Delaware County General Assistance provides emergency payment vouchers to needy and poor people in need of immediate assistance or people who cannot obtain assistance from any other source.

What is General Assistance

Delaware County General Assistance shall be provided to residents of this county as mandated by the Code of Iowa, Section 252.25. The purpose and policy of such provisions of relief where appropriate, is to direct the applicant in removing barriers to self-sufficiency and economic self-support to prevent, reduce, or eliminate dependency.

Who Qualifies for General Assistance

Delaware County General Assistance provides emergency payments to needy and poor people in need of immediate assistance or people who cannot obtain assistance from any other source. Assistance may be provided to an individual that has income or benefits delayed from a state/federal program or not actually received because of reasons not attributable to the person, and who does not have liquid assets of the family unit to pay for the items of assistance that can be provided.

To qualify a person must:

Be a resident of Delaware County for at least one year
Be at least 18 years of age
Meet current income and resource guidelines

Types of Assistance Available

There are three kinds of assistance in Delaware County:
Emergency assistance for needy persons,
Assistance for poor persons,
Assistance for an extended nature.

How to Apply

The Delaware County General Assistance Director does accept walk-ins, however making an appointment ensures staff availability and makes the processing of applications faster.  When you come bring financial information such as documentation of income, photo ID, Social Security Card, bills that have been paid, and any outside income beyond a job.

PLEASE BE ADVISED… Funding may not always be available due to County budget constraints.