Iowa's Veterans Benefits—What They Are and How to Claim Them

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Iowa's Veterans Benefits—What They Are and How to Claim Them

Our military personnel do a lot to defend our borders, thus ensuring our safety and security. It is, therefore, no wonder that the federal and state governments accord them the benefits they more than deserve. If you reside in Iowa and have served in the military, there is absolutely no reason the should pass you by.

DoNotPay makes it their business to navigate the bureaucracy that characterizes the military to ensure that you get the benefits that you are fully entitled to.

Benefits for Veterans in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs provides the following benefits.

Assistance in HomeownershipThe state avails a $5,000 grant to veterans purchasing a home in Iowa. One must have served on or after September 11, 2001, or at least 90 days between August 2, 1990, and April 6, 1991, and bought a home after March 10, 2005.
Property Tax ExemptionVeterans who were on active duty during a war period or served for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime are eligible for a $1,852 reduction in home value for property tax purposes.
Income Tax Exemptions Survivor benefit payments, retired pay, and active duty pay are all exempt from taxes by the state government.
Injured Veterans Grant ProgramService members or discharged veterans that sustained serious combat-related injuries in military operations after September 11, 2001, are eligible for up to $10,000.
Education
  • The war orphans’ educational aid avails up to $11,844 annually in tuition assistance for children of Iowa veterans killed in action following September 11, 2001. Children up to age 26 studying at an Iowa post-secondary institution qualify for this aid. Dependents of veterans who died in action before September 11, 2001, qualify for between 600 and 3,000 annually.
  • An honorary high school diploma is available to veterans who did not complete high school in Iowa as a result of being enlisted for armed service.
  • The Branstad-Reynolds scholarship fund provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children of service members who die in an active military status after September 11, 2001.
Iowa Trust FundThe government of Iowa has a trust fund that caters to veterans in need of unemployment or underemployment help due to service-related causes. The fund enables access to dental care, prescription drugs, counseling services, vehicle repair, house repair, and more.
Iowa Veterans Cemetery Honorably discharged veterans are entombed at no fee at this cemetery, while dependents and spouses are buried for a $300 fee.
Disabled Veterans Homestead Tax Credit Veterans who sustained service-related disabilities qualify for a 100% exemption from property taxes.
Special License PlatesVeterans who were honorably discharged can purchase special veteran license plates for an additional fee through the Iowa Department of Transportation.

How to Access Iowa Veteran Benefits by Yourself

Most of these benefits fall under different state government departments and programs. A look at the veteran affairs website reveals that one is therefore tasked with applying for each benefit at a time which can be hectic because each benefit has a form that has to be filled out and furnished with the relevant supporting documents. Failure to enter the correct details might see you experience a delay in receiving the benefits that you are entitled to.

Next Steps for Accessing Iowa Veteran Benefits if You Can’t Do It Yourself

Due to the numerous application forms that need to be filled out, one might need to contact the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs for a sit-down and advice on how to go about the entire process. They will look and follow up on your application process or point to someone that may be of assistance. However, the whole process might take time. Due to the busy schedule of these, staff may not be in a position to look into your applications or offer an immediate response.

DoNotPay, however, simplifies all this by allowing you to apply for any you are eligible for without much of a hassle.

Accessing Iowa Veteran Benefits Using DoNotPay

Applying for Iowa veterans benefits can be a hassle, especially if you seek multiple benefits since there are many forms to be filled out and many supporting documents that need to be attached. One also needs to be careful as a single error in the application process can delay or deny benefits that should come your way.

If you want to find veterans benefits in Iowa but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps.

1. Search for and open the Military Protection product on DoNotPay.

2. Select whether you want to 1) locate the nearest VA office, 2) access veteran benefits, or 3) locate service records.

3. Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to help you and find the nearest office or fill out the appropriate forms.

DoNotPay can help you maneuver the application process for all veteran benefits including:

  • Death benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Home loans
  • Benefits for assisted living
  • Benefits for disabled benefits
  • Burial benefits
  • Education benefits
  • Pension benefits

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Catering to the welfare of our veterans by enabling access to their benefits is just one of the many services we provide. We can also help you:

  1. Advance Health Care Directive
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Sign up with DoNotPay to enjoy these and other services in a fast, easy and successful way.

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