General Assistance

Services During COVID-19

Linn County’s top priority is the health and safety of employees and the public. That is why Linn County General Assistance is currently closed to the public. However, we are still assisting the community through email and by phone.

Core Functions

General Assistance serves individuals and families in Linn County who are experiencing a financial crisis. Up to $450 of assistance can be provided for the following:

• Rent or Mortgage Interest
• Utility bills
  • Water 
  • Electricity 
  • Gas 
• Burial Assistance (up to $1,000)

Applicants may also receive a one-month bus pass for the City of Cedar Rapids Transit, if approved for assistance in one of the areas listed above.

General Assistance can assist temporarily or provide ongoing assistance depending on the situation. Please refer to the FAQ section for more information.

Assistance Eligibility

These are the primary eligibility requirements. Please contact our office as there may be additional requirements based on your individual situation.

• Must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of Linn County
• Earn below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Line
  • $1,063 for a single adult
  • $1,437 for a multiple person households
• Cannot be receiving Social Security (can be in the process of applying for assistance) 
• Cannot have quit or have been terminated from a place of employment within the last 30 days, unless it is the result of a documented health issue
• Cannot be a student

Additional assistance can be found through the Linn County Community Services Resource Sheets or on the United Way 2-1-1 website.