This application form is designed to gather essential information about your background, interests, and qualifications for the program.
For the purpose of STEP, a student is economically disadvantaged if he or she meets the income eligibility criteria (2021-26 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria). The eligibility standards set forth apply only at the time of admission as a first-time student to a STEP program. Once admitted, a student may continue to receive supportive services as needed, even if the family income rises above the current eligibility standards.
Please provide only one of the following documents as proof of income. The following shall be acceptable documentation of economic eligibility:
Documentation of all income earned dividends and interest: a signed copy of appropriate year’s tax return (IRS Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, or 4506).
Documentation of a sole worker’s income from two or more employers: W2’s for the appropriate year or similar documentation acceptable to the Commissioner.
Documentation of no income: a copy of IRS Form 4506 which has been filed by the student or family with the Internal Revenue Service or a copy of IRS Letter 1722 indicating that the student or parent did not file a return.
Documentation of pension, annuity, or unemployment benefits: letter from the applicable agency showing appropriate year’s total award (if not reported on IRS Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or 1099).
Documentation of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans Administration non-educational benefits: a letter from the applicable agency showing applicable year’s total award for each member of the household, including Medicare premiums or IRS Form 1099 for each member of the household.
Documentation of Social Services payments: verification from a branch of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Children and Family Services Assistance, or a county department of Social Services showing year that benefits were received and names of recipients including the applicant.
Documentation of child support and/or alimony: a court order, affidavit.
Documentation of additional members in household: birth certificates, marriage certificates, third-party verification, or similar documentation acceptable to the Commissioner, along with proof of income or lack of income for each such member.
Documentation of zero household contribution: the needs analysis output form from one of the United States Department of Education.
The estimated time to complete this form is approximately 15-30 minutes based on having all of the information required in the form.
If you have trouble or questions completing the form, contact Dawn Cobb at dawncobb@buffalo.edu.