SNAP and food help for older adults in Iowa

Who qualifies

Back to the page menu

SNAP in Iowa

SNAP puts money on an EBT card each month to buy food. Iowa HHS runs it.

Rules that help older adults

• No gross income test. If your household has a member who is 60 or older or disabled, you do not have to meet the gross (before deductions) income limit. You only have to meet the net income limit in the table above.
• Net income is what is left after allowed costs are taken off. That is why your costs matter.
• Medical costs: Medical costs over $35 a month for a member who is 60 or older or disabled can be taken off your income. High housing costs can also be taken off.
• SSI households: If everyone in your home gets SSI, the gross and net income limits do not apply.
• A little over the limit? Iowa HHS says some households over the income guidelines may still qualify if their income is within 160% of the poverty level. Apply and let HHS check.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, hhsservices.iowa.gov, or at hhs.iowa.gov/apply-services. You can also apply at any Iowa HHS office.
2. Send proof of income and your costs, such as rent, utilities and medical bills.
3. Get your EBT card if you are approved.

Questions or changes to your case: 877-347-5678 (Relay Iowa TTY 1-800-735-2942).

Keep your card safe

Iowa HHS and its card processor will never call or text you to ask for your PIN or card number. Do not use an easy PIN like 1234, and do not share it outside your household.

Appeals

If you disagree with a SNAP decision, you have 90 calendar days from the date of the decision to appeal. To keep your benefits during the appeal, appeal within 10 days of getting the notice. Appeal online at hhs.iowa.gov/programs/appeals, or by mail to HHS, Appeals Bureau, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319. You can also appeal in person or by phone.

Back to the page menu

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives you checks to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers markets. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship runs it with the Iowa Department on Aging.

Who qualifies

• You are 60 or older.
• Your household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

How to get checks

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging. It hands out the checks. LifeLong Links (866-468-7887) can help you find yours.
2. Apply each year. You can get checks only once a year.
3. Go early. Checks are given out June 1 through September 30, first come, first served.

The 2026 season has ended. Plan to contact your Area Agency on Aging soon after June 1, 2027.

Back to the page menu

Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP)

CSFP gives free food and nutrition education to people 60 and older in Polk, Dallas, Boone, Jasper, Story and Warren counties.

What you get

Foods can include bottled juice, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, cheese, peanut butter, beans, pasta, shelf-stable 1% milk and powdered milk.

How to apply

• You must be 60 or older (bring proof of age), meet the income guidelines, and live in one of the six counties.
• Apply in person, by phone or by mail with Polk County River Place Commodity Supplemental Foods, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310.
• Phone: (515) 286-3655 or 1-877-288-3655.

Back to the page menu

Things people miss

• Older adults skip the gross income test. Many people who think they earn too much still qualify for SNAP.
• Report medical costs. They lower your net income and can raise your benefit.
• Farmers market checks run out. Contact your Area Agency on Aging early in June.

Back to the page menu

Free help

• LifeLong Links (Aging and Disability Resource Center): 866-468-7887. It can connect you to senior meals and your Area Agency on Aging.
• Iowa HHS SNAP questions: 877-347-5678.
• Iowa HHS general line: (800) 972-2017.

For other programs, see all benefits in Iowa.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Iowa agencies

Check what you may qualify for