Help With Phone Equipment for Iowans with a Hearing Disability

If you are an Iowan and have a hearing disability, you can get help with a special phone or other equipment to make it easier to talk or communicate by phone. This program is called "Telecommunications Access Iowa."

It pays 95% of the cost of amplified phones, special ringers, Text Telephones (TTYs) and other special telephone devices. To get help under this program, you must:

• Be an Iowan;
• Have telephone service;
• Be over five (5) years old;
• Need the equipment;
• Have less than the following annual household income:
  • 1 person - $66,000
  • 2 persons - $76,000
  • Add $10,000 for each additional person.

If you think you qualify, you should contact "Telecommunication Access Iowa:" 

• By Voice: Toll-free at (800) 606-5099
  or local in Des Moines at (515) 282-5099 or
• By Videophone at: (515) 207-0776
• By FAX at: 515-237-3917
• Apply online at teleiowa.com

If you qualify, Telecommunication Access Iowa will send you a special voucher that will cover on average 95% of the cost of the equipment you need. Once you receive your voucher, you can contact a number of different Iowa or mail order dealers to order your equipment. A list of vendors can be found at https://teleiowa.com/how-it-works/ Dealers can also help you choose the best phone or other equipment to meet your needs.

For more information, see the Telecommunication Access Iowa website at https://teleiowa.com

Iowa Legal Aid provides help to low-income Iowans. 

To apply for help from Iowa Legal Aid:

• Call 800-532-1275. 
• Iowans age 60 and over, call 800-992-8161.
• Apply online at iowalegalaid.org

If Iowa Legal Aid cannot help, look for an attorney on “Find A Lawyer.”   A private attorney there can talk with you for a fee of $25 for 30 minutes of legal advice.

*As you read this information, remember this article is not a substitute for legal advice.