The Iowa Military Property Tax exemption reduces a Veteran's assessed home value for property taxes.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for the Iowa Military Property Tax Exemption the applicant must be an Iowa resident and meet one of the following requirements: Honorably discharged Veteran, who served a minimum of 18 months, or served less than 18 months and was discharged due to a service-connected injury, or; Former or Current service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves or Iowa National Guard who served at least 20 years, or; Service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves or Iowa National Guard who served on federal active duty (not for training) for a minimum of 90 days, or; Former reserve component service member whose enlistment would have occurred during the Korean Conflict but chose to serve five years in a reserve component, or; Honorably discharged Veterans who served during a qualifying period of service (refer to the application for a list of qualifying periods of servic
How to apply
Armed Forces Reserves or Iowa National Guard who served on federal active duty (not for training) for a minimum of 90 days, or; Former reserve component service member whose enlistment would have occurred during the Korean Conflict but chose to serve five years in a reserve component, or; Honorably discharged Veterans who served during a qualifying period of service (refer to the application for a list of qualifying periods of service), or; Family member of an eligible Veteran: Spouse; Surviving
Iowa offers a 100% property tax credit for homesteads owned by eligible Veterans and the surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran. The Veteran must own and occupy the property as a homestead on July 1 of each year, declare residency in Iowa for income tax purposes, and occupy the property for at least six months each year. Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and nursing home residents who do not occupy the home are also eligible. This exemption is limited to a maximum size of 1/2 acre when the home and outbuildings are located within a city limit. For properties located outside…
Who qualifies
Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA, or Veterans who have a total and permanent disability rating based on individual unemployability that is paid at the 100% disability rate are eligible. An unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased disabled Veteran receiving Dependency Indemnity Compensation from the VA also qualifies. Surviving spouses may continue to receive the credit as long as they continue to live on the homestead. All claims must be filed on or before July 1 and must include a and a DD214. Tax credit applications are filed with the county or city tax assessor.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Military retired pay, that is included in federal gross income, is exempt from Iowa income tax. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include: Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families; Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living; Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or; Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program; See for more information.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty, or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Iowa State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities
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SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Iowa.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Iowa Tax Exclusion for Withdrawals from Retirement Plans for Reserve Component Service Members Called to Active Duty
Any veteranTaxes & pay
National Guard service members called to federal or state active duty, or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members called to federal active duty can make a withdrawal from a qualified retirement account that is not subject to Iowa income tax or state tax penalty. Federal Taxes will still apply.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
Veteran Designation on Iowa Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
Any veteranVehicles
Honorably discharged Veterans may request a Veteran designation on their Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID card.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, Veterans must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (not for training) for 90 or more days and received an honorable discharge. Veterans are required to provide a copy of their DD214 as proof of eligibility. To apply Veterans must first have their certified by an Iowa County Veterans Service Office. After having their application certified they can apply for the Veteran Designation at any Iowa Driver’s License Service Center.
How to apply
To apply Veterans must first have their certified by an Iowa County Veterans Service Office. After having their application certified they can apply for the Veteran Designation at any Iowa Driver’s License Service Center.
Active duty service members, honorably discharged Veterans, and disabled Veterans who have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from certain : Service members and honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for a fee exemption for a chauffeur (Class D) or commercial license (Class A, B, or C CDL); Veterans who have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating are eligible for a fee exemption for an operator license (Class C noncommercial) or a motorcycle license (Class M or endorsement L); Service members will be required to…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Active duty service members, honorably discharged Veterans, and disabled Veterans who have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from certain : Service members and honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for a fee exemption for a chauffeur (Class D) or commercial license (Class A, B, or C CDL); Veterans who have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating are eligible for a fee exemption for an operator license (Class C noncom
Service members or Veterans who received the Medal of Honor are eligible for the Iowa Medal of Honor license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of official documentation verifying they received the Medal of Honor. The Iowa Medal of Honor License plate may be requested with the branch of service of the applicant. Personalized plates are not available. Numbered Plate Fee: No initial fee; No annual renewal fees; An unremarried surviving spouse may continue to use the Medal of Honor license plate after the death of the Veteran. Vehicles displaying this license plate are authorized free…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Service members or Veterans who received the Purple Heart are eligible or the Iowa Purple Heart license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of official documentation verifying they received the Purple Heart. Numbered Plate Fee: One set free; Additional sets $25; $5 annual validation fee; Annual registration renewal fee; Personalized Plate Fee: One set for $25; Additional sets $50; $5 annual validation fee; Annual registration renewal fee; Vehicles displaying this license plate are authorized free parking in city-owned or operated parking lots, or city-metered parking spaces in Iowa.…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
A disabled Veteran who received a specially adapted vehicle from the U.S. Government is eligible for the Iowa Disabled Veteran license plate. This license plate is exempt from all fees for one vehicle provided by the U.S. government. Personalized plates are not available. Applicants must provide certification from the VA that their vehicle is specially adapted and provided by the U.S. Government. Vehicles displaying this license plate are authorized free parking in city-owned or operated parking lots, or city-metered parking spaces in Iowa. Veterans must apply for this license plate at…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans must apply for this license plate at their local .
Honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for the Iowa Veteran license plate. National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members must have served at least 90 days on active duty (other than for training), or have 20 years of service, were discharged under honorable conditions and be eligible for military retired pay at age 60. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, or other documentation such as WD AGO form 53-55 approved by the IDVA, that show the dates of service and a discharge under honorable conditions. Numbered Plate Fee: One set…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Family members of service members who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of military conflict, or who died as a result of that service are eligible for the Iowa Gold Star Family license plate. The owner of the vehicle must be a surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased service member. Applicants must provide official documentation showing their relationship to the deceased service member and official documentation that the service member died as a result of their military service. Numbered Plate Fee: One set free; Additional sets at…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Iowa Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans
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Resident Veterans who have been awarded a service-connected disability rating by the VA can receive a lifetime hunting or fishing license for $7.
Who qualifies
To qualify, the Veteran must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, received an honorable discharge and was awarded a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Documentation requirements and submission instructions are listed on the application.
How to apply
Documentation requirements and submission instructions are listed on the application.
Reduced Fee Iowa Annual Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Veterans
Any veteranOutdoors & parksSource-checked
Resident Veterans who received an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a $7 annual hunting and fishing license.
Who qualifies
To qualify, the Veteran must have served on active duty (other than for training) in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge and has been a legal Iowa resident for at least 90 days. Veterans will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 when they apply. Application and documentation submission instructions are located at the bottom of the application. For more information, please call 515-725-8200.
How to apply
Veterans will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 when they apply. Application and documentation submission instructions are located at the bottom of the application.
Reduced Fee for Iowa Lifetime Trout Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans
100% P&TOutdoors & parks
Iowa Resident Veterans who have a 100% total and permanent, service-connected disability rating from the VA, or declared individually unemployable and paid at the 100% rate are eligible for a $65 lifetime trout license. To prove eligibility Veterans can provide a copy of their Iowa Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Credit from their , or a letter from the VA stating they are 100% totally and permanently disabled or that they have been declared individually unemployable and paid at the 100% rate. Application and documentation submission instructions are located at the bottom of the…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Application and documentation submission instructions are located at the bottom of the application.
Iowa Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
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The Iowa Operation Recognition Program will issue an honorary high school diploma to eligible Veterans who did not complete high school (in Iowa) due to enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces. Honorary diplomas may be issued posthumously.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged Iowa Veterans who served during the following time periods are eligible: April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918 (World War I); September 16, 1940, through December 31, 1946 (World War II); June 25, 1950, through January 31, 1955 (Korean Conflict); February 28, 1961, through May 5, 1975 (Vietnam Conflict); For more information, please call 800-838-4692, or 515-252-4698.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Branstad-Reynolds, Children of Fallen Iowa Service Members Scholarship Fund
Any veteranEducationFor family
The Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship fund provides 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 may be used to pay for the costs of tuition, books, fees, housing, special tools, and equipment required for coursework, school-approved tutoring, and any other required educational expenses. Once all educational expenses are met, any remaining funds are released to the student to cover other expenses as needed. This is a state funded program and may be used in…
Who qualifies
Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements: Children of service members who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; Deceased service members must have met the following requirements: Resident of Iowa at the time of entering the U.S. Armed Forces and at the time of death; Death does not have to be combat-related; ; Student is attending or will attend an Iowa post-secondary educational institution; For more information, please call 800-838-4692, or 515-252-4698. Completed applications can be mailed to: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Attn: Children of Fallen Iowa Service Members Scholarship 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Camp Dodge, Building 3465 Johnston, IA 50131
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Iowa Workforce Development through the IowaWORKS Centers offer services that connect Veterans, service members separating from the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible family members with resources and career opportunities. Veteran Career Planners coordinate services provided to eligible applicants within the IowaWORKS system. Some of the services provided are: Develop individual employment plan; Résumé building and translation of military skills into civilian equivalent; Referrals to partner programs; Assistance with internet-based job searches; One-on-one career and job counseling; Labor…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information, please complete the registration on the to be contacted by a Veteran Career Planner, or visit the nearest .
Iowa offers Veteran hiring preference when hiring for state employment including state departments, county governments, city governments, and school districts. Veterans will have five percentage points added to passing examinations for hiring. Five additional percentage points are added to passing examinations if the Veteran has a service-connected disability, or is receiving compensation, disability benefits, or a pension from the VA. Veterans Preference points are added to the final scores and are used to rank applicants for interview selection. This preference is not available for…
Who qualifies
To be eligible, service members or Veterans must meet one of the following requirements: Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge; Service member or honorably discharged Veteran who served in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves on federal active duty for 90 or more days (other than for training); Service member or honorably discharged Veteran who served in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves for at least at least 20 years; To be eligible for the additional five points Veterans must have a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability benefits, or a pension from the VA. Veterans who received the Purple Heart are also considered eligible. For more information, please contact the Iowa Department of Employment Services, Veterans Employment Representative at 515-725-5452.
How to apply
For more information, please contact the Iowa Department of Employment Services, Veterans Employment Representative at 515-725-5452.
Iowa private employers are authorized by law to implement a hiring and promotion preference for Veterans and eligible spouses.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, service members or Veterans must meet one of the following requirements: Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge; Service member or honorably discharged Veteran who served in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves on federal active duty for 90 or more days (other than for training); Service member or honorably discharged Veteran who served in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves for at least at least 20 years; For a spouse to be eligible they must meet one of the following requirements: Spouse of Veteran who has a compensable, permanent, service-connected disability rating from the VA or a military retirement board; Surviving spouse of a service member who died while serving on active duty during wartime, or as a result of that service
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Home Base Iowa connects Iowa businesses with qualified Veterans and their spouses looking for career opportunities. The program also provides resources to help connect Veterans and their families with higher education institutions, community information, and Veteran friendly employers. For more information, please use the .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund provides financial assistance to Veterans and their families. Funds can be used for: Unemployment or underemployment assistance due to service-related causes; assistance with vision, hearing, dental care; Durable medical equipment; Prescription drugs; Counseling and substance abuse services; Vehicle repairs; Housing repairs; Transitional housing in an emergency; All trust fund expenditures must be approved through the Iowa Veterans Commission. For more information and to apply please contact the nearest Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) County Veteran…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information and to apply please contact the nearest Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) County Veteran Service Office.
The Iowa Injured Veterans Grant Program provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance to injured service members or discharged Veterans so family members may be with them during their recovery.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for a grant, the service member or Veteran must meet one of the following requirements: Iowa resident who is or was a service member serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time after September 11, 2001, and if discharged or released it must have been under honorable conditions, or; Nonresident of Iowa who is or was a member of the Iowa National Guard who served on active duty at any time after September 11, 2001, and if discharged it must have been under honorable conditions; In addition, an eligible service member or Veteran must meet all the following conditions: Received a combat-related injury in a combat zone or hostile fire zone; Combat-related injury must have been serious enough to require medical evacuation from the combat zone to a military hospital, or the injury required at least 30 consecutive days of hospitalization at a mil
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Iowa Veterans Home, located in Marshalltown, is a long-term health care facility providing multiple levels of care for honorably discharged Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and Gold Star Parents. The Iowa Veterans Home provides the following services: Clinical Services: Pharmacy services; Physical, speech, occupational, and respiratory therapies; Laboratory services; X-Ray; Electrocardiogram; Prosthesis (including dentures); Eyeglasses; Hearing aids; Immunizations; Health care supplies; Oxygen; Nutritional supplements; Non-Clinical Services: Recreational services; Chaplain…
Who qualifies
Iowa resident honorably discharged Veterans, their spouse, surviving spouse and Gold Star parents who require nursing or residential care are eligible for admission to the Iowa Veterans Home. Spouses must be married to a Veteran for at least one year before the date of application. Surviving spouses must have been married at least one year before the date of the Veteran’s death. Gold Star parents are the parents of a U.S. Armed Forces service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of military conflict, or as a result of that service. For more information, please contact the admissions coordinator at 800-645-4591, or 641-753-4325. Submission instructions and required documentation are listed on the application. Iowa Veterans Home 1301 Summit Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 Phone: 641-752-1501 Email: idva@iowa.gov
How to apply
Spouses must be married to a Veteran for at least one year before the date of application. For more information, please contact the admissions coordinator at 800-645-4591, or 641-753-4325. Submission instructions and required documentation are listed on the application.
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery located 10 miles west of Des Moines, near Van Meter, offers a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members. Burial options include in-ground burial of caskets and cremated remains, and above ground placement of cremated remains in a columbarium niche. A standard government upright granite headstone or niche marker is provided at no cost. Veterans are buried at no charge; eligible family member burials are charged a $300 fee.
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the Iowa Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can be viewed at the . The following are the general eligibility requirements: Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or; Died while serving on active duty, or; Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or; Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify); Spouses and children (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disa
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Military Homeownership Assistance Program
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The IFA Military Homeownership Program provides eligible service members and Veterans a $5,000 grant for down payment and closing costs on a qualifying home purchase. The funds may be used with the and the .
Who qualifies
To be eligible applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Served at least 90 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between August 2, 1990, through April 6, 1991, or September 11, 2001, to present, and received a discharge other than dishonorable Active duty service does not need to be consecutive; Inactive duty training, annual training and active duty for training does not count toward the active duty requirement; ; Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA, and served on active duty between August 2, 1990, through April 6, 1991, or September 11, 2001, to present and received a discharge other than dishonorable; The surviving spouse of an eligible service member or Veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable; Other requirements: Receive prior approval before closing on a qualified home; Must use an IFA participating or facilitatin
How to apply
Armed Forces between August 2, 1990, through April 6, 1991, or September 11, 2001, to present, and received a discharge other than dishonorable Active duty service does not need to be consecutive; Inactive duty training, annual training and active duty for training does not count toward the active duty requirement; ; Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA, and served on active duty between August 2, 1990, through April 6, 1991, or September 11, 2001, to present and rec
Deadline
Armed Forces between August 2, 1990, through April 6, 1991, or September 11, 2001, to present, and received a discharge other than dishonorable Active duty service does not need to be consecutive; Inactive duty training, annual training and active duty for training does not count toward the active duty requirement; ; Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA, and served on