Iowa Code § 252.33: Application for assistance.

A person may make application for assistance to a member of the board of supervisors, or to the general assistance director of the county where the person is. If application is made to the general assistance director and that officer is satisfied that the applicant is in a state of want which requires assistance at the public expense, the general assistance director may afford temporary assistance, subject to the approval of the board of supervisors, as the necessities of the person require and shall immediately report the case to the board of supervisors, who may continue or deny assistance, as they find cause.