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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in Iowa and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Iowa

Iowa programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

    Child Care Assistance

    CCA helps eligible families pay for child care while a parent works, studies, or takes part in approved training.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

    Iowa Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center Network

    Area agencies and resource centers connect older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers with local services.

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

    Disability Services System

    The Disability Services System connects people with disability-related needs to local services and support.

  • Iowa Workforce Development

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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