DHR Frequently Asked Questions?
Financial Assistance Questions
What services and programs are available to help me and my family in times of need?
What resources are available for refugees?
Where can I go for free/low cost health care?
I can't afford my prescriptions. Where can I go for help?
I can't afford hearing aids. Is there any financial assistance available?
I need an assistive device (flashing lights strobe fire alarm, door bell, etc.). Where do I go?
I can't afford equipment. Is there any financial assistance to help me buy one?
What financial aid resources are available for small business owners, students and non-profits?
Disability Questions
How do I apply for Social Security Disability?
Does Iowa have a short-term (temporary) disability benefits program?
What are the federal guidelines for physical and program accessibility?
How do I file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint?
I need an interpreter. Where do I find one?
What are my rights to an interpreter?
Discrimination Questions
I've been discriminated against. Where can I file a complaint?
I've been discriminated against or treated badly at work. I haven't been paid all the wages owed to me. Where can I go for help?
I'm pregnant. What are my rights?
Legal Questions
Where can I find an attorney?
I'm going through a divorce. Do you have any resources?
What services and programs are available to help me and my family in times of need?
Within the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Community Action Agencies have several programs to help:
- Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)
This federally-funded block grant is distributed to Iowa's community action agencies for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient. - Family Development & Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Program
FaDSS provides services, through 18 agencies, to Family Investment Program families facing multiple barriers to self-sufficiency and provides comprehensive in-home services through certified Family Development Specialists. - Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
This federally-funded block grant is designed to aid qualifying households in the payment of a portion of their residential heating costs for the winter heating season. - Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. - The Iowa Department of Human Services has several programs, including food assistance, cash assistance, child care assistance, medical assistance, well child and prenatal care and family planning.
For information and referral, call 2-1-1 or visit 211Iowa.org.
If you live in central Iowa, Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa has a directory of services.
What resources are available for refugees?
I need help with basic life skills. For example: How to take the bus; How to apply for a job; How to get a driver's license. If you are a refugee, the Iowa Department of Human Services and Lutheran Services in Iowa can provide assistance.
Find additional Iowa Immigrant and Refugee resources here.
Where can I go for free/low cost health care?
You can find a listing of free/low cost clinics at Free Clinics of Iowa.org and NeedyMeds.org.
I can't afford my prescriptions. Where can I go for help?
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help locate an appropriate program.
I can't afford hearing aids. Is there any financial assistance available?
Here is a list of funding sources for hearing aids.
I need an assistive device (flashing lights strobe fire alarm, door bell, etc.). Where do I go?
Here is a list of assistive technology resources.
I can't afford equipment. Is there any financial assistance to help me buy one?
Relay Iowa can provide information on telecommunication assistance.
Iowa Compass and the Hearing Loss Association also have information regarding financial assistance programs.
What financial aid resources are available for small business owners, students and non-profits?
- Small Business Resources: Iowa Department of Economic Development, Targeted Small Business
- Students
- Non-profits
How do I apply for Social Security Disability?
You can apply for Social Security Disability online, by phone or in person at a local Social Security office.
Does Iowa have a short-term (temporary) disability benefits program?
Iowa does not have government sponsored short-term disability, but some employers offer this as a benefit or the individual may be covered by the Family Medical Leave Act or Worker's Compensation.
What are the federal guidelines for physical and program accessibility?
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides standards for physical accessibility and program and services for State and Local Government and Private and Public entities.
How do I file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint?
To file an employment discrimination complaint contact Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
To file a complaint regarding public accommodation contact the US Dept of Justice.
I need an interpreter. Where do I find one?
You can find licensed sign language interpreters at Deaf Services Commission of Iowa and NeedyMeds.org
What are my rights to an interpreter?
The U.S. Government has a language access website. The National Association of the Deaf and the Job Accommodation Network can also address this issue.
I've been discriminated against. Where can I file a complaint?
You may report discrimination or file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
If a government agency was involved, you may contact the Citizen's Aide/Ombudsman Office.
I've been discriminated against or treated badly at work. I haven't been paid all the wages owed to me. Where can I go for help?
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has information on workplace rights. You may also report discrimination or file a complaint.
The Iowa Division of Labor Services is responsible for programs designed to protect the safety, health and economic security of all Iowans.
If you have questions about your paycheck, wages, tips, work hours, overtime, breaks, vacation pay, or the Family Medical Leave Act, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
If you believe your employer or union has committed an unfair labor practice, contact the National Labor Relations Board.
I'm pregnant. What are my rights?
Iowa law prohibits discrimination in employment due to pregnancy.
Where can I find an attorney?
If you need an attorney for a civil matter, but are unable to afford one, contact Iowa Legal Aid.
American Friends Service Committee has a list of immigration lawyers. In Central Iowa, the HOLA Center and Justice for Our Neighbors have free legal clinics.
The Iowa State Bar Association can provide names of lawyers in your area.
I'm going through a divorce. Do you have any resources?
You can find information at Divorce: Things to Consider.