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1. How long can I receive assistance?

You must fall within two categories, “ongoing” or “needy”,  to receive assistance and that will determine how long you can receive assistance.

• Ongoing: This category is for individuals who are unable to work because of a disability that can be verified by a medical provider, and are going through the process of applying for Social Security (SSI/ SSDI) and who sign an IAR (see “what is an IAR?” in the FAQs below for more information). If you qualify for this type of assistance, you can receive assistance every month until a determination has been made on your case at which point you are no longer eligible for services. 
• Needy: This category of assistance is for individuals who are in need of temporary assistance and earn less than 30% of the Area Median Income. If you qualify for this type of assistance, you may receive assistance 1 month in a 12 month period.

2. What is an IAR?

IAR stands for Interim Assistance Reimbursement. According to the Social Security Administration, interim assistance reimbursement is a payment SSA makes to reimburse an entity that has provided interim assistance (IA) in cash or through vendor payments to an individual for meeting basic needs. 

Linn County General Assistance requires households to sign an IAR if they are requesting assistance on an ongoing basis.

3. What is United Way 211?

United Way 211 is a free confidential information and referral service, ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. United Way 211 helps connect individual and families to community resources and the services they need, such as utility or rent assistance, food and clothing, counseling, and much more. Just dial 211 or toll free 866-469-2211. From a cell phone or pay phone, please dial 319-739-4211.

4. What is considered earned or unearned income?

If you sold goods or provided labor etc., the money you made is earned income. If you have other sources of income such as child support, FIP benefits, social security benefits, or cash from friends or family etc. that money is unearned income.

5. Students cannot receive assistance. Why is that the case?

The Linn County General Assistance program is assistance of last resort, meaning that we provide assistance when all other avenues of funding have been exhausted. Students enrolled in a technical school, college, university, or other higher education have other resources available to them for assistance often made available through their school’s Office of Financial Aid.

6. How do I enroll for veteran affair medical benefits?

Contact Linn County Veterans Affairs Office at 319-892-5160 for help applying for veteran affairs medical benefits.