Disaster Assistance

Need help? Call our toll-free line at: 1 (877) 937-3663

DHS has several programs to help recover from unexpected disaster events. They are:

  • Individual disaster assistance grant program. Latest counties and rules are below.
  • Iowa unmet needs disaster grant program (to help recover from natural disasters of 2008). See below.
  • Crisis counseling. Click here for more information.

Individual Disaster Assistance

This page provides information about applying for the state's disaster assistance grant program for people with low income. The grant program is automatically launched with a governor's declaration.

Applications for Iowa's Individual Assistance Grant Program are available:

By Governor Culver's Proclamation, beginning on February 4, 2010, residents of these counties:

  • Adair
  • Audubon
  • Calhoun
  • Carroll
  • Cass
  • Cherokee
  • Crawford
  • Guthrie
  • Monona
  • Montgomery
  • Sac
  • Shelby

are eligible for Iowa's disaster assistance program for families with limited income.

Application Deadline: March 21, 2010

Instructions for Completing the Disaster Assistance Application [ pdf]

Disaster Assistance Application [ pdf] - This form applies only to the severe weather event impacting the counties listed above in December, 2009 and January, 2010. Please refer to the instructions for details. The application must be filed by March 21, 2010.

List of County Emergency Coordinators [ pdf]

Online applications can be printed out at your local library if necessary.

For information on Crisis Counseling Outreach or more documents for help in dealing with a disaster event click here.
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