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Iowa Veteran benefits

23 benefits from Iowa for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Iowa

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 515-252-4698 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Iowa's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

23 benefits

Property tax

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit

    A 100% property tax credit on the homestead of a veteran with a total service-connected disability. It also covers unemployability-rated veterans and certain surviving spouses receiving DIC.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Iowa resident veteran with a 100% permanent service-connected disability rating (or individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate), or an unremarried surviving spouse receiving DIC, who owns and occupies the homestead on July 1 and occupies it at least six months a year.
    How to apply
    File Form 54-049, Application for Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit, with the city or county assessor on or before July 1; VA benefit letter and DD214 required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Service Property Tax Exemption

    Reduces the taxable value of a qualifying veteran's property by a set dollar amount. It applies to veterans of wartime service or at least 18 months of peacetime active duty, and to certain Guard/Reserve members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably separated, retired, furloughed to reserve, placed on inactive status, or discharged veteran as defined in Iowa Code 35.1(2)(a) or (b); Guard/Reserve members activated 90+ days also qualify.
    How to apply
    File Form 54-146, Application for Military Service Property Tax Exemption, with the city or county assessor on or before July 1; claim continues without refiling while eligible.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit for Surviving Spouses

    Surviving spouses of disabled veterans receiving DIC can receive a 100% property tax credit on their homestead. The credit covers the entire property tax bill subject to homestead size limits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse of a disabled veteran receiving DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) who owns and occupies the homestead and remains unmarried. Must meet Iowa Code chapter 425 homestead exemption requirements.
    How to apply
    File Form 54-049 (Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit Application) with county or city assessor on or before July 1. Include VA DIC letter and DD-214 if available.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Active Duty Military Pay Exemption

    Pay received by service members on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces is not taxed by Iowa. Combat zone or hazardous duty pay excluded from federal AGI is likewise exempt from Iowa income tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident and nonresident service members serving on active duty; combat/hazardous duty zone exclusion applies to resident service members whose pay is excluded from federal AGI.
    How to apply
    No separate filing is required beyond excluding the pay on the Iowa individual income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exclusion

    Iowa excludes military retirement pay included in federal taxable income from state individual income tax, regardless of the taxpayer's age. Survivor Benefit Plan payments to a surviving spouse or beneficiary are also excluded.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any resident or nonresident taxpayer who received retirement pay from the federal government for service in the armed forces, armed forces reserves, or national guard, or a surviving spouse/beneficiary receiving Survivor Benefit Plan payments.
    How to apply
    Claim the exclusion on the Iowa individual income tax return (IA 1040); no separate application required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plate

    A seriously disabled veteran who received federal financial assistance to purchase a specially adapted vehicle is eligible for a DV plate and exemption from annual registration fees on that vehicle.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran who received federal financial assistance for purchase of a vehicle under Title 38 U.S. Code Sections 3901-3904; eligibility is tied to the specific vehicle that received the assistance.
    Got VA money (the VA auto grant) to buy a specially adapted vehicle
    How to apply
    Apply through your county treasurer's office with VA certification of the automobile grant.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 38 U.S.C. 3901-3904.

  • No rating needed

    Military Driver's License Fee Waiver

    Active duty military members, honorably discharged veterans, and veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating are exempt from certain driver's license fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty military members; honorably discharged veterans; veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating.
    How to apply
    Request the waiver at a DMV location when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, providing proof of service or disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Allows honorably discharged veterans to have a 'veteran' marker placed on their Iowa driver's license or ID card so they can be identified as a veteran without carrying military paperwork.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran with a DD214 showing honorable character of service and at least 90 days of active duty (not for training).
    How to apply
    Bring DD214 (Member 4) to a DMV location, or have a County Veterans Affairs office complete DOT Form 432035 and bring it to a DMV location; fee is $10 if added outside of a renewal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran License Plate

    Iowa offers a special Veteran license plate for honorably discharged veterans, with a portion of the fee credited to the Veterans License Fee Fund. Various military-honor specialty plates are also available.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran as defined in Iowa Code 35.1; some plates also available to qualifying National Guard/Reserve members.
    How to apply
    Apply at your county treasurer's office or through a County Veterans Affairs office with a DD214; issuance fee for the first set of plates has been eliminated.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • No rating needed

    Annual Hunting/Fishing License for Resident Armed Forces Veteran

    A low-cost annual hunting and fishing (or combo) license available to Iowa resident veterans who served on federal active duty, regardless of disability status.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Residents of Iowa who served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty.
    How to apply
    Submit a one-time application (Form 542-1411) with a copy of the DD214 to the Iowa DNR.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans/POWs

    Iowa DNR issues a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for a small one-time fee to Iowa residents who served on active federal service and were disabled or held as a prisoner of war during their military service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Iowa resident who served on active federal duty in the U.S. armed forces and either has a VA service-connected disability rating or was a POW. Must have lived in Iowa at least 90 days.
    How to apply
    Submit DNR Form 542-1412 with a DD214 and current VA disability letter to the Iowa DNR.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 11.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship for Fallen Service Members

    Post-secondary educational scholarships for children of service members who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. Scholarships cover tuition, books, fees, housing, tools, and equipment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Children of military service members who died while in active military status after September 11, 2001. Non-resident children of Iowa service members killed in action also eligible.
    How to apply
    Submit application through the scholarship administrator at the educational institution. Annual deadline is December 31.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship (INGSS)

    Pays tuition costs directly to eligible Iowa colleges and universities for Iowa Army and Air National Guard members, up to a maximum award set annually and up to a lifetime credit-hour cap. It does not cover fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Iowa resident, active member of the Iowa Army or Air National Guard who has completed initial entry training; must file FAFSA and be enrolled at an eligible Iowa institution; adjutant general determines eligibility.
    How to apply
    File FAFSA and the Iowa Financial Aid Application (IFAA) by July 1 for fall or December 1 for spring through ICAPS.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    War Orphans Educational Assistance

    Provides a modest annual education benefit, with a lifetime cap, for children of veterans who died in active military service prior to September 11, 2001. Funds cover tuition and related expenses at educational or vocational institutions.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Children of veterans who died on active military service before September 11, 2001; benefit is administered under Iowa Code chapter 35A.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs / county veteran service office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Preference in Public Employment

    Iowa law gives veterans preference in appointment and employment over other applicants of no greater qualifications for jobs in every public department, public works, and in counties, cities, and school corporations of the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who are citizens and residents of the United States, as defined in Iowa Code section 35.1 (residency requirement in 35.1 does not apply for this preference).
    How to apply
    Submit a copy of your DD214 (or NGB 22) showing character of discharge to the hiring agency's human resources office when applying.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Targeted Small Business (TSB) Certification for Service-Disabled Veterans

    Certifies small businesses majority-owned, operated, and managed by service-disabled veterans (along with women, minorities, and people with disabilities) to help them access state contracting opportunities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Business located in Iowa, operated for profit, with less than $4 million in gross income averaged over the preceding three fiscal years, and at least 51 percent owned, operated, and managed by a service-disabled veteran.
    How to apply
    Complete the online TSB certification application through the Iowa Economic Development Authority portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Honor Guard and Funeral Honors Reimbursement

    Iowa pays veterans groups that give military funeral honors at a veteran's funeral. It pays $50 for basic honors and $100 for full honors. A group can get up to $2,000 in 12 months. It does not pay when federal money is available. This is for veterans groups, not families.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans organizations providing military funeral honors to eligible veterans.
    How to apply
    The veterans group sends one Honor Guard Reimbursement form with receipts to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. It covers July 1 to June 30. The deadline is July 31.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Iowa Veterans Cemetery Burial

    Eligible veterans are interred free of charge, including a standard headstone/niche marker, at the state-run Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Spouses and dependent children may also be buried there for a set interment fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, or who served at least 20 years in the National Guard/Reserves qualifying for retired pay (or would have except for death before age 60); Iowa residency is not required.
    How to apply
    Complete the Iowa Veterans Cemetery eligibility application, either pre-need or at time of need, through the cemetery office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Iowa Veterans Home

    A state-operated long-term care facility in Marshalltown providing nursing and residential care for aged, chronically ill, or disabled veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents. Cost of care is based on individual income and assets under Medicaid guidelines.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans; dependent or surviving spouses married to the veteran at least one year before applying; Gold Star parents; applicants must meet Iowa residency requirements at time of admission and need residential or nursing care.
    How to apply
    Apply through your County Commission of Veterans Affairs referral or contact the IVH Admissions Coordinator directly.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Homeownership Assistance Program (MHOA)

    The Iowa Finance Authority gives eligible service members and veterans a grant toward down payment and closing costs on a home purchased in Iowa. It can be combined with FirstHome or Homes for Iowans loan programs. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service member/veteran with 90 days of active duty between August 2, 1990-April 6, 1991 or September 11, 2001-present (cumulative allowed), a federal-status injured service person in those periods, or an eligible surviving spouse with a discharge other than dishonorable; home must be primary residence in Iowa.
    How to apply
    Apply through an IFA-participating lender using an IFA first mortgage program; funds subject to availability.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Injured Veterans Grant Program

    Provides immediate financial assistance, paid in $2,500 increments up to a maximum, to help family members be with a veteran recovering from a combat or hazardous-duty related injury sustained after September 11, 2001.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service members or veterans seriously injured in the line of duty in a hazardous-duty-pay area after September 11, 2001; veteran remains eligible after discharge so long as still receiving related medical treatment or rehabilitation.
    How to apply
    Submit the Iowa Injured Veteran Grant Application with required documentation (DD214, medical evacuation records) to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Iowa Veterans Trust Fund

    Provides emergency financial assistance to Iowa veterans for needs such as unemployment/underemployment assistance, vision/hearing/dental care, medical equipment, prescriptions, counseling, vehicle repairs, housing repairs, and transitional emergency housing.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Iowa veterans (as defined by Iowa Code) facing qualifying hardships; expenditures approved through the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Iowa National Guard State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

    Offers Iowa National Guard members group life insurance coverage, including a base amount at no cost, with additional no-cost coverage for new recruits during their first year if enrolled within a set window.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current members of the Iowa National Guard; new recruits enrolling within 180 days of joining qualify for enhanced first-year coverage.
    How to apply
    Enroll through your Iowa National Guard unit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.