Money Assistance Iowa – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
With 12.7 percent of Iowa residents living in poverty and 16.2 percent of children considered to be living in poverty, the state ranks at number 14 for poverty rate levels, according to Poverty USA. Although Iowa does better than most of the country in terms of population in poverty, there are still many people who need help with paying their bills every month. If you are struggling to keep a roof over your head, put food on the table, pay medical or utility bills, there is help available.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Iowa. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and all other cities in Iowa.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Iowa collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.
Assistance with Utilities: Iowa residents may qualify for assistance through the Iowa Bureau of Energy Assistance. The bureau offers financial assistance to low-income families. Funds are providing to help heat homes during the winter and some funds are set aside for emergency situations. Residents can also qualify for help with weatherizing their homes. Operation “Round Up” is offered though several power companies and uses funds from rounded up power bills to help low-income families.
Food Assistance: Low income families can qualify for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Qualified families and individuals receive a stipend each month to help offset the cost of groceries. Additional programs include the Women, Infant and Children program which offers help to pregnant women and women with children under the age of 5. Residents may also get assistance through Iowa food pantries.
Loan Help: If you need cash to cover an unexpected expense or a situation which requires purchase, there are many non-payday loan options available. Different non-profits, government benefits and banks provide specialty loans which are designed for low income earners. These loans typically have a lower interest rate and minimal to no fees - Learn more here.
Rent and Mortgage: If you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage you may qualify for assistance through the Iowa Finance Authority. Programs offered include help with rent and down payments as well as assistance with purchasing a home. Low-income families may also qualify for subsidized housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Medical Assistance: If you need help paying for medical expenses, you may qualify for free health insurance through the state Medicaid program. Applicants must provide proof of financial need. If you don’t qualify, you may still be able to get low-cost health insurance for your children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i) offers low cost coverage for no more than $40 per month. A family of 4 must make less than $71, 550 per year. The program functions like a regular insurance program, with a very low payment.
Educational Assistance: Future college students in Iowa can qualify for free money to help offset the cost of college classes through the Federal Pell Grant program. The program offers semester-based stipends for students from lower income families.
Parents with young children may qualify for free early education programs though Head Start. The head start program provides early education resources for at risk children. To qualify a family of four must make less than $23,850 per year.
Community Action Centers: If you need additional support, you can find help through the Iowa Community Action Association. The community action agencies offer help with private and public resources for low-income families. In addition, residents can get help applying for assistance and finding a job. Other programs offered by the centers include housing, nutrition, self-sufficiency and income management.
Charities: According to WalletHub, Iowa is the 11th most giving state in the nation. This is great news for individuals who need help. If you need help paying bills, getting food or keeping your home you can find access through a variety of private and public charities in Iowa. Residents who need help with medical bills and other issues can apply for help through Community Health Charities of Iowa. Other popular charities include the Ronald McDonald House and Catholic Charities.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Iowa, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Iowa. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.
Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Iowa. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.
Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Iowa, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.
How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Iowa. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.
Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Iowa there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.
How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Iowa like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious strain on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.
