What documents prove San Francisco residency for ELFA and child care subsidies?

San Francisco residency for ELFA can be proved with ANY of: (a) a current rental agreement, (b) a utility or phone bill in the applicant's name dated within 30 days, (c) a paystub showing the applicant's SF address, (d) a letter from a social services or government agency, or (e) an auto, homeowner, or rental insurance policy. Documents must be dated within 30 days of your certification appointment. Source: ELFA Family Enrollment Form FY 2025-26.

Acceptable residency documents — full checklist

You usually only need one document from this list. If your first choice is borderline (too old, wrong name, etc.), bring a second as backup. Make sure the applicant's name and SF address appear clearly on the document.

All documents must be dated within 30 days of your certification appointment (per the official ELFA Enrollment Form). You usually only need one.

• Rental agreement or lease showing the SF address and signed by the applicant.
• Utility bill (PG&E, SF Water/SFPUC, Recology) in the applicant's name. Must be within 30 days. Paperless PDF downloads accepted.
• Phone bill (cell or landline) in the applicant's name. Must be within 30 days.
• Paystub that lists the applicant's SF residential address.
• Letter from a social services or government agency addressed to the applicant at the SF address.
• Auto, homeowner, or rental insurance policy showing the SF address.

Can't provide any of the above?

If you sublease a room and utilities aren't in your name, or you have another situation where standard documents can't be provided, you can submit an ELFA Self-Declaration Form. This form lets you write a signed statement explaining your situation (for example: "I sublease a room in SF but the utility bill is in my landlord's name"). It is accepted under penalty of perjury.

What doesn't count

• Handwritten letters without a utility or government stamp.
• Amazon, DoorDash, or Uber delivery confirmations (not a recognized address verifier).
• Utility bills older than 30 days — bring the most recent one, even if the address hasn't changed.
• A partner's or roommate's utility bill with only their name, unless paired with a Shared Housing Verification letter.

Still need help?

If you're unsure which document will work for your situation, call one of San Francisco's Resource & Referral agencies before your appointment. They can confirm what to bring.