How to apply for Iowa Rent Reimbursement for renters 65 and older or with a disability

Who it's for

Iowa Rent Reimbursement pays back part of the rent paid by low-income renters who are 65 or older or adults with a disability. For claim year 2025, total yearly household income must be less than $26,895 (for claim year 2024, less than $26,219). Claims for 2025 and 2024 can be filed online starting January 2, 2026. You may need proof of identity, disability, income, and rent paid. Decisions can take up to 90 days, and approved payments arrive within about 30 days by direct deposit or paper check. People 60 and older can get help applying from their local Area Agency on Aging, and some community action agencies also help. For questions, call the Iowa HHS Rent Reimbursement Unit at 515-420-6077.

What you'll need

• Proof of identity (driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of disability, if you are under 65 (for example, a Social Security or VA letter)
• Proof of income for everyone in the household (benefit statements, pay stubs, pension or IRA papers)
• Proof of rent paid (signed lease, landlord letter, rent receipts, cashed checks, or HUD/Section 8 statements)
• Your landlord's name, address, and phone number

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Rent Reimbursement for renters 65 and older or with a disability. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of identity (driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate or passport), proof of disability, if you are under 65 (for example, a Social Security or VA letter), proof of income for everyone in the household (benefit statements, pay stubs, pension or IRA papers) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that this program fits your situation. It is for Iowa renters who are 65 or older or adults with a disability, and income limits change each claim year.
2. Gather proof of identity. You can use a driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport.
3. Gather proof of disability if you are under 65. For example, use a Social Security or VA letter.
4. Gather proof of income for everyone in your household. This can include benefit statements, pay stubs, and pension or IRA papers.
5. Gather proof of rent paid and your landlord's contact information. You may need a signed lease, landlord letter, rent receipts, cashed checks, or HUD or Section 8 statements, plus your landlord's name, address, and phone number.
6. Apply online or call 1-515-420-6077 to apply by phone. Claims for 2025 and 2024 can be filed online starting January 2, 2026.
7. Ask for help if needed. If you are age 60 or older, your local Area Agency on Aging may help with the application, and some community action agencies also help.

What to expect: After you apply, Iowa HHS decides the claim. Decisions can take up to 90 days. If approved, payment usually arrives within about 30 days by direct deposit or paper check. The payment is based on the part of your rent that counts as property tax, and it gets smaller as income rises. File one claim each rent year because renewal is annual.

Renewals

annual (one claim per rent year)