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STATEIowaFIP

Iowa Family Investment Program (FIP)

Iowa’s Family Investment Program (FIP) provides time-limited cash assistance to needy families as they work towards becoming self-sufficient.

Designed as temporary financial assistance, FIP provides monthly cash benefits to eligible families in Iowa, with a lifetime limit of 60 months. 1

Beside cash benefits, the FIP provides employment and training services for most participants through the PROMISE JOBS , a work and training program that will help you make a plan 2 to become self-sufficient through participation in work-ready activities. 3

FAQ

How do I qualify for welfare in Iowa?

To qualify for welfare in Iowa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal qualified alien.
  2. Be a resident of the state of Iowa.
  3. Be responsible for a child under age 18 or 19 and still in high school.
  4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
  5. Meet income and resource limits which vary by category.

What is the income limit for TANF in Iowa?

In Iowa, a family is considered “needy” when their net countable income, after taxes and other deductions , is less than $426 a month for a family of three.

The limit for countable resources is $2,000 per household.

Household SizeIncome Limit
1$183
2$361
3$426
4$495
5$548
6$610
7$670
8$731
The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much does FIP pay in Iowa?

In Iowa, Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $426 per month.

Household SizePayment
1$183
2$361
3$426
4$495
5$548
6$610
7$670
8$731
The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

How do I apply for FIP in Iowa?

You may get an application from any local DHS office  in the county where you live. Fill out the application and take or mail it to the local DHS office.

For expedited processing, you may also apply online through Iowa HHS Benefits Portal .

HHS Contact Center
(855) 889-7985

Footnotes

  1. If you need assistance for more than 60 months, you may request for “hardship exemption ” for an additional 6 months extension. ↩

  2. This plan is called a Family Investment Agreement  (FIA) which is essentially a signed agreement between you and the state of Iowa. ↩

  3. Financial assistance with transportation, housing and child care expenses is also available to FIP recipients while they participate in any PROMISE JOBS activities. ↩

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