identification card for New York City residents provides access to a wide variety of services and programs offered by the City. IDNYC cardholders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institutions across the five boroughs.
IDNYC Application Centers:
1112 St Nicholas Ave, Manhattan
2865 W 8th St #1, Brooklyn
Click: https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page
State Identification or Driver’s License: You must apply for an original non-driver ID in a DMV office. To obtain a NY state Driver’s license, the veteran can submit their application and take their test online and come to the DMV to complete their application. Make your reservation (using the blue button under 'In-Person Services’) or use the link provided to visit the website for that office. Although not required, we strongly encourage making a reservation to be certain you will be allowed entry into the office. For 'In-Person Services' to make sure the service you need is available.
Be prepared:
• Select the underlined links for more information.
• For license, permit, non-driver ID or registration transactions complete the DMV Document Guide. Schedule a Road Test. To reserve a time for a road test, see schedule and take a road test.
Follow these steps to get your first time New York State commercial driver license (CDL). If you already have a CDL, you can renew or replace your CDL. You can also download the Steps to get a Commercial Driver License Resource Guide (PDF) for reference. Get the New York State Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) online or from a DMV call center. Study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of CDL you need. The sections of the manual that you need to study are explained in the manual.
License Express Location:
145 West 30th Street,
New York NY 10001
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 5:00PM.
(Reservations are recommended.)
Click: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-licensess
Dept of Motor Vehicles Offices:
Manhattan Offices:
159 E 125th St., 3rd Fl., (718) 966-6155
366 W 31st St., (212) 645-5550
145 W 30th St., (718) 966-6155
11 Greenwich St., (212) 645-5550
Brooklyn Offices:
625 Atlantic Ave 2nd Ave., (212) 645-5550
2875 W 8th Street, (518) 486-9786
5015 New Utrecht Ave., (718) 407-3190
55 Hanson Place
Bronx Offices:
696 E Fordham Rd., (718) 966-6155
1350 Commerce Ave., (518) 402-2567
Queens Offices:
168-46 91st Ave., 2nd floor (518) 486-9786
30-56 Whitestone Expy., (518) 486-9786
168-35 Rockaway Blvd. (718) 966-6155
Staten Island Office:
1775 South Ave
Click: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-licenses
Social Security card: The veteran can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more. Be aware that not all offices can process SS card replacements.
Social Security Admin. Offices:
Manhattan Offices:
*650 E 12th St.
237 W 48th St., 5th floor
123 William St., 3rd floor
345 E 102nd St., 4th floor
302 W 126th St., 4th floor
Brooklyn Offices:
195 Montague St., 7th floor
Bronx Offices:
2501 Grand Concourse
1380 Parker St.
Queens Offices:
155-10 Jamaica Ave., 3rd floor
31-08 37th Ave.
Click: https://www.ssa.gov/
Passport: You can only make an appointment by calling: 1-877-487-2778.
New York Passport Agency
Greater New York Federal Building
376 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014-3621
Click: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
New York City Library Card:
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States. The library has branches in the boroughs of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The city's other two boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens, are not served by the New York Public Library system, but rather by their respective borough library systems.. https://www.nypl.org/
VA Award Letter:
For veterans that are service-connected, it is important to have an updated award letter from VA Regional. In most instances, the veteran’s award letter must be updated every 180 days to assure continued eligibility in various programs including HUD/VASH. An award letter can also be requested by calling the VA Benefits line
Proof of where you live:
• Statement from landlord/primary tenant
• Current rent receipt or lease, or mortgage records
• Shelter Residency Letter from their case manager
Proof of Income (if any):
• Current pay stubs
• Current income tax return
• Updated VA disability award letter (condition & rating every 90 days)
• Updated checking and savings accounts printouts
Proof of Current Immigration Status:
• USCIS documentation
Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not affect your immigration case or lead to deportation.
2010e Mental Health Letter (NYC):
This is a standard necessity for Supportive Housing programs such as HASA or Long-Term Care Services and provided to the organization brokering the housing. For veterans pursuing supportive housing, it is mandatory to have the 2010e completed by their mental health care provider. Do not allow anyone to tell you a 2010e is not necessary for supportive housing.
Checking/Savings Account Statement:
This is not something that will be required from NYCHA to begin the process for housing, but banking statements will be required before signing the lease.
