General Assistance

General Assistance Guidelines:

General assistance is available through the Community Services Department to families and individuals who are poor or in need, when such persons are not supported by their own means, relatives, or other public or private resources, in accordance with the policies specified herein.

The General Assistance Program shall:

  • Provide aid to meet the needs of Muscatine residents who are poor as defined in Iowa Code 252.1
  • Provide aid to meet the needs of persons who are not currently eligible for any federal/state public assistance and who meet the eligibility standards specified, and
  • Meet the needs of eligible persons in emergency situations.

Guidelines Document:

General assistance provides financial support to Muscatine County income eligible residents in emergency situations to help meet the following needs:


  • General Assistance 
  • Cremation Assistance
  • Food Voucher
  • Personal Hygiene Voucher
  • Rent Assistance
  • Shelter Rent
  • Utilities Voucher
  • Veterans Assistance as authorized by the VA Commission
  • Other Special Needs