Palo Alto County
Ask about Palo Alto County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Palo Alto County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Palo Alto County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Palo Alto County Community Services
2905 25th St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- General assistanceGet information and apply for county general assistance.Apply online
- Mental health service coordinationGet help connecting with regional mental health services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on paloaltocounty.iowa.gov
State office
Palo Alto County DHS
2105 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Iowa benefits and social servicesCall to reach the state offices that handle benefits and social services for Palo Alto County.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Local office · Nonprofit
Mid-Sioux Opportunity WIC Clinic, Emmetsburg
730 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- WICEligible pregnant and postpartum women and young children can get food and nutrition support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on midsioux.org
Public health · County office
Palo Alto County Public Health
3201 First St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Public health servicesContact the county public health team for local health services and referrals.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on pachs.com
Courts and legal help · State office
Palo Alto County Clerk of Court
1010 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Court informationContact the clerk for local court information and help with court services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on iowacourts.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Emmetsburg Multipurpose Center
2008 E 11th St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Aging servicesContact Elderbridge to find aging services for older adults and their caregivers.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Veterans · County office
Palo Alto County Veterans Affairs
1010 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Veterans assistanceContact the county veterans office for help with veterans benefits and services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on paloaltova.com
Emergency help · County office
Palo Alto County Emergency Management Agency
2002 10th St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and alertsGet preparedness information and sign up for county emergency alerts.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on paloaltocounty.iowa.gov
State office
Palo Alto County Treasurer's Office
1010 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Help here
- Driver licensingCall the county treasurer to arrange driver license services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on iowadot.gov
Palo Alto County, Iowa website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Palo Alto 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
Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. (UDMO)
101 East Robins Street, Graettinger, IA 51342
Listed on hhs.iowa.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Palo Alto 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
- Iowa 211
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