Iowa Veteran Benefits
Iowa offers comprehensive benefits to veterans and their families, including full education support, property tax exemptions, and one of the most veteran-friendly retirement tax policies in the nation. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) oversees coordination with County Veteran Affairs offices statewide.
________________________________________🎓 Education & Tuition Assistance• Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship:Pays up to 100% of tuition at eligible Iowa colleges for active Guard members.🔗 https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov | ☎ (877) 272-4456• War Orphans Tuition Assistance:Children of Iowa veterans killed in action or 100% SC disabled due to combat receive tuition assistance up to $11,198/year. 🔗 https://va.iowa.gov/education | ☎ (800) 838-4692• Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship Fund:Financial aid for children of fallen Iowa service members. 🔗 https://www.ilegion.org/scholarships | ☎ (800) 365-8387• High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans:WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans may apply for an honorary diploma if they left high school to serve.🔗 https://va.iowa.gov/education | ☎ (800) 838-4692________________________________________
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💰 Property Tax & Financial Relief
• Military Property Tax Exemption:
All honorably discharged veterans qualify for a $1,852 reduction in taxable home value.
🔗 https://tax.iowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-3114
• Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit:
Full exemption for 100% SC disabled veterans and former POWs.
🔗 https://tax.iowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-3114
• Military Retirement Income Exemption:
Iowa fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax for veterans and surviving spouses.
🔗 https://tax.iowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-3114
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🧰 Employment & Licensure Support
• Veterans’ Preference in Hiring:
5–10 point preference for honorably discharged veterans and certain spouses in state/local government jobs. 🔗 https://workforce.iowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-9336
• Home Base Iowa (HBI):
Statewide initiative to connect veterans with job offers, housing, and local incentives in over 100 HBI Communities. 🔗 https://www.homebaseiowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-3031
• Military Training Credit for Licensure:
Military experience may count toward licensure in nursing, HVAC, plumbing, and other skilled trades.
🔗 https://idph.iowa.gov | ☎ (515) 281-7689
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🌲 Outdoor Recreation & Vehicle Benefits
• Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License ($7):
Available to Iowa residents with at least a 0% SC disability.
🔗 https://www.iowadnr.gov | ☎ (515) 725-8200
• State Park Admission for DAV Plate Holders:
Free access to state parks for veterans displaying Disabled Veteran license plates.
🔗 https://www.iowadnr.gov | ☎ (515) 725-8200
• Specialty Military Plates:
Includes Veteran, Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and more.
🔗 https://iowadot.gov/mvd | ☎ (515) 237-3110
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🏠 Veterans Homes, Cemeteries & Local Services
• Iowa Veterans Home (Marshalltown):
One of the largest state-run veterans homes in the U.S. offering long-term care, therapy, and rehab.
🔗 https://ivh.iowa.gov | ☎ (641) 752-1501
• Iowa Veterans Cemetery (Van Meter):
Free burial for eligible veterans and low-cost interment for spouses.
🔗 https://va.iowa.gov/veterans-cemetery | ☎ (515) 996-9048
• County Veterans Affairs Offices:
Located in all 99 counties to assist veterans with claims, records, education, and referrals.
🔗 https://va.iowa.gov/counties | ☎ (800) 838-4692
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🧠 Iowa Veteran Factoid
Iowa’s Home Base Iowa initiative is one of the nation’s leading public-private veteran employment programs, offering county-level cash bonuses, mortgage support, and job matching services in over 100 certified communities.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and veteran education outreach.
🔗 For corrections and updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro