Iowa Family Investment Program (FIP Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
The Family Investment Program, FIP, is Iowa's version of TANF. It gives temporary monthly cash to low-income families with children. It serves one-parent and two-parent families and relatives caring for children. Your payment depends on your family size and income. Apply online through the HHS Services Portal at hhsservices.iowa.gov or at your local Iowa HHS office.
The cash amount follows a set schedule. Iowa calls it the Schedule of Basic Needs. It pays $183 a month for a family of one, $361 for two, $426 for three, $495 for four, $548 for five, and up from there. Each extra person adds $87. A family of three receiving $426 a month is the common example.
The clock matters, so plan for it. There is a 60-month lifetime limit on FIP. That is five years total. Months of cash you received in other states count toward that limit. Treat each month as scarce, because you cannot get it back.
FIP comes with a work rule. To get a FIP payment, you must take part in PROMISE JOBS. That is Iowa's work and training side of the program. You meet with a PROMISE JOBS worker to write a plan. The plan is called the Family Investment Agreement, or FIA. It maps your path toward a job.
Getting your money is simple once you are approved. Payments come on an electronic access card, which works like a debit card. You can also choose direct deposit to your own checking or savings account, or a mailed check.
Because the cash is modest and the clock is short, stack other help. You can apply for SNAP and Iowa Medicaid on the same portal. WIC helps if you have young children. Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency funds. The general Iowa HHS help line is 877-347-5678.
Phone 1-800-972-2017
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Needy families with children who are Iowa residents; you must cooperate with child support enforcement
- Most adults take part in PROMISE JOBS, and a 60-month lifetime limit applies to how long a family can receive FIP
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at the HHS Services Portal (hhsservices.iowa.gov) or at your local Iowa HHS office.
- 2
Meet with a PROMISE JOBS worker to write your Family Investment Agreement.
- 3
Take part in PROMISE JOBS activities to keep your payment.
- 4
Choose how to get paid: electronic access card, direct deposit, or mailed check.
- 5
Apply for SNAP and Iowa Medicaid at the same time on the same portal.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and Iowa residency
- Proof that you have a child in your care. Your local HHS office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does FIP pay?
It follows the Schedule of Basic Needs: $183 a month for a family of one, $361 for two, $426 for three, $495 for four, and up from there, plus $87 for each additional person.
How long can I get FIP?
There is a 60-month lifetime limit, which is five years total. Months of cash from other states count toward it.
Do I have to work?
Yes. To get a FIP payment you must take part in PROMISE JOBS and write a Family Investment Agreement with a worker.
How do I get paid?
By electronic access card, by direct deposit to your bank account, or by a mailed check.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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