Buena Vista County

Local offices in Buena Vista County

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• Human services · State office

  Buena Vista County Health and Human Services

  311 E. 5th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588

  Help here

  • Benefits and family supportVisit or contact this office for help with Iowa benefit and family support programs.
  Call 712-749-2536DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Local office · Regional office

  211 Iowa

  Help here

  • Community resource referralsCall 211 for help finding local food, housing, utility, health, and other support.
  Call 800-244-7431Website

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211iowa.org

• Public health · County office

  Buena Vista County Public Health and Home Care

  1709 Richland Drive, Storm Lake, IA 50588

  Help here

  • Public health servicesGet health screenings, immunizations, tuberculosis testing, and home health support.
  • WIC and maternal healthGet nutrition support and health education during pregnancy and early childhood.
  Call 712-749-2548DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bvcph.com

• Older adults · Regional office

  Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging, Spencer Office

  714 10th Avenue East, Suite 1, Spencer, IA 51301

  Help here

  • Aging servicesGet connected to services and support for older adults in Buena Vista County.
  Call 712-262-1775DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Veterans · County office

  Buena Vista County Veterans Affairs

  605 Cayuga Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588

  Help here

  • Veterans benefits helpGet help checking benefit eligibility, completing forms, and finding follow-up support.
  Call 712-749-2562DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on buenavistacounty.iowa.gov

• Emergency help · County office

  Buena Vista County Emergency Management Agency

  411 Expansion Boulevard, Storm Lake, IA 50588

  Help here

  • Emergency preparednessGet information about local emergency plans and disaster preparedness.
  Call 712-749-2705DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on buenavistacounty.iowa.gov

• Jobs and training · State office

  IowaWORKS Spencer

  217 W 5th Street, Spencer, IA 51301

  Help here

  • Job search and workforce servicesGet in-person help with job searches, training, and employment services.
  DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on workforce.iowa.gov

• State office · County office

  Buena Vista County Treasurer Driver License Department

  215 E. 5th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588

  Help here

  • Driver licenses and ID cardsApply for or renew an Iowa driver license, permit, or non-driver ID card.
  Call 712-749-2571DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on buenavistacounty.iowa.gov

Buena Vista County website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Buena Vista County

Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.

Cities and towns in Buena Vista County

• Albert Citynot checked yet
• Alta
• Lakeside
• Linn Grovenot checked yet
• Marathonnot checked yet
• Newell
• Rembrandtnot checked yet
• Sioux Rapids
• Storm Lake
• Truesdalenot checked yet

Iowa programs by kind of help

These are run by Iowa and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
• SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• HealthCare.gov

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

  Call 1-800-318-2596
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

  Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

  Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

  Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026