Carter County

Local offices in Carter County

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

• State office

  Missouri Family Support Division, Van Buren Resource Center

  1306 Broadway Street, Van Buren, MO 63965

  Help here

  • Benefits applications and assistanceApply for or get help with SNAP, Temporary Assistance, and MO HealthNet benefits.Apply onlineRead more
  Call 855-373-4636DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dss.mo.gov

• Public health · County office

  Carter County Health Center

  1611 Health Center Road, Van Buren, MO 63965

  Help here

  • Public health servicesGet health education, immunizations, and preventive care for Carter County residents.
  • WICEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five can get food and nutrition support.
  Call 573-323-4413DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cartercountyhealth.org

• Older adults · Regional office

  Aging Matters

  69 Doctors Park, Suite B, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

  Help here

  • Information and help for older adultsOlder adults and caregivers can get help finding local services and support.
  • TransportationThe agency can help older adults find transportation in the area.
  Call 573-335-3331DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on agingmatters2u.com

• State office

  Van Buren License Office

  12 Main Street, Van Buren, MO 63965

  Help here

  • Driver license and motor vehicle servicesVisit for driver license and motor vehicle transactions offered by the Missouri license office.Read more
  Call 573-323-1255DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dor.mo.gov

Carter County, Missouri website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Carter County

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

Cities and towns in Carter County

• Ellsinorenot checked yet
• Grandinnot checked yet
• Van Buren

Missouri programs by kind of help

These are run by Missouri 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