While Iowa tends to have a lower cost of living than most other states, there are still many people who struggle financially. This is due in part to the lower wages that many people are making in the state. When you combine the lower wages with the costs of goods and services going up due to inflation, it’s a recipe for people to struggle financially. The good news is that there are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Iowa.
The bills that will help people pay their bills in Iowa usually require that you have a low income and that you are a citizen or legal non-citizen. The programs are funded through federal and state government agencies, and they aim to help ensure that people are not homeless, and that they have their basic needs met. Some of them have limits on how long you can receive the assistance, while others will provide it long term as long as you continue to meet the qualifications.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
Without paying the bills each month, people are at risk for not having their basic needs met. The programs below will help with this situation and you do not ever have to pay the money back. There is no limit on how many you can apply for or get help from at one time, so apply for all of those you feel qualified for and need help from. Additionally, reach out to your local churches to see if they have helpful programs in place.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that provides housing assistance around the country. Those who need help with paying their rent, locating affordable housing in their area, and paying for housing repairs may be able to get help from HUD. The program requires that you have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. HUD also has public housing options, which will give people an affordable place to live. Their voucher program will help ensure your rent is getting paid. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through HUD. To get more information about the program, click here.
Family Investment Program (FIP) – This is the state of Iowa’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It will provide money assistance to those who qualify, which can be used for paying a wide range of living expenses and bills. There is a limit of 60 months for how long you can get money assistance through FIP. However, there are hardship exemptions that may allow you to extend it. They also offer one time payments. The program is only open to families, or those who have children. The monthly payment amount is based off of the size of your family and the income that you have coming in. To get more information and apply for FIP in Iowa, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly known as food stamps, this program will help ease the burden of purchasing food each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive money assistance to buy food at the store. It is a federally funded program that will ensure that the basic need of obtaining food is being met. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents there are in your family. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP benefits. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. They will also help with emergency food assistance. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – Those who need help paying for medical expenses and have a low income may qualify for help through Medicaid. This program is provided through the federal government and will help people in paying to see the doctor, get prescription drugs, go to the hospital, etc. It pays for most medical expenses for those who have a low income. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance from the Medicaid program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program, which is funded by the federal government, will provide money assistance for paying bills related to energy. If you need help paying for your heating or cooling bill, then you may be able to get it through this program. Those who are approved will have the funds sent directly to the energy provider on their behalf. You will need to re-apply for this program a couple of times per year, if you need the help more than once. To qualify, you have to be the person responsible for paying the bill and have a low income. To get more information and apply for assistance through LIHEAP, click here.
211 – This free referral program is provided by the organization called United Way. You can call the number and let them know what type of money assistance you need. They will find you local programs to help with your situation. To get more information about the service, click here.
Federal Lifeline Program – This program is offered through the federal government and will help people pay for their phone bill each month. Those who are qualified for the program will get a monthly discount on their phone bill. They will also help cover the costs of connection charges. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization will help people with a variety of issues, including by providing food, shelter, clothing, etc. They will help with some small bill payment as well, depending on the location. You can contact the location near you to see if they will help with money assistance for paying bills. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
