Iowa

Iowa's state housing agency; lists current rent help, affordable housing, and homeowner assistance programs.

Runs the system that connects Iowans facing homelessness to shelter and housing programs; if you're about to lose housing, call 211 to be entered into coordinated entry.

Free lawyers and step-by-step guides if you've gotten an eviction notice; call 1-800-532-1275.

Iowa's cash assistance for low-income families with children; monthly cash plus job support through PROMISE JOBS. Apply online at the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal or call 1-800-972-2017.

• Iowa HHS Benefits Portal

Find your local community action agency for emergency help with rent, utilities, food, and crisis needs.

Most Iowa counties run a small General Assistance fund for residents in crisis (rent, burial, essentials); ask your county courthouse or call 211 to find your county's office.

Free or discounted care based on income at Iowa's largest hospital; every nonprofit hospital in Iowa has a similar charity care program — always ask for the financial assistance application before paying a large bill.

Free legal help if you're sued or garnished over medical bills: 1-800-532-1275.

Helps pay winter heating bills and protects approved households from shut-off during the cold months; apply at your local community action agency or online at the Iowa LIHEAP portal.

• Iowa LIHEAP portal

Free insulation, furnace repair, and energy fixes that lower your bills permanently; apply through your community action agency.

Monthly grocery money on an EBT card; apply online at the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal or call 1-800-972-2017.

• Iowa HHS Benefits Portal

The network of food banks serving all 99 counties; find a free pantry or mobile food distribution near you.

Healthy food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant women, new parents, and kids under 5.

Free or very low-cost health coverage for low-income Iowans; apply at the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal.

• Iowa HHS Benefits Portal

Iowa's CHIP: low-cost health and dental coverage for kids whose families earn too much for Medicaid.

Iowa uses the federal marketplace; most people qualify for discounts on private coverage.

A network of 30+ clinics across the state providing medical care at no charge to people without insurance.

Iowa's own 24/7 line for mental health, suicide, gambling, and drug or alcohol concerns: call 1-855-581-8111 or text 1-855-895-8398; they'll also connect you to local crisis services.

Peer support from people who've been there, when you need to talk but it's not an emergency: 1-844-775-9276.

Iowa's public behavioral health system; can connect uninsured Iowans to mental health and substance use treatment in their region.

Pays childcare costs for low-income parents who work or go to school; apply at the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal.

• Iowa HHS Benefits Portal

Free statewide help finding openings and choosing quality childcare.

Free preschool, meals, and family support for low-income children under 5.

Free job centers across the state with career coaching, training funds, and hiring events.

File for weekly unemployment payments online through Iowa Workforce Development.

Free civil legal help statewide — evictions, benefits, debt, domestic violence — plus Iowa's main legal self-help website: 1-800-532-1275.

Matches low-income Iowans with volunteer attorneys for free help in civil cases.

Statewide immigration legal services and know-your-rights support led by immigrant communities: 515-255-9809.