Carter Lake
Ask about Carter Lake
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Carter Lake and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Carter Lake
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Older adults · City office
Carter Lake Senior and Community Center
1120 Willow Drive, Carter Lake, IA 51510
Help here
- Senior meals and activitiesOlder residents can ask about meals, social activities, and rides to medical appointments.
- Community recreationResidents can visit the center for recreation, fitness, education, and social activities.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofcarterlake.com
Library · City office
Carter Lake Public Library
1120 Willow Drive, Carter Lake, IA 51510
Help here
- Library services and programsVisit the library to borrow books and use its learning resources and community programs.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on carterlakelibrary.org
Local office · City office
Carter Lake City Hall
950 E Locust Street, Carter Lake, IA 51510
Help here
- City services and informationContact City Hall for city forms, information, and help finding the right city department.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofcarterlake.com
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Carter Lake
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Food Bank for the Heartland
4645 South 84th Street, Omaha, NE 68127
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Iowa Legal Aid
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
West Central Community Action
1408 "A" Hwy 44, Harlan, IA 51537
Listed on hhs.iowa.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Pottawattamie County
Carter Lake is in Pottawattamie County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Pottawattamie County Community Services
227 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Help here
- General AssistanceApply for limited help with current rent, utilities, medicine, or burial costs when other resources are not available.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on pottcounty-ia.gov
Child support · State office
Council Bluffs Child Support Services
300 W Broadway, Suite 10, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help with child support services for families in the counties served by this office.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
State office
Pottawattamie County Health and Human Services
417 E Kanesville Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Help here
- Food assistanceApply for SNAP food benefits or get help with an application at the local HHS office.Apply onlineRead more
- Cash and health benefitsGet help applying for state cash assistance and Medicaid.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Public health · County office
Pottawattamie County Public Health
515 5th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Help here
- Public health services and clinicsGet public health information, clinic services, immunizations, and other health programs for county residents.Read more
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)Eligible pregnant or postpartum people, infants, and children under five can get healthy food, nutrition help, and breastfeeding support.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on pottcounty-ia.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Connections Area Agency on Aging, Council Bluffs
231 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51523
Help here
- Aging services and supportOlder adults and caregivers can contact this agency for local aging services and support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Veterans · County office
Pottawattamie County Veterans Service Office
623 6th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceVeterans and their dependents can get help applying for county, state, and federal benefits.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on pottcounty-ia.gov
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
Talk to a person
- 211 Iowa
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-244-7431 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988