Ames
Ask about Ames
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Ames and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Ames
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Local office · City office
City of Ames Administration
515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- City information and helpCall the city with questions about local services or to find the right city department.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org
Utilities · City office
Utility Customer Services
515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Utility bills and serviceGet help paying a city utility bill, starting or stopping service, or setting up a payment plan.Apply online
- Project ShareEligible low-income customers may receive help with winter electric bills through Project Share.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org
Housing authority · City office
Housing Division
515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Housing and community development programsGet information about Ames housing programs and community development grants.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Recreation
515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Recreation programsRegister for city fitness classes, youth activities, swim programs, and other recreation programs.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org
Older adults · City office
Sixty Forward Center
205 S Walnut Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Older adult programsOlder adults can join fitness and other programs at the Sixty Forward Center.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org
Library · City office
Ames Public Library
515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Library services and programsGet a library card, borrow materials, use public resources, and find library programs.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on amespubliclibrary.org
State office · State office
Ames Driver License Service Center
203 S Grand Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Driver licenses and ID cardsApply for or renew an Iowa driver license or state ID at the Ames service center.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on iowadot.gov
Local office · Regional office
211 Iowa
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall or search online to find local help with food, housing, utilities, health care, and other needs.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on 211iowa.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Offices for all of Story County
Ames is in Story County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Story County General Assistance
126 S. Kellogg Avenue, Suite 001, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Emergency rent and utility assistanceApply for emergency help with rent or utility bills and get connected to other local resources.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov
Public health · County office
Story County Public Health
Help here
- Public health and immunization servicesGet information about immunizations, disease prevention, senior health, and other public health services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov
Emergency help · County office
Story County Emergency Management Agency
900 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and recoveryFind preparedness information and report storm damage to help the county coordinate disaster response and recovery.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov
Veterans · County office
Story County Veterans Affairs
126 S. Kellogg Avenue, Suite 001, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceGet help learning about and applying for veterans benefits and services.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov
State office · State office
Story County DHS
126 S Kellogg Ave, Suite 101, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- State benefits and human servicesVisit the Iowa HHS office serving Story County for help with state benefit programs.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov
State office · State office
Ames Driver License Service Center
203 S. Grand Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Help here
- Driver license and identification servicesApply for or renew an Iowa driver license or identification card in person.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on iowadot.gov
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.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- 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.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
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 866-813-1731 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988