Financial Assistance Programs
The City of Dubuque offers the following programs and services for residents who meet program-specific eligibility guidelines.
Discounted City Utilities Program
The City offers income-qualified residential customers a reduction in monthly fees for all four City utilities (water, sanitary sewer, refuse collection, and storm water) of up to 50% of the base rate. Applications are renewed on an annual basis.
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Housing Choice Voucher Program/Section 8
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as the Section 8 program, helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled find and affordable, safe, and decent housing. The HCV waiting list applications are accepted for 24 hours on the second Tuesday of each month from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Each month, all applications received are placed in a random lottery selection for placement on a waiting list.
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Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program
This program provides a 0% interest, low-payment loan of up to $25,000 to qualified applicants to complete improvements to their home.
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Age in Place Grant Program
The City of Dubuque offers grants for low-income Dubuque residents, age 62 and older, to modify their homes so they can age at home safely rather than move to a nursing home or another assisted care facility. Inspections, supplies, and modifications are all included in the grant.
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Healthy Homes Program
Creating Lead-Safe Homes & Addressing Other Household Hazards
The Healthy Homes Program takes a comprehensive approach by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time including mold, water intrusion, lead paint, allergens, asthma, carbon monoxide, home safety, pesticides, and radon (a dangerous gas found mainly in basements). Program participants may qualify for up to $10,000 to create a healthier home OR up to $30,000 for lead paint remediation plus an additional $5,000 for other household hazards.
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Parks & Recreation Family Scholarship Program
The Parks and Recreation Department provides up to 300 qualifying low-income families with $150 in scholarship credits which can be used for program registration, pavilion rentals, an Eagle Point Park season pass, swim lessons, pet park pass, and other services provided through the department. Applications are renewed on an annual basis.
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DBQ Shovel Crew: Snow Removal Assistance Program
Seniors and people with mobility challenges may qualify for sidewalk snow and ice removal assistance through the DBQ Shovel Crew Program. To be considered for the program, applicants must reside in Dubuque, be owner-occupied, physically unable to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks, and meet the income guidelines.
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ADA Paratransit Minibus Service
The Jule offers door-to-door public transportation service for seniors and qualifying individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act or seniors age 65 and older. Rides can be requested to and from any location within the City of Dubuque or East Dubuque. The cost is $3 for a one-way trip or $30 for a 10-ride punch card. The bus operator is available to assist the passenger with boarding and disembarking the vehicle and securing mobility devices in the vehicle. Passengers requiring additional assistance may have a personal care attendant ride with free of charge.
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Half-Fare Bus Pass for Seniors
The Jule offers half-fare bus passes for seniors age 65 and older with a photo ID or disabled residents with a Medicare card. The cost for an 11-ride pass is $7.50 and the cost for a monthly unlimited ride pass is $22.50. Passes are available for purchase at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 950 Elm St.
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Annual Student Bus Pass
The Jule offers an annual student bus pass that allows students in grades K - 12 to ride the Jule at no charge. Student passes are valid from August 1–July 31 each year. Students must apply and include a copy of their current school ID or other document showing proof of age or enrollment.
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Jule Bus Rides Free for Local College Students
Local college students can ride Jule buses at no cost. To take advantage of the free rides, college students are required to display a valid school ID.
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