Where Is My Rent Reimbursement?

2021 Rent Reimbursement forms will be mailed by mid-January to individuals who qualify and submitted a claim the previous year. Please complete the form you receive by mail. If you are new to the process and need a form, please check back here in mid-January for the form.

If you have questions, save time and view common questions below before calling.

If you need assistance filing your Rent Reimbursement Form, you can call the Department at 515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388, choose option 4, then option 1. There are also Rent Reimbursement Assistance Sites across the state to assist individuals through the process.

  • Use Where's My Rent Reimbursement to check the status of claims filed.

    Be sure to use the same information used on your claim: Social Security Number and birth date. If you didn't include your birth date on your claim, you cannot use Where's My Rent Reimbursement.

  • Allow 2 - 3 weeks for your claim to show on Where's My Rent Reimbursement. Information is updated in real-time. The information on Where's my Refund available on our website or over the phone at 515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388 is the same information available to our Taxpayer Service representatives. Taxpayer Services will not be able to provide further information if you call.

    When your claim has been completed, you will see the date your rent reimbursement refund was issued.

  • Every claim we receive is different, so processing times will vary and can take up to three months to complete.

    Your claim can be delayed if you do not choose direct deposit, have errors on your claim, are missing documentation or if you submit more than one claim.

  • 2019 Iowa Rent Reimbursement claims can be filed until December 31, 2021.

    2020 Iowa Rent Reimbursement claims can be filed until December 31, 2022.

     

    Who can file for rent reimbursement?

    You can file for 2020 if you meet all of the following requirements:

    • You were 65 years of age or older, or disabled and 18 or older
    • Your income was less than $24,206
    • You lived in Iowa and still live in Iowa now
    • You paid rent in Iowa at a property that pays property tax

    Does my rent qualify?

    You can file if you:

    • Lived in a motel for part of the year. Make sure to provide proof of the rent you paid.
    • Share an apartment and both you and your roommate are on the lease. You can each file a claim.

    You cannot file if you:

    • Are not on the lease
    • Pay utilities but not rent
    • Rent to own
    • Own a home
    • Bought a house on contract

    Are the federal COVID-19 economic impact payments considered income for purposes of assessing eligibility or calculating rent reimbursement?

    No. The COVID-19 economic impact payments authorized in section 2201 of the federal CARES Act will not be considered income for purposes of assessing eligibility or calculating rent reimbursement. The payment is considered a rebate or refundable credit, and should not be included on the Iowa Rent Reimbursement Claim.

    What do I need to prove I can file?

    Provide proof of all of your income. This includes your SSA-1099 form, social security income, child support, alimony, family investment program, children's social security income, welfare payments, rent assistance, and gambling winnings. If you get social security from more than one number, include all of the income from all numbers. Do not include food stamps. If you had no income, you must show us how you paid rent with no income.

    To provide proof of disability, send a copy of your current Social Security award letter, current Veterans Administration award letter, or a letter from a doctor about your disability.

    To provide proof of rent, send a copy of one of your lease, copies of rent receipts for every month, or a letter from the owner of the property. Include the Statement of Rent Paid (54-132) if you lived in more than one location.

    Where can I get help?

    The Iowa Department of Revenue will be closed for any walk in Rent Reimbursement Assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the safety of our employees as well as the residents of Iowa remains our top priority.

    The Iowa Department of Revenue remains committed to providing the best customer service. Many resources are available to assist the residents of Iowa with filing their Rent Reimbursement Claim. For additional assistance call 515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388 for filing guidance.

    If you don't live in the Des Moines area, other locations are available to assist you.

    Can I email my claim?

    No.

    What about my spouse?

    If you got married last year, report both incomes for the whole year. Rent Reimbursement is for a household, so if you live together you need to claim both incomes.

    If you got divorced last year, only report your income for the whole year.

    How long does it take?

    It takes an average of three months to process a claim.

    What if I made a mistake?

    We will send you a letter after we review your claim. Do not submit another claim, it will only slow down processing.

    Why did I get a letter?

    We might be reviewing your claim or need more information. Follow the instructions on the letter.

    Are there any other rent assistance programs available?

    The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program available through Iowa Finance Authority's Iowa Housing Recovery, may provide eligible renters with help with rent and utility bills.