How to Apply for Food Stamps in Iowa

Iowa Food Stamp card

The U.S. government developed the food assistance program know as Food Stamps in the 1930s to alleviate hunger in families during the Great Depression. Today the concept is the same. Each state monitors a Food Stamp program and issues assistances to families below the poverty line. Applying for Food Stamps in Iowa is a fast and easy process. After providing the minimum required proof of income, a hungry family receives immediate acceptance into the program.

Things You'll Need

• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Lease agreements
• Proof of citizenship
• State identification

Instructions

1. Gather all income documents for the entire family. Every member of the household must document their monthly income. Provide pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and any other financial documents available. Place all income and financial information in one folder.

2. Go to the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1900 Carpenter Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. Bring ID to prove citizenship for each eligible family member and the financial folder. Arrive at the office early--it is first come first served.

3. Sit with counselor and fill out the application for Food Stamp assistance in Iowa. The form is short and easy to fill out; use all the financial material gathered earlier. Give the folder of income and financial information to the counselor. Provide a current mailing address to receive the food assistance card and future Department of Human Services paperwork.

4. Receive the Iowa Food Stamp assistance card in the mail. Call the 800 number provided to activate and create a PIN before using the card.

5. Fill out and return all periodic income questionnaires in a timely manner or you will be removed from the program. The Department of Human Services sends out an income evaluation questionnaire that each household returns to continue with the Food Stamp program.

Tips & Warnings

• Have all income and financial information ready for immediate Food Stamp assistance. A counselor can issue a food assistance card at the appointment to families in emergencies.

• Leave small children with a babysitter for the Human Services appointment. The wait will be long even if you arrive early. The counselor does not need to see the children or entire family as proof of need.

• Apply online if the need is not critical and immediate.

• Never lie or hide income or bank accounts from the Department of Human Services. Cheating on federal assistance programs is punishable by prison sentences and fines.

Resources

• Iowa Department of Human Services - Applying For Food Assistance Online
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)