Iowa offers numerous grant programs to help those in need, including felons. The programs have been designed to help people during difficult financial times. They usually provide short term relief, while some of them will provide people with help for a couple of years. The grants for felons in Iowa are often federally funded programs, but there are some that are available on a state and county basis.
Felons who need financial assistance should apply for those programs that they feel they qualify for. The programs available in Iowa include those that will help people pay for their rent, utilities, food, and more. Each grant program varies in how long they provide the assistance for and how you have to apply, so be sure to review the information carefully.
Grants for Felons in Iowa
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly referred to as food stamps, this program provides those in need with help obtaining food. The program is open to those who have a low income and are citizens or legal aliens. Those who are approved will receive a debit card where the funds are electronically added each month. The card can then be used at the grocery store to pay for food, as well as at some farmers markets. To apply for SNAP grants in Iowa, click here.
Family Investment Program (FIP) – In Iowa, the federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is called the Family Investment Program (FIP). The program helps those who need assistance by providing cash grants that can be used to pay for living expenses. The grants can be used to pay for rent, food, transportation, clothing, or to pay bills. To qualify for this program, you have to have a minor child you are caring for, have a low income, as well as be a citizen or legal alien. Those who are approved for the program may only receive it for a maximum of 60 months. To apply, click here.
Childcare Assistance – The state of Iowa helps low income families by giving grants to pay for childcare. The grant is also available for those who are in the process of looking for a job. Qualifications include having a low income. To apply for childcare payment assistance in Iowa, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is federally funded and aims to help people with a low income pay for their heating and cooling bills. Felons can get help paying for their utility bills through LIHEAP if they have a low income. The program is open to both homeowners and renters. They take applications for this program every year from November 1 through April 30. Those who are over the age of 60 can begin applying on October 1. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The HUD programs are paid for through the federal government. The purpose of the programs is to make sure that everyone can afford housing. HUD programs include helping people to pay for rent, avoid foreclosure, and locate affordable housing. They also provide weatherization services for those who would like to save on their utility bills. To qualify for HUD programs you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To learn more or apply, click here.
Medicaid – Felons who need help paying for medical bills may qualify for the federally funded program called Medicaid. Those who are approved for the program will be able to obtain many healthcare services for free, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and dental care. To qualify for the program, you have to show that you have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for Medicaid in Iowa, click here.
Lifeline – Having a phone is considered to be essential today, yet some may have difficulty paying for one. The Lifeline program is federally funded, and helps those with a low income to have a phone. In order to qualify for the Lifeline phone, you will have to show three months of having a low income. The bill credit that you will receive if you are approved is $9.25 per month. To learn more or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – The Catholic Charities locations throughout Iowa will help felons who need assistance. The programs vary by location, but they will help with providing food, clothing, and transportation vouchers. To get more information, click here.
In addition to the grants for felons in Iowa listed above, be sure to check with your local churches. Most local churches offer assistance programs. Some will provide food, clothing, job training programs, travel vouchers, and more. Plus, they do not usually have strict qualifications that have to be met. The programs are typically open to everyone who demonstrates a financial need.
