Madison County
Ask about Madison County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Madison County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Madison County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Madison County General Assistance
MATURA Outreach Center, 1724 N. John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- General assistanceYou can apply for county help with basic needs if you meet the county’s eligibility rules.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madisoncounty.iowa.gov
State office
Madison County Iowa Health and Human Services
209 E. Madison St., Winterset, IA 50273; by appointment only, served by the Dallas County office
Help here
- Public benefits applicationsYou can apply for Iowa benefits through HHS online or arrange an in-person appointment at this location.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Community action · Nonprofit
MATURA Madison County Outreach Center
1724 N. John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Community action servicesContact the outreach center to ask about local assistance and community programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on iowacommunityaction.org
Housing help · Regional office
Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority
1201 SE Gateway Drive, Grimes, IA 50111
Help here
- Housing assistanceAsk about housing vouchers and income-based rental homes.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cirhahome.org
Public health · County office
Madison County Public Health
209 E. Madison St., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Immunization servicesCall the department to ask about vaccine services and appointments.
- Health educationThe department offers health education for children and adults.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madisoncounty.iowa.gov
Mental health and recovery · Regional office
Central Iowa Community Services
112 John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Mental health and disability servicesContact the regional service office for help finding mental health or disability services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Local office · Regional office
211 Iowa
Help here
- Information and referralsCall 211 to find local help with food, housing, utility bills, health care, and other needs.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211iowa.org
Older adults · Regional office
Aging Resources of Central Iowa
5838 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines, IA 50312
Help here
- Aging and disability supportContact the agency for local support and services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on agingresources.com
Older adults · Regional office
Madison County Elderly Services - Winterset
1006 N. John Wayne Dr., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Aging servicesContact the local aging services office for help connecting with support for older adults.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Veterans · County office
Madison County Veterans Affairs
209 E. Madison St., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Veteran benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and finding information about VA care and services.
- Emergency assistance for veteransEligible veterans facing financial hardship may apply for temporary emergency help.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madisoncounty.iowa.gov
Emergency help · County office
Madison County Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Madison County Annex, lower level, 201 W. Court Ave., Winterset, IA 50273
Help here
- Emergency preparednessGet information to help prepare for emergencies and local hazards.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madisoncounty.iowa.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Madison County
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 of Iowa
2220 E. 17th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316
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
MATURA Action
207 N Elm St., Creston, IA 50801
Listed on hhs.iowa.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Madison County
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 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988