Iowa Department of Human Services
The department's mission is to help Iowans achieve healthy, safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives through the programs and services they provide
- Agency
- Iowa Department of Human Services
- Type
- State Resource
- Phone
- 800-972-2017
- Application Period
- Income Limit
The department's mission is to help Iowans achieve healthy, safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives through the programs and services they provide.
The department’s mission is to help Iowans achieve healthy, safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives through the programs and services they provide.
Images & PDFs
Chart 7: Gender and Age of Children Entering Foster Care by Federal Fiscal Year 2009 to 2013
A chart detailing the gender and age demographics of children entering foster care from 2009 to 2013, organized by federal fiscal year.
View Full ImageIowa Child and Family Service Plan
The Iowa Child and Family Service Plan outlines strategies and goals for assisting families and children in need in Iowa for the fiscal years 2015-2019. It includes initiatives for supporting low-income families.
View Full ImageIowa Department of Human Services: African American Disparity Ratio for Foster Care Entry
A chart depicting the disparity ratio of African American children entering foster care across different counties in Iowa over recent years.
View Full ImageIowa Wellness Plan Quarterly Report
A quarterly report detailing the Iowa Wellness Plan and its 1115 Demonstration Waiver from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014, aimed at providing Medicaid benefits in Iowa.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Economic Necessity and Public Assistance in Iowa
8/10/2023 | Coverage: state
This report discusses the rising costs of living in Iowa and the corresponding increase in demand for public assistance programs.
Source: Iowa Policy Project
Coverage Area: state
Iowa DHS Programs: Impact on Participants and Communities
5/15/2022 | Coverage: state
This report evaluates the various programs administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, focusing on their benefits to individuals and communities.
Source: Iowa Department of Human Services
Coverage Area: state
Reducing Stigma: The Role of Social Programs in Community Health
11/22/2021 | Coverage: national
This national report examines the impact of social programs on public perceptions and community health.
Source: National Human Services Coalition
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
3/23/2010Health care reform aimed at expanding access to health insurance and reducing costs.
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
8/22/1996Reformed welfare, replacing Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
10/1/1974Legislation aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, establishing federal funding for states.
Medicare and Medicaid Act
7/30/1965Introduced Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for low-income individuals, transforming health care access across the nation.
Social Security Act
8/14/1935Enacted to provide a safety net for the elderly and unemployed, establishing a federal-state partnership in social welfare.
FAQ
To apply for food assistance, you can complete an application online through the Iowa DHS website, visit your local DHS office, or request a paper application to fill out and return by mail. You will need to provide information about your household income, expenses, and other relevant details.
To apply for food assistance, ensure you have the following items ready:
- Identification (ID) for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits statements)
- Details of expenses (rent, utilities)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Completed application form
Having these documents ready will streamline your application process.
Here are some action items to follow for a successful application:
- Visit the Iowa DHS website to complete the application online.
- Gather all necessary documentation mentioned in the checklist.
- Submit your application by the deadline to ensure timely processing.
- Check your application status through the DHS portal.
Following these steps will help ensure your application is processed smoothly.
Reference: https://dhs.iowa.gov/food-assistance
Eligibility for food assistance is based on federal and state guidelines and may vary by household.
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a variety of services aimed at improving the well-being of Iowans. These services include child welfare, mental health services, assistance for individuals with disabilities, substance abuse treatment, and public assistance programs like food assistance and family investment programs.
Reference: https://dhs.iowa.gov/services
If you suspect child abuse, it is critical to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. In Iowa, you can contact the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178, where trained professionals are available to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
Reference: https://dhs.iowa.gov/child-abuse
Reports of child abuse are confidential and can be made anonymously.
