IOWA STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
IOWA VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
War Orphans Educational Aid
Iowa provides tuition assistance to children of certain Iowan Veterans, up through age 26. There are residency requirements.
Before September 11, 2001
- Dependents of Veterans who died in action or in the line of duty before this date receive up to $600 tuition assistance a year at a post-secondary state institution. Maximum benefit is $3,000
After September 11, 2001
- Children of Veterans who died in action or in the line of duty after this date receive up to $11,844.00 a year for tuition at a state post-secondary institution
National Guard Tuition Benefits
Iowa provides benefits to its National Guard members in good standing. They may receive up to $2,700 in tuition assistance per semester if enrolled in full time studies. Part-time students can receive tuition assistance in the amount of $196 per semester hour enrolled. Any Guard members who mobilize are eligible for a refund of their tuition.
IOWA VETERAN EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
Iowa give certain veterans who are honorably discharged a hiring preference when they apply for public jobs at the state, county or municipal level. Veterans receive five percentage points added to their examination scores. Veterans receiving a VA pension or who have a VA disability receive 10 percentage points.
IOWA VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Income Tax
The Hawkeye State does not tax active duty military pay or retirement pay.
Home Ownership Grants
Certain veterans can receive a $5,000 grant from the state of Iowa to help them buy a home in the state. To qualify, veterans must have been on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, OR for at least 90 days between August 2, 1990 and April 6, 1991. The qualifying home must be purchased after March 10, 2005.
Property Tax Exemption
Iowa Veterans who were on active duty during wartime or who served for at least 18 months during peacetime may qualify for a property tax exemption. This exemption lowers the assessed value of a qualified veteran’s personal residence for the purposes of paying reduced property taxes. This benefit has a value up to $1,852.
Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Tax Credit
Iowa gives a 100% property tax exemption to service-connected Veterans who are 100% disabled and to those receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Injured Veterans Grant Program
A $10,000 grant from the state of Iowa can be issued to active duty service personnel or discharged veterans who sustained serious combat-related injuries after September 11, 2001 in a combat theater of operations.
Iowa Veterans Trust Fund
This fund has emergency monies available to veterans in need due to unemployment or underemployment. Funds can be used for service-related causes, vehicle repairs, medical costs or housing. The Iowa Veterans Commission controls the trust fund and application process.
IOWA VETERANS RECREATION BENEFITS
Iowa resident veterans who are rated by the VA as service-connected at any level can get a lifetime hunting or fishing license for just $7.
IOWA VETERANS HOME
Iowa operates one Veterans Home in Marshalltown where both veterans and spouses are welcome. Qualifying Veterans must be honorably discharged. Cost is based on need and they say no one is turned away.
IOWA STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery can be the final resting place for all veterans, their spouses and dependent children, provided that the Veteran holds an honorable discharge. The cemetery is outside of Des Moines, near Van Meter. There is no fee for burial to the Veteran; spouses and children pay a $300 fee for internment.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs websit
