Independence

Local offices in Independence

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

• State office

  Iowa Health and Human Services, Buchanan County Field Office

  1415 1st Street West, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • State benefitsResidents can contact the local HHS office for help with state benefit programs and applications.Apply online
  DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Utilities · City office

  Independence Utilities Department

  2018 Three Elms Park Road, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Water and wastewaterContact the department about city water service, wastewater treatment, and sewer system issues.
  • City utility billingThe city bills residents for water, sewer, garbage, and recycling through Independence Light and Power, Telecommunications.Read more
  Call 319-334-3750DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on independenceia.gov

• Local office · City office

  City Hall / Administration Department

  331 1st Street E, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • City services and recordsContact City Hall for help with city services, city records, or questions for city staff.
  Call 319-334-2780DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on independenceia.gov

• Parks and recreation · City office

  Independence Parks and Recreation Department

  1305 5th Avenue NE, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Recreation and senior-rate membershipsResidents can ask about recreation facilities, activities, and reduced senior membership rates at the Falcon Civic Center.Read more
  Call 319-334-6711DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on independenceia.gov

• Library · City office

  Independence Public Library

  805 1st Street East, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Library materials, computers, and programsResidents can borrow books and other materials, use public computers, ask research questions, and attend library programs.Read more
  Call 319-334-2470DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on independenceia.gov

City of Independence, Iowa website

Checked on October 9, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Independence

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

Offices for all of Buchanan County

Independence is in Buchanan County. These county and state offices serve people there too.

• Human services · County office

  Buchanan County General Assistance

  210 5th Avenue NE, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Emergency basic needs assistanceEligible residents can ask for short-term help with basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, or urgent medical costs.
  Call 319-334-7450DirectionsWebsite

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

• State office

  Buchanan County HHS

  1415 1st Street West, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • State benefits and family servicesResidents can contact this office for help with state benefits and family services, including food assistance and Medicaid.Apply online
  Call 319-334-6091DirectionsWebsite

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

• Local office · Nonprofit

  Independence WIC Clinic - Operation Threshold

  105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • WIC food and nutrition supportEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children can get food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.Read more
  Call 319-291-2065DirectionsWebsite

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

• Public health · County office

  Buchanan County Public Health

  1210 1st Street West, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Public health servicesCall about immunizations, health screenings, public health nursing, and disease prevention.
  Call 319-332-0860DirectionsWebsite

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

• Mental health and recovery · County office

  Buchanan County Community Services

  210 5th Avenue NE, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Mental health and disability servicesResidents can contact the county about mental health and disability services and support.
  Call 319-334-7450DirectionsWebsite

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

• Courts and legal help · State office

  Buchanan County Clerk of Court

  210 5th Avenue NE, Suite B, Independence, IA 50644

  Help here

  • Court information and self-help resourcesResidents can contact the clerk about court matters and find Iowa court information and self-help resources.
  Call 319-334-2196DirectionsWebsite

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

Everything in Buchanan 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