Cerro Gordo County

Local offices in Cerro Gordo County

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

• Human services · County office

  Cerro Gordo County General Assistance

  220 N. Washington Ave., Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Emergency help with rent, utilities, and funeral costsThe office may provide short-term help with basic needs when you cannot get help from another source.Apply online
  Call 641-421-3085DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cerrogordo.gov

• State office

  Cerro Gordo County Department of Health and Human Services

  525 9th St. SE, Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Public benefitsVisit or contact this office to get help with Iowa Health and Human Services programs.Apply online
  Call 641-424-8641DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Housing help · Regional office

  North Iowa Regional Housing Authority

  202 First St SE, Suite 203, Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Public housing and housing choice vouchersApply for public housing or ask about a housing voucher through the regional housing authority.Apply online
  Call 641-423-0897DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on nirha.com

• Public health · County office

  Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health

  2570 4th St. SW, Suite 1, Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Vaccinations and immunization recordsThe clinic provides vaccines and can help you get your immunization records.
  • Private well water testingThe department helps county residents arrange testing of private well water.
  Call 641-421-9300DirectionsWebsite

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

• 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.
  Call 800-243-0678DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Veterans · County office

  Cerro Gordo County Veteran Affairs

  220 N. Washington Ave., Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Veterans benefits and assistanceCounty staff help veterans and their dependents seek county, state, and federal benefits.
  Call 641-421-3085DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cerrogordo.gov

• Child support · State office

  Mason City Child Support Services

  525 9th St. SE, Suite 2, Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Child support servicesThe office helps parents apply for child support services and manage child support cases.Apply online
  Call 641-424-1147DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Emergency help · County office

  Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management

  2716 S. Federal Ave., Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Emergency preparedness informationThe office shares preparedness information and coordinates local resources for emergencies.
  Call 641-421-3151DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cerrogordo.gov

• State office

  Iowa DOT Driver's License Service Center, Mason City

  2570 4th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401

  Help here

  • Driver's licenses and ID cardsResidents can apply for or renew Iowa driver's licenses and identification cards at this office.Apply online
  Call 515-244-8725DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on iowadot.gov

Cerro Gordo County Government website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Cerro Gordo County

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

Cities and towns in Cerro Gordo County

• Clear Lake
• Doughertynot checked yet
• Mason City
• Meserveynot checked yet
• Plymouthnot checked yet
• Rock Fallsnot checked yet
• Rockwell
• Swaledalenot checked yet
• Thorntonnot checked yet
• Ventura

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