Where Is My Rent Reimbursement?

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. The information provided is updated in real-time and is the same information that is available to our phone representatives. Phone Representatives will not be able to provide additional 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.

2017 Rent Reimbursement claims can be filed until December 31, 2019. 

2018 Rent Reimbursement claims can be filed until December 31, 2020. 

2019 Rent Reimbursement claim 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 need a prior year form, please contact the Department. 
 

Who can file for rent reimbursement?

You can file if last year if you met all of these requirements: 

• You were 65 or older or disabled and 18 or older
• Your income was less than $23,216
• 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

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 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?

We can provide help in person. Call 515-281-3114 and choose option 1 to schedule an appointment. Our office is located at: 

Hoover State Office Building
1305 E Walnut
Des Moines, IA 50319

Enter the front door and check in. Then take the elevator to Level A. Assistance is in Room 7 next to the elevator. 

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.