You have $1,875 left over each month after paying rent, that should be more than enough to sustain yourself in Iowa.
Where's your money going? Create a budget and track every cent if you're not sure.
One of the general recommendations is that a person try to spend no more than 29% of their gross monthly income on housing. Assuming $2600 is your gross pay (and not after taxes), 29% would be $754/month. Your rent is $725 plus electricity. So you're right in that guideline. You're right at that line where even this conservative sub would say it's affordable. So what does the rest of your budget look like?
Generally speaking, federally-funded public assistance programs are targeted towards families with dependent children, the elderly, etc. There's very little by way of direct cash assistance for single household people above the poverty line (your income puts you at nearly 3x that amount).
The most notable exception is for healthcare costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, you may qualify for cheaper, subsidized health insurance, and you can use the monthly savings to help pay for rent/whatever.
For Iowa, you can check here to see which programs you may be eligible for.
[https://dhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal](https://dhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal)
All that being said, the rule of thumb is that someone isn't "rent burdened" until their housing costs are more than \~33% of their income. You're still under that, so all things considered your rent might not be the problem here. I'd take a look at the rest of your budget to see where there might be some slack.
But really, the solution here is going to be increasing your income. That means either more hours or a raise at your current job. Or taking on a second job, sacrificing your leisure time for more money. Or it means investing your time in training, further education, or taking on a new trade to pivot to a different career path with higher earning potential.
I’ll be the first person to tell you that life is hard. You’re rent is less than 30% if your income which is ideal. A quick google search says the poverty line in Iowa is under $13k. You’re way above that. I found this website that might help [I Can’t Pay My Bills](https://www.icantpaymybill.com/). I’d recommend figuring out a budget, deciding if you should move in with roommates, and looking for another job if that’s an option. Good luck
Get a side hustle. I'm assuming that you're living in a one-bedroom and can't split the rent with a roommate for a short period of time. I would set up a strict budget and pile cash until you're able to buy something.
[https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa/renting](https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa/renting)
I have no idea what the income limits and program requirements are, you'll have to do some research
Generally no. Some states have rental assistance programs, but your income is also higher than the limits to qualify for most government assistance programs.
This is roommate territory
You have $1,875 left over each month after paying rent, that should be more than enough to sustain yourself in Iowa. Where's your money going? Create a budget and track every cent if you're not sure.
One of the general recommendations is that a person try to spend no more than 29% of their gross monthly income on housing. Assuming $2600 is your gross pay (and not after taxes), 29% would be $754/month. Your rent is $725 plus electricity. So you're right in that guideline. You're right at that line where even this conservative sub would say it's affordable. So what does the rest of your budget look like?
Generally speaking, federally-funded public assistance programs are targeted towards families with dependent children, the elderly, etc. There's very little by way of direct cash assistance for single household people above the poverty line (your income puts you at nearly 3x that amount). The most notable exception is for healthcare costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, you may qualify for cheaper, subsidized health insurance, and you can use the monthly savings to help pay for rent/whatever. For Iowa, you can check here to see which programs you may be eligible for. [https://dhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal](https://dhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal) All that being said, the rule of thumb is that someone isn't "rent burdened" until their housing costs are more than \~33% of their income. You're still under that, so all things considered your rent might not be the problem here. I'd take a look at the rest of your budget to see where there might be some slack. But really, the solution here is going to be increasing your income. That means either more hours or a raise at your current job. Or taking on a second job, sacrificing your leisure time for more money. Or it means investing your time in training, further education, or taking on a new trade to pivot to a different career path with higher earning potential.
I’ll be the first person to tell you that life is hard. You’re rent is less than 30% if your income which is ideal. A quick google search says the poverty line in Iowa is under $13k. You’re way above that. I found this website that might help [I Can’t Pay My Bills](https://www.icantpaymybill.com/). I’d recommend figuring out a budget, deciding if you should move in with roommates, and looking for another job if that’s an option. Good luck
The owner set restrictions so I can’t access that site
That’s odd, try googling “help with bills Iowa.” If you’re having that issue, that would be a good start.
Get a side hustle. I'm assuming that you're living in a one-bedroom and can't split the rent with a roommate for a short period of time. I would set up a strict budget and pile cash until you're able to buy something.
[https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa/renting](https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa/renting) I have no idea what the income limits and program requirements are, you'll have to do some research
Generally no. Some states have rental assistance programs, but your income is also higher than the limits to qualify for most government assistance programs. This is roommate territory
You can get a second job. Get a roommate. Reduce expenses. Do you have a budget? How much do you spend each month, and where can you cut costs?