Hello, Iowa neighbors! Looking to make your grocery budget go further? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help Iowa families access nutritious food. We've put together this helpful guide to help you understand if you're eligible, what benefits you might receive, and how the Forage app can make finding the best deals - and saving money - a breeze!

SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Iowa

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Iowa, you will need to meet the following criteria:

1. Residency and Citizenship

• Be an Iowa resident;
• Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status; AND
• Provide a Social Security number for everyone in your household applying for benefits

2. Income Guidelines

Iowa uses both gross income (total income before deductions) and net income (income after deductions) to determine eligibility. Most households will need to meet both limits.

Monthly Income Limits for Iowa SNAP (May 2025)

Note: Households with an elderly person (60+) or a person with disabilities may only need to meet the net income limit.

3. Resource Limits

In Iowa, most households must also meet resource limits:

• $2,750 in countable resources (like cash or money in bank accounts); OR
• $4,250 in countable resources, if at least one household member is age 60+ or disabled

Resources that DON'T count under the limit include:

• Your home and surrounding lot;
• Most retirement and pension plans;
• Personal property (furniture, appliances); AND/OR
• One vehicle per adult household member

4. Work Requirements

If you're between 18-49 years old, able-bodied, and without dependents/children, you may need to meet work requirements to receive SNAP for more than 3 months over a 36-month period. These requirements include:

• Working at least 20 hours per week;
• Participating in a work program at least 20 hours per week; AND/OR
• Participating in a SNAP Employment and Training Program

Exemptions to work requirements include:

• Caring for a child under 6 or an incapacitated person;
• Being physically or mentally unable to work;
• Pregnancy;
• Receiving unemployment benefits; AND/OR
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program

How Much Assistance Could You Receive?

SNAP benefits in Iowa vary based on your household size, income, and expenses. The maximum monthly allotment for a household of four in Iowa is currently $973.

On average, eligible Iowans should expect to receive approximately $182 per month, which can help supplement your grocery budget.

Special Considerations for Iowa Residents

Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

If you're 60+ or have a disability, you may:

• Have fewer work requirements;
• Have higher resource limits;
• Deduct medical expenses over $35 from your income; AND
• Qualify for the Iowa Elderly Food Program for simplified applications

College Students

Iowa college students may qualify for SNAP if you:

• Work at least 20 hours per week;
• Participate in federal work-study;
• Care for a dependent child;
• Receive TANF benefits; AND/OR
• Are enrolled in certain career training programs

Not Sure If You Qualify? Use These Helpful Tools

1. Iowa DHS Benefits Estimator: Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services website to use their friendly benefits calculator.
2. mRelief Eligibility Screener: Text FOOD to 74544 to check your potential eligibility in just a few minutes.
3. Local Assistance: Connect with your county DHS office for personalized guidance from staff and community members. Find your local office using the Iowa DHS Office Locator.

How Forage Makes Life Easier for Iowa SNAP Recipients

If you are receiving SNAP, the Forage app is your friendly companion for managing your EBT benefits, unlocking the best offers, and saving money on your grocery purchases:

• Find EBT-friendly stores near you in Iowa
• Discover significant deals and discounts that make your benefits go further
• Earn rewards on eligible purchases

Ready to Apply for Iowa SNAP Benefits?

Check out our next article in this series: "How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Iowa: A Step-by-Step Guide" to learn exactly how to complete your application with confidence.

Download the Forage App (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) today to start managing your EBT benefits with ease and unlock exclusive savings across Iowa!