Transfers and Discharges from Nursing Homes

An attempt to transfer or discharge a resident from a nursing home against his or her wishes can be upsetting and frightening for residents and family.  Fortunately, there are federal and state laws that protect a resident. A “transfer” usually...

Intentional Program Violations Food Assistance

Iowa’s food assistance program is also known as SNAP.  If the Iowa Department of Health and Human services (HHS) thinks that a person who gets SNAP has committed an Intentional Program Violation (IPV), HHS will send that person a written notice.   What is an...

Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is when someone uses your name, Social Security number, date of birth, credit card or bank account information, or other personal information without your authorization for the purpose of committing fraud. The fraud may be the...

Public Benefits and Car Ownership

Iowans can have one dependable car and still get welfare benefits, food assistance and Medicaid benefits. Welfare (FIP) and food assistance (food stamps) limit the amount of resources a family can have and still be eligible. Both FIP and food assistance now exclude...

Caring for Our Minor Children After We’re Gone

Background Iowa Legal Aid staff answer a lot of questions from clients about what will happen to their minor child after they die. Many times the questions are from clients who are very sick. They also come from parents who worry about the other parent’s ability...