Iowa Department of Health and Human Services phone, local offices, benefits, Medicaid, vital records and crisis help
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, also called Iowa HHS, is the state agency for public health, Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, child care help, child support, vital records, behavioral health, abuse reporting, public health data and local HHS offices.
Most users should not start by mailing documents or driving to Des Moines. First choose the exact service, then use the correct official Iowa HHS portal, phone number, local office, or program page.
Choose the Iowa HHS service you need
Select your task below. This finder does not apply for benefits or access your case. It simply points you to the safest official starting place.
Call 800-972-2017 for general Iowa HHS routing. The official contact page lists the Lucas Building at 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, and also references the Hoover Building at 1305 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50319.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services quick answer
The main Iowa HHS toll-free phone number is 800-972-2017. The official HHS contact page lists the Department of Health and Human Services location at Lucas Building, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319.
For benefit applications such as Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance and child care assistance, Iowa HHS directs users to the Benefits Portal and lists 877-347-5678 for benefits help. Iowa Medicaid Member Services uses 800-338-8366, or 515-256-4606 in the Des Moines area.
For birth, death or marriage certificates, use Iowa HHS Vital Records at 515-281-4944 or vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov. For abuse reporting, Iowa HHS lists 800-362-2178 available 24 hours a day.
Official verification before using this Iowa HHS guide
Updated for publication on June 27, 2026.
This refreshed guide uses official Iowa HHS pages for contact, office locations, Benefits Portal applications, Medicaid Member Services, SNAP/Food Assistance, Vital Records, WIC, Child Care Assistance, Child Support Services, Report Abuse & Fraud, Open Records, and Behavioral Health/Your Life Iowa routing.
Always verify live office hours, mailing addresses, application rules, phone numbers, record fees, accepted payment, document requirements, and appointment rules on the official Iowa HHS page before applying, mailing, visiting, paying, or relying on a deadline.
What this Iowa HHS guide covers
Should you contact Iowa HHS central office or a local office?
Iowa HHS is a statewide agency, but many services are handled through local HHS offices, county-related public health offices, online benefits systems, child support offices, or program-specific teams.
Use the central contact page when you need state-level routing. Use the local office locator when you need document drop-off, local service information, child support office contact, county public health connection, or in-person help near your area.
For a broader local-office search path, see our health department near me guide.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services phone number directory
Use the direct number for your issue. This is faster than calling the general HHS line for Medicaid, EBT, certificates, child support, fraud, abuse reporting, or crisis help.
| Need | Official phone or route | Use it for | Prepare before calling |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Iowa HHS contact | 800-972-2017 | General routing and Iowa HHS contact help. | County, program name, exact question and callback number. |
| Benefits application help | 877-347-5678 | Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, child care assistance and applying for benefits. | Case number, household details, income, notices and uploaded documents. |
| Iowa Medicaid Member Services | 800-338-8366 515-256-4606 Des Moines area | Medicaid coverage, member support, application help and service issues. | Medicaid ID, member name, date of birth, plan name, notice or provider issue. |
| Vital Records | 515-281-4944 vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov | Birth, death and marriage certificate questions. | Full record name, event date, county, entitlement, ID and payment question. |
| Child/dependent adult abuse | 800-362-2178 24 hours a day | Reporting suspected child abuse or dependent adult abuse. | Names, location, danger level, facts observed and immediate safety concerns. |
| Member fraud | 877-347-5678 | Suspected Medicaid member fraud, SNAP fraud or FIP fraud. | Who, what, when, where, benefits involved and supporting facts. |
| Provider fraud | 877-446-3787 515-256-4615 local | Medicaid provider fraud or program integrity concerns. | Provider name, billing issue, dates, services, documents and member details if safe. |
| Child Support Services | Use official Child Support Services online office and local office route | Case info, applications, support payments, paternity, enforcement and modification. | Case number, county, names, order details, payment issue and notice. |
| Your Life Iowa | 855-581-8111 Text: 855-895-8398 | Mental health, substance use, gambling, opioids and related support. | Your location, safety level, support needed and whether immediate danger exists. |
| Immediate emergency | 911 / 988 | Immediate danger, medical emergency, suicide or mental health crisis. | Location, danger, injuries, people involved and immediate risk. |
Iowa HHS office near me: local offices, child support offices and public health contacts
Iowa HHS provides an official office locations page for HHS offices, public health offices and child support locations. Local listings may show addresses, phone numbers, service coverage, directions and appointment notes.
Some counties may be served by another office or may require appointments. Always check the official listing before driving, especially if you need document drop-off or same-day in-person help.
Search by county or service
Use the official Iowa HHS office locator and choose the service you need, such as HHS office, public health office or child support location.
Read the office note
Check whether the location is appointment-only, served by another office, or has a specific phone/fax/mailing route.
Call before visiting
Ask if the office accepts your document, whether you need an appointment, and which ID or case number to bring.
Before you apply, call, visit or mail Iowa HHS
A short checklist prevents rejected documents, missed benefits notices, wrong office visits and certificate delays.
Iowa HHS benefits: Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance and child care help
Iowa HHS directs users to the Benefits Portal to check eligibility and apply for services. Common assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, Child Care Assistance, Family Planning Program, State Supplementary Assistance, rent-related help and other support programs.
For general questions about Medical Assistance, SNAP, Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance or applying for benefits, use 877-347-5678.
How to apply for Iowa HHS benefits
- Open the official Iowa HHS Benefits Portal.
- Choose the program you need, such as SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance or Child Care Assistance.
- Enter household members, income, address, expenses and identity details accurately.
- Upload or send required proof when Iowa HHS asks for it.
- Watch for notices and respond by the deadline.
- Use the official office locator if you need local help or document drop-off.
Iowa Medicaid phone number, member services and coverage help
Iowa Medicaid Member Services helps with Medicaid coverage questions, applications, care or service issues and member support. Member Services is listed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call 800-338-8366 toll-free or 515-256-4606 in the Des Moines area. The official page also lists fax 515-725-1351 and email IMEmember@hhs.iowa.gov.
| Medicaid task | Best route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| New application | Benefits Portal or Apply for Services page | Household, income, identity, residency, citizenship/immigration, insurance and expense information. |
| Member coverage question | Medicaid Member Services | Medicaid ID, plan name, notice, provider issue or service question. |
| Managed care issue | Your managed care plan first, then Member Services if needed | Plan card, provider name, dates, denial letter and prior authorization details. |
| 1095-B form question | Medicaid Member Services instructions | Member name, address, tax year and written request if needed. |
Iowa SNAP, EBT updates, food assistance and WIC
Iowa HHS Food Assistance includes SNAP, WIC, SUN Bucks, TEFAP, school food programs, summer food programs and other food-support routes. SNAP helps eligible families supplement food budgets. WIC supports eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.
For SNAP benefit and application help, use the Benefits Portal, local HHS office or benefits help number. For WIC, use the Iowa HHS WIC page, local WIC clinic locations and eligibility instructions.
WIC services may include
- Nutrition education.
- Breastfeeding promotion and support.
- eWIC cards to buy nutritious foods.
- Immunization screening and referrals.
- Health and social service referrals.
What to bring for WIC or SNAP help
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of Iowa address.
- Household member information.
- Income proof or qualifying benefit information.
- Pregnancy, infant or child information for WIC.
- EBT card issue details, if applicable.
Iowa birth certificate, death certificate and marriage certificate requests
Iowa HHS Vital Records handles certified copies of Iowa birth, death and marriage records. Official registration began in Iowa on July 1, 1880. Local county recorders maintain records that occurred in that county, but some records must be requested through the state office.
The Iowa HHS Vital Records phone number is 515-281-4944. General vital-record questions may be sent to vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov.
Records county offices may not physically hold
- Single-parent births before July 1, 1995.
- Adoptions.
- Birth records after legal name change.
- Delayed records filed one year or more after the event.
- Records ordered sealed by a court.
- Birth, death and marriage records from 1921 through 1941.
Before requesting a certified Iowa record
- Full legal name on the record.
- Date and county of birth, death or marriage.
- Parents’ names or spouse details when needed.
- Valid current government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of entitlement, if required.
- Purpose for the certificate.
- Correct payment method and mailing address.
Iowa vital-record search fee estimator
This estimates only the basic Iowa vital-record search fee. It does not include every possible county inspection fee, mailing cost, card charge, amendment, administrative processing fee or special registry fee.
One birth, death or marriage record search using the published $15 search fee.
Iowa Child Care Assistance and Child Support Services
Iowa Child Care Assistance may help children of income-eligible parents who are gone for part of the day because of employment, education, vocational training or PROMISE JOBS activities. Some help may also be available for a limited time while a parent is looking for work.
Iowa Child Support Services helps families with support cases, applications, paternity, payments, enforcement, modifications and case-specific office routing.
Report abuse, dependent adult abuse, Medicaid fraud, SNAP fraud or provider fraud
Iowa HHS has separate routes for child/dependent adult abuse, member fraud, provider fraud, child care complaints, nursing home and home health concerns, WIC participant or vendor concerns, and other program issues.
| Issue | Official route | Important safety note |
|---|---|---|
| Child or dependent adult abuse | Call 800-362-2178, 24 hours a day. | If someone is in imminent danger, call 911 first. |
| Member fraud | Call 877-347-5678. | Use for suspected Medicaid member fraud, SNAP fraud or FIP fraud. |
| Medicaid provider fraud | Call 877-446-3787 or 515-256-4615. | Prepare provider name, billing facts, service dates and supporting details. |
| Child care or facility complaint | Use the official Iowa HHS Report Abuse & Fraud page. | Different facility types may use different reporting paths. |
Iowa mental health, substance use, gambling help and Your Life Iowa
Iowa HHS behavioral health pages connect users with Your Life Iowa for 24/7 support related to mental health, alcohol, drugs, gambling, opioids or related concerns.
Call 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398 for Your Life Iowa. For suicide or mental health crisis support, call or text 988. For immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911.
Iowa HHS open records, public health data and dashboards
Iowa HHS maintains many records. Some aggregate public records may be available, but many case-specific records, individual client records, confidential reports, personnel records and protected identifiers are not public.
For public records, use the official Open Records route. For public health data and reports, use Iowa HHS Data & Reports and public health data tools.
What to do if your Iowa HHS service is not found
Iowa HHS map and helpful official video
This map points to the Iowa HHS Lucas Building in Des Moines. For local benefits, child support, public health offices or document drop-off, use the official office locator instead of assuming the central building is the correct place.
Helpful video: Iowa Public Health Tracking Portal
This video is included as a helpful Iowa HHS public health data reference. It is not a live office-status, benefits, Medicaid, SNAP, or vital-record application tool.
Official Iowa HHS links
Use these official pages before applying, filing, reporting, mailing documents, requesting records or relying on fees.
Iowa Health and Human Services official websiteMain official Iowa HHS website for health, benefits, Medicaid, public health and family services. Official Iowa HHS contact pageMain phone, contact details, Lucas Building and Hoover Building contact information. HHS office locationsFind local HHS offices, public health offices and child support offices. Apply for Iowa HHS servicesOfficial application page for SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, child care, cash assistance and more. Iowa Medicaid Member ServicesPhone, email, fax, member help and Medicaid support information. Iowa Vital RecordsBirth, death and marriage certificate rules, fees, records availability and office location. Food Assistance and SNAPSNAP, WIC, SUN Bucks, TEFAP, school food and summer food support routes. Child Care AssistanceEligibility, how to apply, PROMISE JOBS and child care support details. Child Support ServicesApply, pay, find case information and locate child support office resources. Report Abuse & FraudChild/dependent adult abuse, member fraud, provider fraud and program complaint routes. Open RecordsPublic records request rules, confidentiality limits and possible charges.Iowa Department of Health and Human Services FAQ
What is the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services phone number?
The main Iowa HHS toll-free phone number is 800-972-2017. Use it for general Iowa HHS routing when you are not sure which program handles your issue.
Where is the Iowa HHS main office?
The official contact page lists the Department of Health and Human Services location at Lucas Building, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319. It also references the Hoover Building at 1305 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50319, so verify the exact office before visiting or mailing documents.
How do I apply for Iowa Medicaid, SNAP or child care assistance?
Use the official Iowa HHS Apply for Services page or the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. For help with Medical Assistance, SNAP, Cash Assistance or Child Care Assistance applications, call 877-347-5678.
What is the Iowa Medicaid Member Services phone number?
Iowa Medicaid Member Services can be reached at 800-338-8366 toll-free or 515-256-4606 in the Des Moines area. Member Services is listed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
What is the Iowa Vital Records phone number?
Iowa HHS Vital Records can be reached at 515-281-4944. General vital-record questions may also be sent to vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov.
How much does an Iowa birth, death or marriage record search cost?
Iowa HHS lists a $15 fee for each birth, death or marriage record search, with a copy issued if the record is found. If the record is not found, a no-record letter is provided and the fee is not refundable.
How do I find a local Iowa HHS office near me?
Use the official Iowa HHS office locations page to search for local HHS offices, public health offices and child support locations. Call the office before visiting because some services may be appointment-only or handled by another office.
What is the Iowa child or dependent adult abuse reporting number?
Iowa HHS lists 800-362-2178 for child or dependent adult abuse reporting, available 24 hours a day. If someone is in imminent danger, call 911 first.
Where do I get help for mental health, substance use or gambling in Iowa?
Your Life Iowa offers 24/7 support at 855-581-8111 and text support at 855-895-8398. For suicide or mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
Is this the official Iowa HHS website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use the official Iowa HHS website and official Iowa HHS program pages for live rules, applications, notices, fees, forms and case-specific decisions.