Legal Citizenship

• Although the Salvation Army is not a governmental organization, any individuals or families looking to benefit from assistance must provide proof of legal citizenship as an American. This is most easily accomplished by submitting your Social Security information to the Salvation Army branch through which you are applying for Christmas aid. Social Security cards or valid numbers must be presented for each member of the family applying for aid. Social Security cards cannot be used as proof of address.
  
  

Living Situation

• Salvation Army Christmas assistance programs are often developed to serve needy people within a certain geographical area. In order to determine that an applicant is eligible for aid, proof of legal residence must be submitted. This can include a photo ID card listing your current address, a lease agreement, piece of mail with recent postmark or utility bills. Homeless persons should directly visit their nearest Salvation Army branch office and speak to a representative if they wish to receive aid.
  
  

Income

• Need must be proven to the Salvation Army to receive financial aid. Official proof of income includes a recent tax return or recent paycheck stubs. Income includes the amount of aid received in food stamps over the course of one year or any additional financial aid received, including any aid from Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
  
  

Children

• Heads of household can apply for Christmas aid to be awarded for the whole family including children, but must provide documentation to properly identify those children. Original birth certificates must be presented to the Salvation Army branch office for all members of the family under 18 years of age. Other documentation usually collected to identify children includes shot records, a report card, a passport or any other government document that includes name, picture and address.