Community Services One-Time Needy Assistance Program

Please fill out our pre-screen form to start the application process.  

Pre-Screen Form

Stipulations for ALL Pottawattamie County General Assistance Programs. All other community agencies have been accessed for assistance — General Assistance programs are to be the last resort.

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Applicant is only eligible for assistance once (1) within a Fiscal Year with the amount of assistance not to exceed $500.00.

Requirements of the One-Time Needy Assistance Program

1. Household income must be at or below the 100% Federal Poverty guideline. 
2. All Family members 18 years or older and who are not needed in the home to care for pre-school age children or a disabled person must be registered with Iowa Workforce Development. 
3.  Have a plan in place to ensure future bills will be paid by the applicant or another source. 
4.  If the need exceeds $400.00 then the applicant will need to provide verification that the remaining amount will be covered by another source or letter from the landlord stating that there is a payment plan arrangement on the amount owed over $500.00. 
5.  Pay stub from the last 30 days from everyone in the household. 
6.  If need is due to atypical expenses or situation (illness, accident, robbery) then proof will be required, i.e. doctor's note, police report. Need-based on 'budgeting issues' is not approved or used funds for non-basic needs is not approved. General Assistance does not provide funding in situations when the applicant is not using income to cover their basic needs. 
7.  If providing utility assistance, the following options include:
   • Providing only current usage assistance then the past due amount needs to be paid by applicant or another source. 
   • If providing assistance for the total bill — a maximum of $500.00 — prior to approval, they must complete community volunteer hours. The number of hours is determined by the amount of assistance requested. Example: If the bill is $300 then the person has to complete 30 hours of community volunteer work. If the bill is over $400 then verification that any remaining portion has paid or put into payment plan with utility company. 

Please fill out our pre-screen form for more information about the One-Time Needy Assistance Program.

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