SNAP · Iowa
Iowa SNAP: Iowa EBT Card, phone numbers and deposit days
In Iowa, SNAP is called Food Assistance and benefits load on the Iowa EBT Card. 242,731 people were on SNAP in Iowa in July 2026, down 8.7% from July 2025 (265,969). 2,883 stores in the state take SNAP.
Iowa SNAP and EBT phone numbers
- EBT card help: Iowa EBT CardBalance, lost or stolen card, PIN800-359-5802
- Food Assistance help lineApplications, interviews, case questions877-347-5678
We publish a phone number only when two independent sources agree: the USDA state directory and the state agency's own website. "n/d" means we could not confirm it, so call 2-1-1 or use the number on the back of your card.
When benefits arrive
Benefits are made available over the first 10 calendar days of every month, based on the first letter of the client’s last name.
See the full deposit tableIncome limits in Iowa
Iowa uses a gross income limit of 160% of the poverty line for most households, under a state option called broad-based categorical eligibility. Households under that limit do not face the federal net income or asset tests.
| People | Gross limit (160%) | Net limit (poverty line) | Maximum SNAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,128 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,887 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $3,644 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $4,400 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $5,159 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $5,916 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $6,672 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $7,431 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
No asset limit for most households in Iowa under its broad-based rule.
Estimate your benefit for IowaIowa rules at a glance
- Soda and candy. Iowa had a USDA waiver, but a court blocked it on June 22, 2026 (Aragon v. Rollins). It restricts all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue except food producing plants and seeds for food producing plants.Waiver blocked by a court
- Hot meals at restaurants. Iowa does not run the Restaurant Meals Program, so SNAP cannot buy hot restaurant meals there.No
- Work rules. Iowa has no time limit waiver areas in the first quarter of FY2027, so the 3-month limit applies statewide to adults it covers.Details
- Summer EBT for kids. Iowa took part in Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) in 2026.Details
Utility allowances
Instead of adding up each bill, SNAP counts a set utility amount. A higher amount can raise the benefit.
| Area | Heating or cooling | Basic or limited | Phone only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $554 | $292 | $36 |
Where to use EBT in Iowa
Counties with the most stores:
Online stores that take SNAP
The USDA state directory lists 18 stores that take SNAP online in Iowa:
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Costco
- CVS Banners
- Dashmart
- Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Gopuff
- HyVee
- Jewel Osco
- New Pioneer Food Co-op
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Target
- Vorthmann Legacy
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Common questions
What is the EBT card called in Iowa?
Iowa EBT Card. The program is called Food Assistance.
What is the SNAP income limit in Iowa for 4 people?
$4,400 a month gross (160% of the poverty line) and $2,750 net, from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
How do I check my EBT balance in Iowa?
Call 800-359-5802, the EBT customer service line, or look at your last receipt.
Can I buy soda with SNAP in Iowa?
Iowa had a USDA waiver, but a court blocked it on June 22, 2026 (Aragon v. Rollins). It restricts all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue except food producing plants and seeds for food producing plants.
Sources: USDA SNAP State Directory of Resources (state entry updated April 29, 2026); USDA, SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments memo (signed August 21, 2026; in effect October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027); USDA, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026); USDA, Standard Utility Allowances by state, FY2026 table; USDA, SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026); USDA SNAP Data Tables, persons participating (data as of October 9, 2026); USDA SNAP Retailer Locator data (layer updated October 21, 2026); USDA, ABAWD time limit waiver status, FY2027 first quarter (in effect October 1, 2026); USDA, Summer EBT participating areas (page updated August 14, 2026).
Independent guide. Not a government website. Not affiliated with USDA or any state agency. We do not take applications, and we never ask for your case number, card number or PIN. Amounts and rules can change: your state SNAP agency has the final word.