Even in the darkest, most uncertain times, I’m constantly inspired by the strength of Iowans and their love of our communities. I’ve been so hopeful seeing neighbors checking on each other, volunteering to get groceries and run errands for those in need, sewing masks for frontline healthcare workers, buying gift cards for local businesses, and so many other generous actions.
We’re all in this together.
Here are some resources for you and your family:
For the general public with questions about COVID-19: You can call the state hotline 24/7 at 2-1-1.
For those experiencing symptoms, or have further concerns: Please call the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) at (800) 362-2736. You can also find more information from the Iowa Department of Public Health at idph.iowa.gov. Follow these steps if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you’re infected with the virus.
Here are updates regarding the number of Iowans monitored and tested for COVID-19.
Here are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from the CDC.
Here is guidance for health care providers from the CDC.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer Iowa has set up an online volunteer event page for COVID19 related volunteer opportunities. Opportunities are listed on the statewide online volunteer portal here. Visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website for information on how to donate homemade masks to healthcare providers.
Housing updates: If you need help paying your rent or mortgage payments in Iowa, there is short-term relief available to income-eligible families. Click here for more information.
Unemployment insurance updates: The newly passed CARES Act increases the availability of unemployment insurance benefits to those that are self-employed, contract workers, those ineligible for state unemployment benefits or have exhausted benefits. For assistance, call 866-239-0843 or click here to start a claim.
Student Loan Updates:
- Interest will be waived on all federal student loans. Interest will not accrue on federally held student loans for at least 60 days, beginning on March 13, 2020.
- As of March 20, 2020 you can now suspend payments on federal student loans. You must ask for an administrative forbearance. Being in an administrative forbearance means that you can temporarily stop making your federal student loan payments without becoming delinquent.
- If you want to request an administrative forbearance, you should request one by contacting your loan servicer. If you do not know who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance.’
- Please visit Federal Student Aid’s website for more Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.
For Farmers:
- If you’re a farmer or rancher who’s suffered from the coronavirus, you can apply for direct relief (not loans!) through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through August 28. For information about eligible crops, application details, and more, go to http://farmers.gov/cfap
For Small Businesses:
- For the general public with questions about COVID-19: You can call the state hotline 24/7 at 2-1-1. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released these resources:
- For small businesses in Iowa, Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration are now available. For more info on how to apply, click here.
Tax Information:
- The Internal Revenue Service has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. To visit their page, click here.
- Tax Day will be delayed until July 15. Individuals and businesses can now file their federal tax returns by July 15.
- In addition, the Iowa Department of Revenue has extended the filing and payment deadline for several state tax types, including income tax. The order extends filing and payment deadlines for income, franchise, and moneys and credits taxes until July 31, 2020. Small business owners who need assistance can contact the Iowa Department of Revenue at idr@iowa.gov or call 515-281-3114 or 1-800-367-3388.
For school meals: Many families rely on breakfasts and lunches at school for their kids. Many school districts like in Storm Lake, Des Moines, Ft. Dodge and Carroll are handing out packed lunches. Contact your local school district to see if there are available pick-up times for your family.
If you need transportation assistance in the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren, HIRTA provides door to door transit services. Click here to make a reservation and schedule a ride.
State of Iowa Agency Guidance
Health & Human Services
- Iowa Dept. on Aging
- Iowa Dept. of Human Rights
- Iowa Dept. of Human Services
- Iowa Dept. of Inspections & Appeals
- Iowa Dept. of Public Health
Employment
- Iowa Dept. of Administrative Services
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System
- Iowa Workforce Development
Transportation and Travel
- Iowa Dept. of Public Safety (Cybersecurity)
- Iowa Dept. of Public Safety (Legal Authorities)
- Iowa Dept. of Transportation
- Travel Iowa (Industry)
- Travel Iowa (Visitors)
Education
Business, Hospitality and Leisure
- Alcoholic Beverages Division
- Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
- Iowa Dept. of Cultural Affairs
- Iowa Dept. of Revenue
- Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Iowa Insurance Division
- Iowa Lottery
- Volunteer Iowa
Public Safety
- Iowa Attorney General
- Iowa Dept. of Corrections
- Fire Service Training Bureau
- Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy
- Iowa Dept. of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Iowa Judicial Branch
- Iowa Dept. of Public Safety (Cybersecurity)
- Iowa Dept. of Public Safety (Legal Authorities)
- Iowa Secretary of State
Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673
Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800−799−7233