Acceptable Documents

To qualify for the Ryan White and HOPWA Programs, you need to provide documentation that verifies your medical, financial, and residency eligibility. This ensures that the program's resources are allocated to those who need them most. Below is a comprehensive list of acceptable documents, including both standard and alternative options, along with information on where to obtain these documents if you don't already have them.

Medical Eligibility

Proof of HIV+ status:

HIV Antibody Test: A positive result from an HIV antibody test confirmed by Western Blot or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA).
HIV Nucleic Acid Test (NAT): A detectable viral load result from a qualitative or quantitative HIV NAT (e.g., PCR test).
HIV-1 p24 Antigen Test: A positive result from an HIV-1 p24 antigen test.
HIV Isolation (Viral Culture): A positive result from an HIV viral culture.
HIV Nucleotide Sequence (Genotype): A positive result from an HIV genotype test.
Letter from Healthcare Provider: A signed letter from your healthcare provider confirming your HIV status.
Medical Records: Copies of medical records indicating your HIV diagnosis.

Where to get these documents:

Healthcare Provider: Request a letter or medical records from your doctor or clinic.
HIV Testing Centers: Visit a local HIV testing center for testing and documentation.
Hospitals and Clinics: Request lab results or a letter from the hospital or clinic where you were tested.

Financial Eligibility

Proof of income:

Paycheck Stubs: Pay stubs for the most recent two months.
Employer Statement: A signed and dated statement from your employer on company letterhead, including your name, rate and frequency of pay, and contact information.
IRS 1040 Form: The most recent tax return with all corresponding attachments (e.g., Schedule C for self-employed individuals).
Self-Employment Tracking Sheet: Documentation of business revenue and expenses for self-employed individuals.
Self-Attestation Form: A signed statement declaring your income if you are unable to provide traditional proof of income.
Benefit Award Letters: Letters from government programs (e.g., Social Security, unemployment benefits) indicating your income.
Bank Statements: Recent bank statements showing deposits that can help verify your income.

Where to get these documents:

Employer: Request pay stubs or an employer statement from your workplace.
IRS: Obtain tax return copies from the IRS website or your tax preparer.
Government Agencies: Request benefit award letters from Social Security or unemployment offices.
Banks: Request bank statements from your bank, either online or in person.

Residency Eligibility

Proof of residency:

Utility Bill: A recent utility bill with your name and address.
Lease Agreement: A current lease agreement with your name and address.
Government-Issued ID: A driver's license or state ID with your current address.
Voter Registration Card: A voter registration card with your current address.
Letter from Shelter or Social Service Agency: A letter from a shelter or social service agency confirming your residency.
Affidavit of Residency: A notarized statement from a friend or family member with whom you are living, confirming your residency.
Mail with Your Name and Address: Any piece of mail addressed to you at your current residence, such as a letter from a government agency or a medical bill.

Where to get these documents:

Utility Companies: Request a copy of your utility bill from your service provider.
Landlord or Property Manager: Obtain a lease agreement from your landlord or property manager.
DMV: Update your address on your driver's license or state ID at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Voter Registration Office: Register to vote or update your address at your local voter registration office.
Shelters or Social Service Agencies: Request a residency letter from the shelter or agency where you receive services.
Friends or Family: Ask a friend or family member to provide an affidavit of residency.