Assistance programs in Iowa
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
Iowa SNAP (Food Assistance)
Iowa SNAP helps eligible households buy groceries with an EBT card. Apply through Iowa HHS and complete the household interview.
Iowa WIC
Iowa WIC provides nutrition support and eWIC food benefits through local clinics for pregnant or postpartum participants and children under five.
Housing assistance
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid provides free civil legal services. Apply directly for screening, and identify any hearing or response deadline immediately.
Utility assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (Iowa)
Iowa weatherization helps eligible households improve home energy efficiency. Applications go through the community action agency serving the county.
Iowa Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Iowa LIHEAP helps qualifying households with part of winter heating costs. County community action agencies handle applications.
Health coverage
Iowa Medicaid & Iowa Health and Wellness Plan
Iowa Medicaid covers eligible residents through several pathways. The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan is the adult coverage pathway for qualifying people ages 19–64.
Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)
Hawki is Iowa’s Children’s Health Insurance Program for eligible children whose family income is above Medicaid limits.
Cash and income support
Iowa Earned Income Tax Credit
Iowa’s earned income tax credit is a refundable state credit tied to the federal EITC. Claim it on the Iowa income-tax return.
Iowa Family Investment Program (FIP Cash Assistance)
Iowa’s Family Investment Program provides TANF cash assistance to eligible families raising children, including qualifying relative caregivers.
Unemployment Insurance (Iowa Workforce Development)
Iowa unemployment claims and weekly certifications are handled in IowaWORKS. Filing the initial claim alone does not request every weekly payment.
Additional support
211 Iowa
211 Iowa connects residents with local food, housing, utility and other community resources by telephone, text and online search.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.