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Homeβ€Ί Iowaβ€Ί Des Moines Countyβ€Ί Head Start Program
CHILDREN ASSISTANCE β€” IA

πŸ§’ Head Start Program in Des Moines County, Iowa β€” 2026 Guide

Complete eligibility guide for Des Moines County residents β€” income limits, how to apply, local offices & required documents

Free preschool programMax Benefit
$3,482/moIncome Limit (fam/4)
100% FPLFPL Threshold
1-866-763-6481Helpline
00000ZIP Code
IAState
πŸ“Š 2026 Income Limits β€” Head Start Program in Des Moines County, Iowa
Household SizeMonthly LimitAnnual LimitFPL %
1 person$1,695/mo$20,345/yr100% FPL
2 people$2,291/mo$27,495/yr100% FPL
3 people$2,887/mo$34,645/yr100% FPL
4 people ← fam/4$3,482/mo$41,795/yr100% FPL
5 people$4,078/mo$48,945/yr100% FPL
6 people$4,674/mo$56,095/yr100% FPL
7 people$5,270/mo$63,245/yr100% FPL
8 people$5,866/mo$70,395/yr100% FPL

Source: HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines 2026. Effective January 2026 for Iowa.

πŸ“ How to Apply β€” Des Moines County, Iowa
1
Check Eligibility
Income at or below 100% FPL. Family of 4 in Des Moines County: $3,482/month in 2026.
2
Gather Documents
Collect all documents listed below before starting your application.
3
Apply Online β€” Fastest
Visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator β€” available 24/7.
4
Apply by Phone β€” 1-866-763-6481
Call Mon–Fri business hours. Caseworker will guide you through application.
5
Apply In-Person β€” Des Moines County Office
Walk-ins accepted. Bring all required documents listed below.
πŸ“‹ Documents Required β€” Des Moines County, Iowa
  • Child birth certificate
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residency
  • Immunization records
  • Completed application form (available online or at Des Moines County office)
πŸ’‘ Missing a document? Call 1-866-763-6481 β€” alternative documentation often accepted for Des Moines County residents.
πŸ“… Payment Schedule β€” Iowa 2026
⚠️ 2026: Payment dates in Iowa vary by case number. Call 1-866-763-6481 or check the official Iowa portal for your exact date.
🏒 Offices in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County Benefits Office β€” Main
πŸ“ Des Moines County Government Center, Iowa 00000
πŸ“ž 1-866-763-6481 Β· ⏰ Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM
βœ“ Walk-ins🌐 OnlineπŸ“± Phone
211 Helpline β€” Des Moines County
πŸ“ž Dial 211 β€” Free, 24/7
All local programs in Des Moines County, Iowa
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πŸ™οΈ Cities in Des Moines County β€” Head Start Program
❓ FAQs β€” Head Start Program in Des Moines County, Iowa
Who qualifies for Head Start Program in Des Moines County, Iowa 2026?
Des Moines County residents with income at or below 100% FPL of the federal poverty level. Family of 4 limit: $3,482/month. Call 1-866-763-6481 to verify your eligibility.
How long does approval take in Des Moines County?
Most applications in Iowa processed within 30 days. Emergency cases in Des Moines County can be approved within 7 days. Call 1-866-763-6481 for expedited processing.
Can I apply online from Des Moines County, Iowa?
Yes. Apply 24/7 at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator, call 1-866-763-6481, or visit Des Moines County office in person.
What is the income limit for family of 4 in Des Moines County 2026?
Family of 4 in Des Moines County, Iowa: $3,482/month ($41,795/year) = 100% FPL of 2026 federal poverty level.
Are there Des Moines County-specific programs beyond the federal program?
Yes. Des Moines County and Iowa have supplemental local programs. Dial 211 from any phone in Des Moines County to find all locally available programs.
URL: usagovbenefits.com/iowa/des-moines-county/head-start/ Β· Verified: June 2026 Β· Sources: HHS ACF, HHS.gov, Benefits.gov, Iowa Portal Β· Official Apply Link β†—
πŸš€ Apply for Head Start Program
Apply Online β€” Official Site β†— πŸ“ž Call 1-866-763-6481 πŸ“‹ Full Application Guide

Official government site. Free to apply.

πŸ”” Iowa Benefit Alerts 2026
Free alerts when Head Start Program income limits or payment dates change in Iowa.
πŸ“ Program Details
ProgramHead Start Program
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa (IA)
ZIP00000
Max BenefitFree preschool program
Phone1-866-763-6481
UpdatedJune 2026