Covered California Proof of Income for 2027: Documents and Submission Checklist

If Covered California asks you to verify your household income for 2027, the notice does not necessarily mean that you made a mistake. Covered California compares application information with records from sources such as the IRS and Social Security Administration. When the information does not match, it may ask for proof before finalizing eligibility or financial help.

This checklist explains common proof-of-income documents, what each document should show, and how to submit them. Always follow the specific request in your eligibility notice or online account because the correct document depends on your income type and household situation.

Why does Covered California ask for proof of income?

Your projected household income helps determine whether you qualify for Medi-Cal, a Covered California health plan, and premium assistance or cost-sharing reductions. A document request is a routine eligibility step when application information cannot be confirmed electronically.

Do not upload every financial record you have. Covered California advises applicants to submit the type of proof requested in the notice. In many cases, one clear and complete document is sufficient.

Proof of income for employees

Employees may generally use one of the following:

• Recent pay stub: It should show your name, gross income, pay period or pay frequency, and payment date.
• Federal Form 1040: Submit the most recently filed return with the applicable schedules. It should identify the taxpayer, income amount, and tax year.
• W-2 or 1099 statement: Accepted wage and income forms can include W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, 1099-SSA, 1099-DIV and 1099-INT.
• Employer statement: This may be used when a pay stub or tax return is unavailable. The statement should be signed, dated, identify the employer and employee, and explain the amount and frequency of pay.

Covered California’s current instructions say an employer statement should generally be dated within 45 days of submission and include the employer’s contact information and certification language.

Documents for self-employment income

Self-employed applicants may be asked for a recent year-to-date or quarterly profit-and-loss statement, a self-employment ledger, or Form 1040 with Schedule C. The document should identify the person and business, show the period covered, and report net income after allowable business expenses.

Because financial help is based on projected annual household income, a prior tax return may not fully reflect a new business, a recent slowdown, or a significant change in earnings. Update the income estimate in your application and submit the document requested for the current situation.

Social Security, pension and other unearned income

Depending on the income source, acceptable proof may include a Social Security benefit letter, pension or annuity statement, unemployment-benefit letter, interest or dividend statement, settlement documentation, or another record showing the amount and frequency of taxable income.

Only income that counts under the applicable marketplace rules should be included. If you are unsure how a particular payment affects eligibility, confirm it before changing your application.

What if you do not have the requested document?

Covered California provides an Attestation of Income, No Documentation Available form for some situations. It is reviewed case by case, is signed under penalty of perjury, and is valid only for the benefit year requested. Do not use an attestation when a regular document is available unless Covered California or a certified enroller confirms that it is appropriate.

How to submit Covered California documents

1. Read the eligibility notice or account message and identify the person and document type requested.
2. Make sure the copy is clear and contains the required name, dates, income amount and source.
3. Upload it through your Covered California account, or submit it by fax, mail or in person using the instructions provided with your notice.
4. Keep the notice, case number and a copy of what you submitted.
5. Check your account afterward for an updated status or another request.

Covered California says copies—not original documents—should be sent by fax or mail. Its official document page currently lists fax number (888) 329-3700 and mailing address Covered California, P.O. Box 989725, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9725. Confirm these details in your current notice before submitting.

2027 renewal checklist

• Confirm projected 2027 household income rather than automatically repeating a prior-year amount.
• Update household members, address and access to employer coverage.
• Review the new premium, tax credit and cost-sharing information.
• Compare networks, prescriptions and total costs—not only the monthly premium.
• Respond to document requests by the deadline shown in your notice.

For renewal timing and plan-comparison steps, read our Covered California Open Enrollment 2027 checklist. You can also review the 2027 Covered California income and subsidy guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does a document request mean my coverage has been denied?

No. A request generally means Covered California needs additional information to confirm eligibility. Follow the notice and submit the requested proof by the stated deadline.

Should I submit every income document?

No. Submit the document type requested. Covered California states that one qualifying document is sufficient in many cases.

Can I apply if a document is missing?

Covered California says you should not delay an application only because a document is not yet available. Complete the application and follow the later instructions for verification.

Official sources

• Covered California: Proof of Income
• Covered California: Documents to Confirm Eligibility
• Covered California: How to Renew Your Plan

This article provides general information and does not determine eligibility or the amount of financial help. Follow the instructions in your Covered California notice and account.

Need help with your Covered California renewal?

Skyline Benefit can help California individuals and families review a Covered California income-verification request, organize the appropriate documents, update household information, and compare 2027 plan options. Questions about Covered California documents or renewal? Call Skyline Benefit at (714) 888-5112 or request a consultation.