The Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to increase General Assistance (GA) funding for FY2022 to $2.5 million and expand eligibility to reach more residents in need. GA is administered through Johnson County Social Services and provides short-term financial support to Johnson County residents. Financial assistance is available to address the following needs: rent, utilities, provisions, transportation, prescriptions, pet food and funeral expenses. The application no longer requires residents to disclose citizenship status.

“Expanding our safety net will allow Johnson County to meet the emergency needs of more individuals and families while keeping pace with rising rent rates,” said Lynette Jacoby, Director of Social Services.

Under the expanded program eligibility, Johnson County residents may receive assistance if the applicant household has a net income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the previous 30 days—a substantial increase from previous years’ eligibility threshold of 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

“Johnson County is working diligently to lay the foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pat Heiden, Board of Supervisors Chairperson. “Providing immediate resources to help stabilize our community is an important and necessary step.”

Residents may now apply for General Assistance if they receive federal benefits such as Social Security. Eligible recipients may utilize up to three months of assistance within a twelve-month period.

For more information regarding eligibility, please visit the website https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/social-services/general-assistance or contact Social Services at 319-356-6090.