Food assistance in Iowa is provided through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program, also known as Food Stamps, provides necessary aid to low income families in Iowa to ensure that every resident of Iowa gets basic food for healthy living.

The program provides fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food to the deserving households. However, households will have to qualify to receive the benefits before they can start enjoying the benefits. Those looking to receive benefits will have to meet income eligibility criteria in addition to being Iowa residents. For children born in the US but their parents were not citizens, SNAP has opened its gates. If such children meet other requirements, they can receive Food Stamps despite having non-U.S parents. All SANP recipients will have to enroll for work, except for those who are excepted by the Federal government for age or disability.

Food Stamps (SNAP) also provides nutritional education to enrolled individuals and households. The nutritional education program, called SNAP-Ed, focuses on educated individuals so that they know about the nutritional value of food and maintain nutrition-level in their meals by making healthy food choices.

SNAP (Food Stamps) provides food assistance through EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The card is delivered through mail and can be used only after it's activated through phone. The owner has the responsibility to keep the card safe and report theft to DHS. EBT card can be used in number of stores across the state to buy food through SNAP benefits loaded in the card every month.

Qualified residents of Iowa can apply for SNAP through the internet. The online application hardly takes 30 minutes. Residents can also apply for Food Stamps by visiting their nearest DHS office or by sending a completed application to DHS through mail.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits in Iowa, the following eligibility criteria has to be met.

• U.S citizen or a qualified alien
• Resident of state of Iowa
• Child born in U.S with non-U.S parents
• Meet all the income guidelines

Income Eligibility

Household Size	Max Gross Monthly Income	Max Net Monthly Income
1	$1,473	$1,133
2	$1,984	$1,526
3	$2,495	$1,920
4	$3,007	$2,313
5	$3,518	$2,706
6	$4,029	$3,100
7	$4,541	$3,493
8	$5,052	$3,886

Food Stamps Application Instructions

To apply for Iowa SNAP (Food Stamps), you have the following choices:

Apply Online

It's easy to apply online for Iowa Food Stamps. In order to apply, you first need to create an account on Iowa's HHS Services portal.

You will be able to fill the application form online from the link. Once you've completed the form, just hit submit and wait for reply from Department of Human Services (DHS).

Apply Via Mail

To apply for SNAP through email, you will have to download application for Food Stamps. After you download the application, fill it and send it to DHS office. Here are download links for the application:

Click here to download the English Application.

Apply in Person

You can also apply in person for Iowa Food Stamps (SNAP). In order to do so, you will have visit the Iowa DHS office, located at 1305 E. Walnut St. Hoover/ACFS/5th Floor Des Moines, Iowa. You can find a DHS office near you by clicking here.

You will be required to bring necessary documents, including ID and financial documents, at the office. Try coming in early so that you can get served first. The DHS office treats on first come first serve basis.

After you have been enrolled, you will receive your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card in your mail. Make sure that you've provided correct mailing address. After you receive the card, you will have to call number provided with the card to activate card and create a password for using the card.