Self-employed, freelance, and gig workers prove income for ELFA using any of: (a) gross self-employment income records (tax returns, 1040 + Schedule C, 1099s), (b) pay stubs if applicable, or (c) the official ELFA Self-Declaration Form when formal documents aren't available (e.g. cash-based work). All income documents must be dated within 30 days of your certification appointment, except W-2/tax returns which are only accepted January–April for the prior year. If your income changes after enrollment, notify your child care provider immediately. Source: ELFA Family Enrollment Form FY 2025-26.
Acceptable income documents — full checklist
Bring whichever documents fit your work situation. Most self-employed applicants submit two types (for example, last year's Schedule C plus recent bank statements) so the R&R agency can see both your annual baseline and your current month-to-month income.
- IRS Form 1040 with Schedule C from your most recent tax filing. Schedule C shows your self-employment profit or loss. Include all pages.
- IRS Form 1099-NEC or 1099-K from the most recent tax year. One copy per platform you worked for (Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart, TaskRabbit, Care.com, etc.).
- Three most recent months of earnings statements downloaded from the gig app's dashboard. Uber Driver weekly earnings, DoorDash Dasher statements, Lyft driver summary — PDF or screenshot both work.
- ELFA Self-Declaration Form (official form, signed under penalty of perjury). Used when formal documents can't be provided — e.g. cash-based work, new self-employment with no tax history yet.
- Three most recent months of bank statements showing business deposits. Highlight the deposits that are business-related so staff can separate personal transfers.
- Business license or fictitious business name statement (DBA) if you run a registered small business.
- Client invoices paid within the last 90 days for consulting, tutoring, creative, or trade work.
- Profit & loss statement covering the current year-to-date, signed and dated by you. A simple spreadsheet listing monthly income minus business expenses is accepted.
Common scenarios
App-based gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart)
Submit the last three months of in-app earnings summaries plus last year's 1099-NEC or 1099-K. If you drive for multiple platforms, include statements from each. Report your net income after gas, tolls, and mileage deductions.
Cash-based workers (home child care, cleaning, construction, food vending)
Because there's no W-2 or 1099, ELFA accepts a signed self-declaration of income on the R&R agency form. Pair it with bank deposit records (if you deposit cash) or a letter from your regular clients confirming what they pay you monthly.
Small business owners and freelancers
Bring your most recent 1040 + Schedule C as the anchor document. If your income this year is tracking higher or lower than last year, add a year-to-date profit & loss statement and three months of business bank statements.
Seasonal or irregular workers (tax preparers, event staff, tour guides, wedding vendors)
Report your expected annual income, not just your busy-season income. Attach last year's Schedule C and a brief note explaining your earning pattern. Notify your child care provider immediately if your income changes after enrollment.
Still need help?
Not sure which combination of documents applies to your situation? Call before your intake appointment — both agencies have bilingual staff who handle self-employed applications daily.
Wu Yee Children's Services
Processes all ELFA tiers
Children's Council of San Francisco
Processes Fully-Funded ELFA applications