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  Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 67 resources
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Disability Help
   Appealing decisions by the Iowa Department of Human Services (Separate Website)
If your application for Medicaid or other help through the Iowa Department of Human Services is denied or services reduced you can file an appeal. The Appeals Section provides an efficient way of ensuring that persons affected by the Department of Human Services' decisions have access to due process of the law. There is no fee or charge for filing an appeal.
By: Iowa Department of Human Services

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   I Won My Social Security Disability Case - Now What?
Anyone who has gone through the Social Security disability process knows how hard it is to win disability and SSI benefits. Finally getting the benefits is a big relief. But there is more to your benefits than a monthly check.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Legal Rights of Persons With Disabilities
People with disabilities, including those who use assistive technology, have many rights. Here is just a summary of some areas with special protections of which you should be aware.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
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Energy Assistance
   Appealing decisions by the Iowa Department of Human Services (Separate Website)
If your application for Medicaid or other help through the Iowa Department of Human Services is denied or services reduced you can file an appeal. The Appeals Section provides an efficient way of ensuring that persons affected by the Department of Human Services' decisions have access to due process of the law. There is no fee or charge for filing an appeal.
By: Iowa Department of Human Services

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Utility Shut Offs As The Winter Moratorium Ends
Many people fell behind on their utility bills during the winter. This means many utility customers will be getting notices. The notices will say their utility service could be shut off after April 1, 2003 if they do not pay their back bills. This resource looksat the options a customer has after the winter moratorium ends.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
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Family Investment Program
   60 Month Lifetime Limit on FIP Benefits
Unless a person is exempt from the limit due to a hardship, there is a 60-month (five year) lifetime limit on FIP benefits.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Appealing decisions by the Iowa Department of Human Services (Separate Website)
If your application for Medicaid or other help through the Iowa Department of Human Services is denied or services reduced you can file an appeal. The Appeals Section provides an efficient way of ensuring that persons affected by the Department of Human Services' decisions have access to due process of the law. There is no fee or charge for filing an appeal.
By: Iowa Department of Human Services

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   DHS Programs for People Who No Longer Get FIP
The Department of Human Services offers Medicaid and Child Care Assistance programs to help those who no longer get FIP benefits due to increased earnings or child support. The main programs are Transitional Child Care (TCC) and Transitional Medicaid.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   FIP Benefits Update: Ban on Receiving Benefits After 60 Months Starts January 1, 2002
In 1996, Congress made major changes in welfare programs. These changes were a part of welfare reform and Congress changed the nature of welfare. States had to limit the number of months adults may get TANF benefits. In Iowa, TANF benefits are called FIP (Family Investment Program) or welfare benefits. Medicaid (Title XIX), food stamps, general assistance, SSI, and energy assistance are not among welfare benefits subject to the 60-month limit.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Internet Safety (Separate Website)
There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the computer or Internet.
By: Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
 
    Read this in: Bosnian / Bosanski , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Questions and Answers About Limited Benefit Plans
If you are receiving cash benefits from the Family Investment Program (FIP), there are certain conditions you must meet. If you do not, you may be at risk of having your benefits stopped, which is called a ?Limited Benefit Plan? or LBP.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Appealing decisions by the Iowa Department of Human Services (Separate Website)
If your application for Medicaid or other help through the Iowa Department of Human Services is denied or services reduced you can file an appeal. The Appeals Section provides an efficient way of ensuring that persons affected by the Department of Human Services' decisions have access to due process of the law. There is no fee or charge for filing an appeal.
By: Iowa Department of Human Services

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   DHS Programs for People Who No Longer Get FIP
The Department of Human Services offers Medicaid and Child Care Assistance programs to help those who no longer get FIP benefits due to increased earnings or child support. The main programs are Transitional Child Care (TCC) and Transitional Medicaid.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   FIP Benefits Update: Ban on Receiving Benefits After 60 Months Starts January 1, 2002
In 1996, Congress made major changes in welfare programs. These changes were a part of welfare reform and Congress changed the nature of welfare. States had to limit the number of months adults may get TANF benefits. In Iowa, TANF benefits are called FIP (Family Investment Program) or welfare benefits. Medicaid (Title XIX), food stamps, general assistance, SSI, and energy assistance are not among welfare benefits subject to the 60-month limit.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Internet Safety (Separate Website)
There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do on the computer or Internet.
By: Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
 
    Read this in: Bosnian / Bosanski , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Medicaid Payment for Nursing Home Care
Many people rely on Medicaid, also known as Title 19, to pay for their nursing home care. People may generally receive Medicaid payment for their nursing home care if their income is $1,809 or less per month and their nonexempt resources are $2,000 or less.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
 
  
   
   Medicaid Rules, Birth Certificates and Proof of Citizenship and Identity
All people who apply for Medicaid, or a re-certified, must provide proof of citizenship and identity. Here are details on how to get a copy of your birth certificate in Iowa.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   One Car, Any Value
Iowans will be able to have one dependable car and still get welfare benefits and food assistance. Welfare (FIP) and food assistance (food stamps) limit the amount of resources a family can have and still be eligible.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Unemployment Insurance: Contested Cases and the Appeal Process This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Just as workers have the right to file claims for unemployment insurance, employers have the right to protest those claims they consider invalid. When such a protest is made, it sets the adjudication process in motion.
By: Iowa Workforce Development
  
   
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Food Assistance and Other Food Programs
   A Guide to Food Pantries in Iowa This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
A list of food pantries in Iowa by county with details on services provided, and information on major food programs for low-income people and seniors. (Requires Acrobat Reader to view)
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   DHS Food Assistance Information (formerly called food stamps) (Separate Website)
Information about food assistance programs and a link to an online application.
By: Iowa Department of Human Services
  
   
   Food Assistance: Mealtimes Don't Have to Be Tough Times
The goal of the Food Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), is to help you put more food on your table. The program is designed for you and your family to eat better during the hard times. Food Assistance is for the times you don?t have a lot of money to spend. Here are some basic facts on Food Assistance in Iowa. Please read it carefully to see if you can get food assistance. Know what to bring with you when you apply.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
  
   
   Food Bank of Iowa (Separate Website)
The Food Bank of Iowa is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to our mission of alleviating hunger through food distribution, partnership and education.
By: Food Bank of Iowa
  
   
   Food Stamps and Immigrants
The Food Stamp Program helps people with a low income buy food in stores, at farmers' markets, and in other places. Many, but not all, immigrants can get food stamps.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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Medical Assistance
   Are Your Legal Affairs in Order?
Putting your legal affairs in order is important for a number of reasons. Some of the more important issues that Iowans, and especially older Iowans, should consider involve powers of attorney, living wills, and estate and Medicaid planning.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
 
    Read this in: Bosnian / Bosanski
  
   
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