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Grants for Single Mothers in Iowa

Grants for Single Mothers in Iowa

Iowa Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at Iowa DHS Benefits Portal – you can get benefits within 7 days if you qualify
  3. Contact Food Bank of Iowa at (515) 564-0417 for emergency food assistance

Crisis Hotlines:

  • Domestic violence: 1-800-770-1650 (Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline)
  • Mental health crisis: 1-800-447-1985 (Your Life Iowa)
  • Suicide prevention: 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

Main Points

Being a single mother in Iowa means facing real financial challenges, but you’re not alone. According to recent data, Iowa has 32+ assistance programs specifically designed to help single mothers and low-income families. Here’s what you need to know:

Iowa’s Support System:

  • Emergency help is available – Food assistance can start within days, cash benefits within 4-6 weeks
  • Healthcare coverage is comprehensive – Iowa Medicaid covers single mothers and children with relatively high income limits
  • Educational support exists – Community colleges offer specific programs for single parents
  • The system works, but it’s complex – Most programs require applications, interviews, and documentation

Reality Check: Iowa’s cash assistance amounts are modest (up to $426 per month for a family of three), and some programs have waiting lists. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

Cash Assistance When You Need It Most

Family Investment Program (FIP) – Iowa’s TANF Program

FIP is Iowa’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program and provides cash assistance to needy families as they become self-supporting so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

What it provides:

  • Monthly cash benefits up to $426 for a family of three
  • Work training through PROMISE JOBS program
  • Help with transportation and childcare costs while in training
  • 60-month (five year) lifetime limit on benefits

Who qualifies:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must have children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school)
  • Must meet income and asset limits
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt

How to apply:

Contact: (800) 972-2017 for program information

Reality Check: Unless a person is exempt from the limit due to a hardship, there is a 60-month (five year) lifetime limit on FIP benefits. Plan for transitioning to work or education programs.

Iowa Food Assistance (SNAP)

SNAP helps you buy groceries with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card.

Current benefit amounts (2025):

Household Size Maximum Monthly Benefit Monthly Income Limit (Gross)
1 person $292 $2,510
2 people $536 $3,408
3 people $768 $4,305
4 people $975 $5,203

Who qualifies:

  • Iowa has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements
  • Income limits are higher for households with elderly or disabled members
  • Must be Iowa resident and U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant

How to apply:

  • Online: Iowa DHS Services Portal
  • Phone: (877) 347-5678
  • Processing time: Usually 30 days, but emergency cases can be approved within 7 days

Emergency SNAP: If you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts, you may qualify for expedited service

Healthcare for You and Your Children

Iowa Medicaid

Iowa Medicaid is a $6 billion program which serves more than 700,000 people in Iowa each year. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.

Income limits for families (2025):

Household Size Annual Income Limit Monthly Income Limit
1 person $21,597 $1,800
2 people $29,179 $2,432
3 people $36,762 $3,064
4 people $44,346 $3,696

Special rules for pregnant women:

  • Starting January 1, 2025, coverage extends to 12 months after pregnancy ends
  • Family income must be at or below 215% of the federal poverty level

How to apply:

hawk-i (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)

CHIP covers children under the age of 19 in working families who have too much income to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance.

What it covers:

  • Doctor and specialist visits
  • Hospital care
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental and vision care
  • Mental health services

Costs: Some households may be required to pay a monthly premium based on family income. No family pays more than $40 a month. Some families pay nothing at all

How to apply: Same as Medicaid – through Iowa DHS Services Portal

Food and Nutrition Support

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC Iowa provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and resources to purchase nutritious foods for families.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • If you’re already enrolled in SNAP, your household does not need to meet the WIC income limit and may be automatically income-eligible

Income limits (185% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Annual Income Limit Monthly Income Limit
1 person $27,861 $2,322
2 people $37,814 $3,151
3 people $47,767 $3,981
4 people $57,720 $4,810

What WIC provides:

  • Healthy foods like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Find local WIC office: Iowa WIC Locations
  • Must apply in person (no online applications)
  • Bring proof of income, address, and identity

Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa helps new mothers and children at risk of poor nutrition. It provides healthy food, nutrition education and referrals to other agencies.

Services:

  • Emergency food boxes
  • Mobile food pantries in rural areas
  • Kids Cafe (after-school meals)
  • Fresh produce distributions

Contact: (515) 564-0417 Find food locations: Food Bank of Iowa website

Housing Assistance That Actually Helps

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

This federal program helps low-income families afford rental housing by paying a portion of rent directly to landlords.

How it works:

  • You find your own housing that meets program standards
  • You pay about 30% of your income for rent
  • The voucher pays the rest directly to your landlord

Income requirements:

  • Must be very low-income (typically 50% of area median income or less)
  • Priority given to families earning 30% of area median income

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  • Des Moines: Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (515) 283-2920
  • Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids Housing Authority (319) 364-7040
  • Davenport: Davenport Housing Commission (563) 326-7893

Reality Check: Most housing authorities have waiting lists that can be 1-3 years long. Apply as early as possible.

Emergency Rental Assistance

If you’re behind on rent or facing eviction, several programs can help:

  • Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program
  • Contact local Community Action Agencies
  • Call 2-1-1 for emergency rental assistance in your area

Rural Housing Assistance

USDA Rural Development provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Contact: (515) 284-4444 or IowaHomeLoans@usda.gov

Childcare Help So You Can Work or Go to School

Child Care Assistance (CCA)

CCA is available from the Department of Human Services as a means to try and assist working parents that need to ensure their children receive quality child care.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours per week)
  • Parents in approved education or training programs
  • Must meet income requirements

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments based on your income
  • Lower-income families pay less
  • State pays remainder directly to childcare provider

Contact: (866) 448-4605 (Centralized Child Care Assistance Eligibility Unit)

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs serving low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Quality childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services
  • Parenting education

Income requirements: 130% of Federal Poverty Level or below Contact: Call 1-866-763-6481 to find local programs

Educational Opportunities and Grants

Iowa Tuition Grant

The maximum grant is $8,500 per year for up to four years of full-time, undergraduate study at eligible Iowa private colleges.

Requirements:

  • Iowa resident for at least one year
  • Enrolled at eligible Iowa private college or university
  • Must file FAFSA by March 1st deadline
  • Demonstrate financial need

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  2. Apply to participating Iowa colleges
  3. College automatically considers you for grant

Federal Pell Grant

Need-based federal grant that doesn’t need to be repaid.

Maximum award: $7,395 for 2024-25 academic year Who qualifies: Students with exceptional financial need who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree How to apply: Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov

Community College Support

Iowa’s 15 community colleges offer:

  • Career training programs
  • Support services for single parents
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Financial aid counseling

Contact your local community college for specific single parent programs

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • FIP (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Iowa Medicaid – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Iowa state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination. Additional resources:

Support organizations:

  • One Iowa: (515) 279-9653
  • Iowa Safe Schools: (515) 493-4636
  • OutReach LGBT Community Center (Madison County): (515) 292-0453

Legal protections:

  • Iowa law prohibits discrimination in state programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Name change and gender marker assistance available through Iowa courts

Rural Iowa Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices
  • Limited internet access for online applications

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile food pantries: Food Bank of Iowa serves rural communities
  • Telehealth: Iowa Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • Home visits: Some WIC offices provide home visits in rural areas
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources
  • Iowa Department of Transportation: Provides information about rural transit options

Rural transit assistance:

  • Regional Transit Authorities serve rural areas
  • Some areas offer medical transportation assistance
  • Contact Area Agencies on Aging for senior transportation

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

Kinship care support:

  • Iowa KinNet: (515) 281-5521
  • Financial assistance available through DHS
  • Support groups and respite care
  • Legal assistance for custody issues

TANF eligibility:

  • May include grandchildren in application
  • Different income calculations may apply
  • Contact DHS to discuss specific situations

Resources by Region

Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City)

Emergency assistance:

  • Crisis & Advocacy Services: (319) 366-7000 (Cedar Rapids)
  • Family Resources: (563) 322-3430 (Davenport)
  • Johnson County Social Services: (319) 356-6050 (Iowa City)

Food assistance:

  • HACAP Food Reservoir: (319) 393-7811 (Cedar Rapids)
  • River Bend Food Bank: (563) 328-3663 (Davenport)

Central Iowa (Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown)

Emergency assistance:

  • Polk County Health & Human Services: (515) 286-3600
  • ACCESS: (515) 965-6626 (Ames)
  • Salvation Army: (515) 282-4558 (Des Moines)

Housing help:

  • Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency: (515) 283-2920
  • Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support: (515) 284-0002

Western Iowa (Council Bluffs, Sioux City)

Emergency assistance:

  • Family Inc: (712) 325-9540 (Council Bluffs)
  • Siouxland Community Health Center: (712) 234-1100 (Sioux City)

Food assistance:

  • Food Bank for the Heartland: Serves western Iowa
  • Local pantries: Contact 2-1-1 for locations

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to get approved for benefits in Iowa? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: Usually 30 days, emergency cases within 7 days
  • FIP: 30-45 days from complete application
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: May take years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most Iowa programs allow working families:

  • SNAP: Income limits are generous for working families
  • Medicaid: Available for families earning up to 138% of poverty level
  • Childcare assistance: Specifically designed for working parents
  • hawk-i: Covers children in working families who don’t qualify for Medicaid

Q: What if I get denied for benefits? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Call Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-532-1503 for free help with appeals.

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! The Iowa DHS Services Portal allows you to apply for SNAP, FIP, and Medicaid with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately.

Q: What if I don’t have internet access? A: You can:

  • Visit any local DHS office for in-person help
  • Call program phone numbers for assistance
  • Use computers at public libraries
  • Ask friends or family to help with online applications

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, emergency assistance
  • Educational grants: May have requirements like staying in Iowa after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay

Q: What documents do I need for applications? A: Common documents needed:

  • Social Security cards for all family members
  • Iowa driver’s license or state ID
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Pay stubs or income verification
  • Bank statements
  • Rent receipts or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • WIC: Available regardless of immigration status
  • Food pantries: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available

Q: What if I live in rural Iowa? A: Rural residents have access to all programs but may face additional challenges:

  • Transportation: Some counties offer rural transit
  • Mobile services: Food pantries and WIC may offer mobile services
  • Telehealth: Available through Iowa Medicaid
  • Local churches and nonprofits: Often provide emergency assistance
  • 2-1-1 is crucial for finding nearby resources

Q: How do I find my local DHS office? A: Find offices at Iowa DHS County Office Locations or call (855) 889-7985

Important Phone Numbers and Resources

Statewide Resources

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • Iowa DHS Contact Center: (855) 889-7985
  • Iowa Legal Aid: 1-800-532-1503
  • Your Life Iowa (crisis support): 1-800-447-1985

Food Assistance

  • Iowa Food Assistance (SNAP): (877) 347-5678
  • WIC Program: Contact local WIC clinic
  • Food Bank of Iowa: (515) 564-0417

Healthcare

  • Iowa Medicaid Member Services: 1-800-338-8366
  • hawk-i: (800) 257-8563

Housing and Utilities

  • Iowa Finance Authority: (800) 432-7230
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance: Contact local Community Action Agency

Child Support

  • Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit: (888) 229-9223

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-770-1650
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled using official Iowa government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Iowa guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, HHS, and local agency sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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