Winnebago County
Ask about Winnebago County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Winnebago County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Winnebago County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Winnebago County General Assistance/Relief
216 S. 4th St., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- General assistanceContact the county to ask about general assistance for residents in need.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
Human services · County office
Winnebago County Social Services
216 S. 4th St., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- SNAP and Medicaid applicationsGet information and application forms for SNAP food assistance and Medicaid.
- Crisis supportCall for free, confidential crisis support and help connecting to local resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
State office
Winnebago County DHS, Iowa Health and Human Services
126 S. Clark St., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- State benefits servicesContact Iowa HHS about state benefits services for Winnebago County residents; visits are by appointment only.Apply online
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.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211iowa.org
Public health · County office
Winnebago County Public Health
216 S. 4th St., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- Public health servicesGet public health nursing, immunizations, health education, and other community health services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging
1190 Briarstone Dr., Suite 3, Mason City, IA 50401
Help here
- Aging services and supportElderbridge connects older adults and caregivers in Cerro Gordo County with local support and services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
Veterans · County office
Winnebago County Veterans Affairs
216 S. 4th St., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- Veterans assistanceAsk the county veterans service officer for help with veterans benefits and services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
Emergency help · County office
Winnebago County Emergency Management
935 Highway 69 N., Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- Emergency preparednessGet local emergency preparedness information and learn about hazards affecting the county.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
Jobs and training · State office
IowaWORKS Mason City
600 S. Pierce Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401
Help here
- Employment servicesVisit IowaWORKS for job search help, career planning, and employment services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on workforce.iowa.gov
State office · County office
Winnebago County Treasurer Driver's License Office
126 S. Clark St., Suite 4, Forest City, IA 50436
Help here
- Driver's licenses and IDsSchedule an appointment to apply for or renew an Iowa driver's license or ID card.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on winnebagocountyiowa.gov
Winnebago County Government website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Winnebago 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
North Iowa Community Action Organization (NICAO)
218 5th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Listed on hhs.iowa.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Winnebago 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 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