2019 Low Income Ticket Information from BM.org (Archived)
Read our article here to learn more on low income tickets. The information below is from the Burning Man website, and is store for archival purposes.
Please check the Burning Man official website before relying on the information below. The only time the information below should be used is in the window when the official information is removed from the website. The application only be visible during the application period, the FAQs and other instructions are usually up almost all year round, only being taken down a month or so before being updated with the current year’s info.
We can’t emphasize enough that this information changes a bit every year, so this is good to get a head start on pulling together documents, but before submitting an actual application you will need to carefully review the most current information on the Burning Man org site.
2019 General instructions
Low Income Ticket Program
Over 4,500 tickets at $210 each will be available through our 2019 Low Income Ticket Program. These tickets are reserved for participants on a limited income who cannot otherwise afford our regular priced tickets. These tickets are non-transferrable and available by application only.
You can reach the application here: Low Income Ticket Application. [2019 link]
Program Guidelines:
The application has more detailed instructions, but here’s what you need to know so you can be prepared to apply.
Program Restrictions:
If you purchase a ticket to Burning Man 2019 in ANY sale, you are not eligible for a Low Income ticket.
If you are approved for a Low Income ticket and purchase a Burning Man 2019 ticket in any later sale, your Low Income award will be revoked, even if the ticket was purchased for someone else or you let someone else use your credit card.
If a ticket to Burning Man 2019 is transferred into your name, you are no longer eligible to receive a Low Income Ticket, and your award will be revoked.
Application Restrictions:
The application will close on Wednesday, April 17 or as soon as we have enough applicants, whichever comes first. Submit your application as soon as possible.
Applications are one per person. No couple or group applications. Feel free to reference each other in your applications if you wish.
Applications are one per email address. Applications with duplicate email addresses will not be considered.
You may not submit an application on someone else’s behalf unless the applicant has a disability that prevents them from submitting it themselves.
You must use your legal name on your application. If you are awarded a ticket you will be required to show legal photo ID in order to collect it at the Box Office of the Burning Man event.
You must provide proof of your income and expenses; applications without documentation cannot be considered.
We will not request additional documentation or clarification, please ensure your application is complete prior to submittal.
Gritty Details:
NEW: Low Income Ticket orders must be paid for prior to arriving at the Box Office. Approved applicants will be sent a link to pay for their order online.
Low Income Tickets are $210 each plus taxes and fees.
If you are accepted to the Low Income Ticket Program you will be given the opportunity to purchase a $100 vehicle pass for your own use.
Low Income tickets are held at the Box Office for Will Call pickup, no exceptions.
Low Income Tickets cannot be picked up until the Box Office opens on August 19, 2019.
Low Income Ticket awards and tickets purchased through the Low Income Ticket Program are completely non-transferrable.
It may take up to twelve (12) weeks to review applications after submission. You will be notified of your application status regardless of if your application is approved or denied.
Technical Stuff:
Here are some tips to make sure your application submission process is as easy as possible.
Make sure you’ve completed your Burner Profile prior to beginning the application.
Do not fill out the application on a mobile device (smart phone or tablet).
Make sure you’re using the most up to date version of your browser, and don’t use Internet Explorer.
You must upload 3 documents proving your income & expenses for your submission to be complete. Examples:
Your current W2 for 2018,
tax return for 2017 or 2018,
a current pay stub with your name on it,
disability or unemployment benefits statement,
a current student loan statement,
proof of debt,
mortgage statement, etc.
File Formats accepted: .jpg or .pdf, single page only for each, 10 MB or less each (please black out any account or social security numbers but leave your name visible).
You can always take a picture of your documents using a digital camera, or smartphone if you don’t have access to a scanner.
Be sure to check your spam and promotions folder for emails from us.
For questions not answered in the above information or our Frequently Asked Questions, or if you haven’t received an email copy of your application within 24 hours of submission please email us.
Low Income Ticket FAQ [2019]
I'm having issues uploading my documents, what can I do?
Please do not use a mobile device (smartphone, iPad or tablet) to fill out your form.
To use this system, you must have a complete Burner Profile. If you don’t, you will be prompted to do so before you fill out your form.
You must use the latest browser, we recommend Firefox, Safari or Chrome.
JavaScript must be enabled on your browser, check here: http://www.isjavascriptenabled.com/
The Image Uploader may not work correctly on Internet Explorer and older browsers.
Do you have blank spaces or strange characters in the filename? Try file names with no blank spaces, such as W2-2018.jpg or Financial_Docs.jpg.
The image uploader only accepts the file types listed in your file upload question. Please confirm your file is one of those types.
Only file sizes of 10 MB or under can be uploaded.
Which language do my financial documents need to be in?
Ideally, we'd prefer that all your financial documents be in English. If that isn't possible, please just submit them in the language that they're currently in and we'll find someone to translate them for us.
We'd rather have documents from you in languages we need translated than silly cat pictures or photos of your foot. You can email silly cat pictures to lowincome@burningman.org. Note: Submission of silly cat pictures will in no way impact the outcome of your application.
Do Low Income Ticket holders need a Vehicle Pass? How can they purchase one?
If you are awarded a Low Income ticket and need a Vehicle Pass, you will have the option to purchase $100 Vehicle Pass at the Box Office when you pay for your Low Income ticket.
Am I eligible for the Low Income Ticket Program if I BUY a ticket through another sale?
No. Purchasing a ticket through any of our other sales disqualifies you from participating in our Low Income Ticket Program, even if you are purchasing that ticket for someone else.
After all of our sales have concluded we do a final crosscheck of Low Income Ticket awards with other ticket sales and any found to have already purchased tickets will have their Low Income Ticket award revoked. Please note: this applies even if you have bought a ticket for someone else or let them use your credit card!
[Trippingly note: while PURCHASING a ticket will void your application/cancel your ticket, merely registering for a sale does not do so. However, registering for another sale could impact your low income ticket application. From the Org’s Low Income Ticket review staff: “Purchasing another ticket disqualifies you from being awarded a Low Income ticket. Registering for a regular sale [does not disqualify you and] would only be taken into account if the application is really marginal and we’re having a tough time making the call."
What documentation do you accept for the Low Income Ticket Application?
We are looking for anything you can provide that clearly demonstrates your income and expenses. Our goal is to make sure these tickets are awarded to those who truly need them, so the more information you can provide, the better. Examples of documents are: W2s (or international equivalent), utility bills, or student loan statements, your most recent pay stub, and current year tax documents
What file format can my financial documents be in?
Documents must be single page and in .jpg or .pdf format. You may submit up to three (3) documents, in fact we encourage you to submit three (3) documents. The maximum size for each document is 10MB.
Be sure to black out any account or social security numbers but leave your name visible. Your personal information is kept completely confidential.
WARNING: Do not use a mobile device to fill out our application. Also, file upload may not work correctly using Internet Explorer and older browsers.
When will I hear back about my application?
It can take up to eight (8) weeks from receipt for us to review applications, so we ask that you not email about your status before then. If you have received a confirmation email that we received your application, we will contact you about your application, regardless of the outcome. If you didn't receive a confirmation email with a copy of your completed application please first check your email spam/promotions folders, and if you still can't find it, email us immediately—you may be asked to resubmit your application.
If you have not heard from us eight (8) weeks after you submit your completed application (which includes your financial documentation) please feel free to email us with your full name, and the email address you applied with so we can look into your application status.
When does the Low Income Ticket Program application open/close?
The application period for the Low Income Ticket Program opens at 12pm (noon) Pacific Time Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
If you are serious about needing one of these tickets DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to apply. We'll close the program as soon as we have enough applicants, or at 12pm (noon) Pacific Time on April 17, 2019, whichever comes first.
The application will be located on the Low Income Ticket Program page. [2019 Page Link]
How many Low Income Tickets can I apply for?
Tickets awarded through the Low Income Ticket Program are strictly one (1) per person. Similarly, applications must be filled out and submitted by the individuals who will use the ticket. Unless there are language issues or disability concerns applications may not be completed by a second party.
If children are applying we prefer for them to fill out their own applications so we can hear directly from them. Please note the name of the parent/guardian that will be accompanying the child to the event in their application.
How can I ask a question about my submitted Low Income Ticket application?
If you submitted a complete application (which included uploading proof of finances) and received a copy of your application in your confirmation email, we ask that you hold tight for eight (8) weeks from the date you applied before contacting us to inquire about your status.
If it's been eight (8) weeks, or if you have other questions, please email us with your full name, and the email address you used on your application and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Do I get a confirmation email that you received my Low Income Ticket application?
Yes. Upon submitting your application you should receive a copy of your application in your email to confirm that we successfully received it. If you have not received a copy of your application via email with 24 hours of submission it is important that you first check your spam/promotions folder make sure it didn't get filtered there. If you still can't find us please contact us as soon as you can.
Do not wait until the end of the summer to check in—If it didn't come through on our end you may have to re-submit your application and we want to make sure you can do that while the application is still open!
What if I don’t have any financial documentation?
Everybody has some kind of financial documentation. Maybe you don't receive a regular paycheck, but you still have some kind of bank statement or record of your regular expenses.
If you think you don’t have any financial documentation for your Low Income Ticket Application you still need to send us something that helps demonstrate your current financial situation. This could include, but is not limited to:
· bank statements
· receipts
· tax documentation
· tuition statements
· a note from the guy down the street you do work for outlining how much he pays you
· a letter from the professor you're doing that unpaid internship with
· student loan information
Applications with no financial documentation attached will not be considered. If you submit an application without supporting documentation you will not be contacted and asked to correct it–incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Can I transfer my Low Income Ticket to someone else?
No. Low Income Tickets are non-transferable and may only be paid for and used by the named applicant. Since these tickets are only awarded through an extensive application process, they cannot be transferred to another participant.
How do I pay for and pick up my Low Income Ticket?
NEW for 2019: Low Income Ticket orders must be paid for prior to arriving at the Box Office. Approved applicants will be sent a link to pay for their order online.
If you are awarded a ticket you will be required to show a valid legal photo ID in order to collect it at the Box Office of the Burning Man event. Tickets are held for Will Call delivery and paid for upon pick up at the event Box Office located at the front gate of Burning Man.
No exceptions will be made to this policy.
How do I apply for The Low Income Ticket Program?
Be sure you have an updated and complete Burner Profile.
Go to the Low Income Ticket Page once applications open at 12pm (noon) Pacific Time on February 13, 2019.
We will stop accepting applications on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 unless we reach our max capacity before then.
Do not wait to fill out your application as we will close the program once we receive enough application
Click on the link to apply to the Low Income Ticket Program.
Fill out your Low Income Ticket Application.
Be sure to include as much financial documentation as you can, the better picture of your financial situation you show, the easier it is for us to review your application.
Submit your application!
Check your email within 24hrs of submitting to ensure you received an email confirming that we received your application.
Wait by your email with bated breath for up to eight (8) weeks while we review your application. We'll notify you if your application is approved or denied.
If you haven't heard from us after eight (8) weeks of submitting your application, feel free to email us from the email address you used in your application at lowincome@burningman.org to check up on your status.
How many Low Income Tickets are there and how much do they cost?
There are approximately 4,500 Low Income Tickets available. Low Income Ticket cost $210 (plus taxes and fees) each and are only available via application.
2019 Low Income Ticket Program Application
ATTENTION! Please fill out your application on a computer, not on a smartphone or tablet.
Burning Man Low Income Ticket Program Information
The Low Income Ticket Program offers a limited number of reduced-cost tickets to the 2019 Burning Man event. These tickets are intended for participants who would not otherwise be able to afford a full-priced ticket.
Applying for the Low Income Ticket Program means that you will be considered for access to a $210 Low Income ticket, plus taxes and fees. Approximately 4750 Low Income tickets are available by application on a first-come, first-served basis. We will close the application as soon as we have enough applicants, or on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, whichever comes first.
The Low Income Ticket Program is open to everyone—having been to Burning Man before or being involved with a particular project or theme camp are not requirements for eligibility. Here's what we want to see demonstrated in your application:
Why it is important for you to attend, and what it means to you to be part of the Burning Man community.
How you plan to participate in Burning Man.
Why you truly need this ticket, which means you need to explain and demonstrate your financial circumstances.
We review and respond to applications as they are submitted. We hope to notify all applicants whether or not they were awarded a ticket within eight (8) weeks of submission. Please don’t email us asking about the status of your application. You can view your application status, or cancel your application, in your Burner Profile under the Sparkly Things header. Please note: cancelling your application cannot be undone and if you wish to be considered you will need to resubmit a new application.
Whether or not you are awarded a Low Income Ticket you will be notified of the outcome of your application. If you are awarded a Low Income ticket we will contact you with further information about how to purchase your ticket online.
Guidelines
If you have already purchased a ticket to Burning Man 2019 in any sale, you are not eligible for a Low Income ticket. If you are approved for a Low Income ticket and then purchase a Burning Man 2019 ticket in any later sale, your Low Income award will be revoked, even if the ticket was purchased for someone else or you let someone else use your credit card.
Applications are one per person. No couple or group applications.
Applications are one per email address. Applications with duplicate email addresses will not be considered.
Submitting an application on someone else's behalf is only allowed if the applicant has a disability that prevents them from submitting it themselves.
You must use your legal name on your application. If you are awarded a ticket you will be required to show legal photo ID in order to collect it at the Box Office of the Burning Man event.
The program will close as soon as we have enough applicants, or on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, whichever comes first. Submit your application as soon as possible.
You may apply for a ticket multiple years if you have ongoing need, but understand that a previous award does not guarantee future awards.
You must provide proof of your income and expenses. Applications without documentation will not be considered. Please ensure your application is complete prior to submittal, as we will not request any additional documentation.
Low Income tickets must be paid for prior to arriving at the Box Office to pick them up. If you are awarded a Low Income Ticket you will be sent instructions on how to purchase your ticket online.
Low Income tickets are strictly non-transferable and are held at the Box Office for Will Call pick up, no exceptions.
Low Income Tickets cannot be picked up until the Box Office opens on August 19. Keep this in mind if you need to be there earlier to work on a project.
Completing the application takes 15 - 30 minutes. Have your financial documentation ready to upload before you begin.
Technical information
Do not fill out this application on a mobile device (smart phone or tablet).
You must upload current proof of income & expenses for your submission to be complete. Examples:
Your current W2 for 2018,
Tax returns from 2017 or 2018,
a current pay stub with your name on it,
disability or unemployment benefits statement,
proof of debt,
mortgage statement, etc.
Financial documentation must have your name and date visible or they will not be accepted. Don’t forget to black out your Social Security Number if visible.
File Formats accepted: .jpg or .pdf, single page only for each, 10 MB or less each
Having trouble uploading your documents? Visit Ticket Support for help.
Questions can be sent to lowincome@burningman.org. If you are having problems submitting your completed application, please email us and we will send you a paper copy. Do not print the web based form.
2019 Low Income Ticket Program
Legal Name
You will be required to show a legal government issued ID to pick your ticket up at Will Call. The name on that ID must match the name you provide here.
Legal First Name *
Legal Last Name *
Burning Man *
Please tell us what the Burning Man community means to you and how you are an asset to the community.
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.
Contributing to Burning Man *
In addition to the basic civic responsibilities expected of all Burners as outlined in the 10 Principles, how do you plan to contribute to Burning Man this year?
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.
Financial Need *
What do you do for work (how do you earn money), and why do you feel you need a Low Income ticket this year?
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.
Please answer the following questions in US dollars.
Enter your answers as whole numbers.
Do not use commas, dollar signs, or any currency symbols.
What is your average monthly take-home income (i.e. after taxes)? *
It is important that you answer this question truthfully. All of your personal information in this application is strictly confidential.
$_________
What is your household average monthly take-home income (i.e. after taxes)? *
It is important that you answer this question truthfully. All of your personal information in this application is strictly confidential.
$_________
Please provide a breakdown of your average monthly expenses
The following questions are required. You may put '0' if you have no such expense.
Monthly Rent/mortgage/housing *
$ _________
Monthly Utilities including Phone and Internet *
$ _________
Monthly Groceries *
$ _________
Monthly Medical/Dental/Vision care/Insurance *
$ _________
Monthly Transportation *
$ _________
Monthly Child Care *
$_________
Monthly Tuition *
$ _________
Monthly Cleaning supplies/Toiletries *
$ ________
Monthly Clothing *
$ _________
Monthly Pet Care *
$ _________
Monthly Entertainment/Restaurants *
$_________
Monthly Amount Put in Savings *
$ _________
Monthly Debt Repayment *
$ _________
Total Other Monthly Expenses *
$ _________
Please describe your 'Other' expenses here.
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.
Does anyone claim you as a dependent on their taxes? *
Yes
No
Proof of Income & Expenses *
Please upload three (3) financial documents which illustrate your income and expenses.
Please blackout any account or social security numbers but leave your name visible.
Your name and the date must be visible for your document to be considered.
Examples:
your current income tax info (current W2s or 1040s, your 2017 or 2018 filed return, etc.)
a current pay stub with your name on it
disability or unemployment benefits statement
a current student loan or other debt statement (including monthly payment: not just the total owed), mortgage statement, etc.
File Formats accepted:
.jpg or .pdf
single page only for each
10 MB or less each
If you are having trouble uploading, please confirm your file formats are correct and there are no spaces in your file names. Larger files can take a few minutes to upload. This question requires: a computer (not a phone or tablet), the latest browser and having JavaScript enabled. If you need help with that, see: http://www.enable-javascript.com. The upload may not work correctly on Internet Explorer.
First Document *
Browse...
Second Document *
Browse...
Third Document *
Browse...
Further Explanations *
Please use the space provided to describe anything else we should know about your financial situation, or the documents you provided.
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.
Partner Applying? *
Do you have a spouse, partner, family member, or friend that is also submitting their own Low Income Ticket application that you want us to know about?
Yes
No
Arrival Date *
What date do you plan to arrive to Burning Man? Early entrance before Sunday, August 25, 2019 is only given to those working with the infrastructure of the event, a placed art installation or a placed theme camp. Early arrival permission is not given as part of being awarded a Low Income ticket. Early Arrival permission must be obtained from the department or group with which you are working. You cannot pick your ticket up before Will Call opens, regardless of the date your department has given permission to arrive on.
Before Sunday, August 25, 2019 (I know I will need to obtain an early arrival pass from a specific group I'm working with)
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Monday of the event
Tuesday of the event
Wednesday of the event
Thursday of the event
Friday of event
Saturday of the event (The Box Office closes at 12pm noon on Saturday, August 31, 2019; you won't be able to pick up your ticket after then.)
Comments
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Characters used: 0 out of 1500.