State benefits
Iowa veterans are eligible for 9 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs and application paths.
9 programs7 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized skilled nursing and residential care
The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown is one of the largest state veterans homes in the nation, providing skilled nursing, residential care, and domiciliary services for eligible Iowa veterans.
Note: Located in Marshalltown. One of the largest state veterans homes in the US. VA per diem offsets costs.
Education
Value: Up to $11,844/year for children of post-9/11 KIA veterans
Iowa provides tuition assistance through the War Orphans Educational Aid Fund to children (up to age 26) of Iowa resident service members killed while serving or who died as a result of their service. For veterans killed in action after September 11, 2001, the benefit is up to $11,844 per year at an Iowa post-secondary institution. For pre-9/11 losses, the benefit is $600 per year (maximum $3,000 total).
Note: Dependent must be under age 26. Post-9/11 KIA dependents receive significantly more than pre-9/11. Can be combined with federal DEA (Chapter 35) benefits for additional support.
Employment
Value: 5–10 point hiring preference
Iowa grants veterans a 5-point preference on state employment examinations. Disabled veterans receive a 10-point preference.
Note: 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans.
Financial
Value: Up to $10,000 one-time grant for injured post-9/11 veterans
Iowa provides a one-time grant of up to $10,000 for Iowa veterans who were injured while serving on active duty after September 11, 2001.
Note: For post-9/11 veterans injured during active duty. One-time grant up to $10,000. Must have been Iowa resident at time of entering service.
Tax
Value: Full exemption on military retirement income
Iowa fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax starting with tax year 2023, providing significant annual savings for retired military personnel.
Note: Full exemption effective 2023. No cap. Claim on Iowa state return.
Value: $4,000 reduction in assessed value
All Iowa veterans who served during a qualifying period are eligible for a $1,852 exemption from their property's assessed value, reducing their annual property tax bill.
Note: Available to all wartime veterans regardless of disability. File with your county assessor. This stacks with the Disabled Veterans Homestead Tax Credit for 100%-rated veterans.
Value: Full property tax credit on homestead
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a homestead tax credit that eliminates property taxes on their primary residence. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Note: File with your county assessor by July 1. Surviving spouses retain this benefit if they do not remarry and continue to occupy the homestead. Must have the Iowa Homestead Tax Credit first.
Recreation
Value: $7 combination hunting and fishing license (vs $40+ standard)
Iowa resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability can purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for just $7.
Note: 50%+ disability gets $7 combination license. One of the best deals in the nation.
Other
Value: Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter provides burial at no cost for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children.
Note: Located in Van Meter near Des Moines. Free for veterans. Spouses and dependents also eligible.
“Full exemption effective 2023. No cap. Claim on Iowa state return.”
Questions
Iowa offers 9 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Financial, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many Iowa benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.
Most Iowa state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.
Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Iowa does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.
Applications for Iowa state benefits are typically submitted through the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.
Yes — Iowa has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.
Yes — Iowa offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.
Most Iowa state benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Most federal VA benefits require a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, but the GI Bill is stricter: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty requires an honorable discharge, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill ordinarily does too. With an other-than-honorable discharge, VA makes a character-of-discharge determination, and some benefits may still be available; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.
Agency · Healthcare benefit source — Iowa
Agency · Education benefit source — Iowa
Agency · Tax benefit source — Iowa
Agency · Recreation benefit source — Iowa
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
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