Summary: Iowa offers special benefits for its military service members and Veterans including Veterans Employment Assistance, War Orphans Education Aid, Special Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting, Fishing license and State Park privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.

State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

State Taxes:

Property Tax Exemptions: Certain National Guard service members and retirees are eligible for property tax exemptions.
Eligibility: A property tax credit is available to residents who are age 65 or older and whose total household income is less than $17,590.  A homestead tax credit is given to residents who live in the state for at least six months of each year and actually live on the property on July 1.

Veteran's Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption of $1,850 off the assessed value of their home.
Eligibility: Must have served anytime during wartime or a minimum of 18 months during peacetime to be eligible.

Retired Military Pay: Up to $12,000 can be excluded for joint filers and up to $6,000 for all other filing statuses for those who are 55 and older, disabled, or are a surviving spouse of the qualifying person.

Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.

VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes

Education Benefits:

Iowa National Guard Tuition Aid Program: Provides $2,700 per semester for full-time students, which equals full-time tuition at Iowa's public universities, and $196 per semester hour for part-time students. In addition, state schools will refund tuition to mobilized soldiers. Private school can also receive 50% tuition assistance not to exceed the Regents University tuition rate.
Eligibility: Present Iowa National Guard members in good standing.

Iowa War Orphans Education Aid: $600 maximum per year for tuition, matriculation and other fees, books, supplies, board, room and other expenses at and IA education institution or trade school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs Division (in addition to federal government benefits).  Maximum total $3,000 per student.  No income or age limitations.
Eligibility: Iowa resident for two years, Reserve components on active duty status and National Guardsmen on active duty included. No income or age limitations. Children of Veteran parents who died as a result of service between: 4/6/17 and 6/2/21; 9/16/40 and 12/31/46; 6/25/50 and 1/31/55; 8/5/64 and 5/7/75; or 8/2/90 (all dates inclusive). http://www.iowava.org/asp/orphan.asp

Employment Benefits:

Employment Assistance: State employee receives 15 days paid military leave per year.
Eligibility: State employees on orders for Annual Drill or active duty.

Veterans Employment Assistance: Veterans Employment Representatives are located throughout Iowa to assist Veterans with job counseling and placement information.
Eligibility: Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Compensation for State Active Duty Pay and Allowances: Minimum base pay of $100 per individual.
Eligibility: National Guard service members on state active duty.

Special Vehicle License Plates:

Veteran License Plate: The owner of a vehicle who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and was discharged under honorable conditions. A copy of the official military order, DD214 or other documentation approved by the Office of Veteran Affairs is required upon application. Applications will be approved by the Office of Veterans Affairs.  Fees as noted go to the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, a $35.00 initial fee for the Commission and a $10.00 annual validation fee for the Commission plus annual registration renewal fee. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

National Guard Member License Plate: Current members of the Iowa National Guard with certification by unit commander verifying current membership on the application. A $25.00 initial fee and $5.00 annual validation fee is required plus annual registration renewal fee. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Purple Heart License Plate: The owner of a vehicle who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal by the United States Government as a result of wounds received in combat against an armed enemy. A copy of the official government or military document verifying the receipt of the Purple Heart Medal is required upon application. A $25.00 initial fee and $5.00 annual validation fee plus annual registration renewal fee. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Ex-Prisoner of War (Ex-POW) License Plate: A motor vehicle owner or part owner who is a former prisoner of war. A surviving spouse may continue to use the plates. If the surviving spouse remarries, the plates need to be returned for regular plates. A copy of any official government or military document that verifies prisoner of war status or a signature of a witness is required. No initial fee, however a $15.00 annual registration renewal fee is required. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Silver Star Plate: The owner of a vehicle who was awarded the Silver Star by the United States Government. A copy of the official government or military document verifying the receipt of the Silver Star is required upon application. A $25.00 initial fee and $5.00 annual validation fee plus annual registration renewal fee is required. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Bronze Star Plate: Motor vehicle owner who has been awarded the Bronze Star by the United States Government. A copy of the official government or military document verifying the receipt of the Bronze Star is required. A $25.00 initial fee and $5 annual validation fee is required with annual registration renewal fee. Plates will be sent to your county treasurer's office and they will notify you when your plates are ready. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Congressional Medal of Honor Plates: Motor vehicle owners who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. A surviving spouse may continue to use the Congressional Medal of Honor plate. If the surviving spouse remarries, the plate needs to be returned. A copy of the official government document verifying receipt of the Medal of Honor must be submitted with the application. No initial or validation fees required.  Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Legion of Merit Plates: A vehicle owner who has been awarded the Legion of Merit as established by the Congress of the United States. A surviving spouse may continue to use the Legion of Merit plate. If the surviving spouse remarries, the plates shall be returned for regular plates. A copy of the official military order DD214 or other documentation approved by the Iowa Office of the Adjutant General verifying the receipt of the Legion of Merit. No initial or validation fees required. A $15.00 annual registration renewal fee must be paid.  Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Pearl Harbor Survivor: The owner of a vehicle who was a member of the Armed Services of the United States and stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. A copy of any official document verifying the applicant was a member of the Armed Services of the United States and stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 is required. A $25.00 initial fee and $5.00 annual validation fee as well as annual registration renewal fee. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Disabled Veteran License Plate: Seriously disabled Veterans that have been provided with vehicles by the U.S. Government qualify. No fee for the plates, available upon payment of initial cost of plate. You must submit a certification from the Veterans Administration that the motor vehicle has been provided to you by the United States government under the provisions of Sections 1901 to 1903, Title 38 of the United States Code. The certification is submitted to the county treasurer's office in the Veteran's county of residence when the motor vehicle is first registered. Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued. Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates.

Gold Star License Plate:  The owner of a vehicle must be a surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a deceased member of the United States Armed Forces who died while serving on "active duty" during a time of military conflict.  The application must be accompanied with satisfactory supporting documentation approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for approval before a plate can be ordered.  A $25 initial plate fee, $5 annual validation fee and an annual registration renewal fee is required.  Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued.  Current plates must be exchanged for new plates. 
Eligibility:  An owner who is the surviving spouse, parent, child or sibling of a deceased member of the United States Armed Forces who died while serving on "active duty" during a time of military conflict.

Retired Armed Services License Plate:  The owner of a vehicle must be retired from the United States Armed Services.  A $25 initial fee, $5 annual validation fee and an annual registration fee is required.  Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided and no refund issued.  Current plates must be exchanged for new plates. 
Eligibility:  Owners of vehicles who are recognized by the United States Armed Forces as retired from the United States Services.  A copy of the official government or military document confirming retirement is required.

Armed Forces License Plate:  The Armed Forces License Plate is available for the follow medals:  Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Airman's Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Medal or the Soldier's Medal by the United States government.  A $25 initial fee, $5 annual fee and an annual registration fee is required.  Plates must be assigned to a vehicle within 90 days or the plates will be voided an no refund issued.  Your current plates must be exchanged for your new plates. 
Eligibility:  A satisfactory copy of the official government or military document verifying the owner's receipt of the above named medal.

Health and Insurance Benefits:

Medical Benefits: Full coverage for injuries incurred in Line of Duty (LOD).
Eligibility: National Guard service member on State active duty.

Worker's Compensation: Same as State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard service member on State active duty.

Group Insurance: Iowa National Guard Association offers $5,000.00 for $2.00 per month; $10,000.00 for $3.66 per month; $15,000.00 for $5.33 per month; $25,000.00 for $7.00 per month and a family plan of $5,000.00 for a spouse and $1,000.00 each child for $3.33 per month; a new enlistment $10,000.00 for 1 year free, and $1,000.00 death gratuity for all Guard members.
Eligibility: National Guard service member.

Injury/Death Benefits: Same as worker's compensation.
Eligibility: Disease, injury or death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses:

Lifetime Hunting/Fishing license: Upon payment of $5.50, the Department of Natural Resources will issue a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license.
Eligibility: A resident of Iowa who is a veteran and is in receipt of a service-connected disability of at least 10%.  Veteran must have served a minimum of 90 days during peacetime or anytime during wartime, and be disabled or have been a prisoner of war during military service.  To qualify due to disability, the law requires that the veteran be entitled to compensation under the United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 11.  A copy of veteran's DD214 required for proof of aggregate of 90 days active federal service.  Veteran Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License

Miscellaneous Benefits: 

Veterans Trust Fund: During the 2007 Legislative Session, $500,000 was appropriated to the Veterans Trust Fund.  This brought the total amount in the fund to the $5 million threshold needed before the Iowa Veterans Commission can expend the interest.  The General Assembly has specifically addressed items that the trust fund can be used for and IDVA, along with the Iowa Veterans Commission, have adopted administrative rules for distributing these funds. 
Eligibility:  Beginning on November 28, 2007, the trust fund is available to provide assistance to veterans who meet specific income and asset limits (200% of poverty and less than $15,000 in savings) in the following areas:

• Travel expenses for wounded veterans directly related to follow-up medical care;
• Job training or college tuition assistance;
• Unemployment assistance during a period of unemployment due to prolonged physical or mental illness or disability resulting from military service;
• Dental, vision, and hearing assistance for veterans living in a long term care facility or under a home health care contract (further asset limits apply);
• Benefits for a child or children of a disabled or deceased veteran following September 11, 2001; and
• Individual or family counseling programs (further asset limits apply).

Also, funds are available for family and children support groups and honor guard reimbursement.  These options do not have financial limits.

Injured Veterans Grant Program:  The Injured Veterans Grant Program was created to provide immediate financial assistance to a veteran so that family members may be with the veteran during recovery and rehabilitation from an injury or illness received in the line of duty in a combat zone or in a designated hostile fire zone.  Since the program is retroactive, it is also intended to reimburse veterans injured after September 11, 2001.  Grants are paid by the department in increments of $2,500 up to a maximum of $10,000.

Iowa State Veteran Home: The third largest state-owned facility for Veterans in the nation. The campus spans over 150 acres, a staff count more than a thousand people, and a resident population includes more than 700 people. Presently, the home provides personalized medical, nursing, rehabilitative care, mental health, pharmacy and dietary services, along with many other services. All the services help make the lives of our residents engaged and fulfilling.
Eligibility: Admissions to the Iowa Veterans Home are limited to honorably discharged Veterans eligible for care and treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. The spouse of a Veteran or widowed spouse of a Veteran shall be eligible for admission, based on the eligibility of the living or deceased Veteran spouse, in accordance with the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC). The individual shall have met the residency requirements of the state of Iowa on the date of admission to the Iowa Veterans Home. Spouses must be married to a Veteran for at least one (1) year before the date of application. Certification of residency is required by the County Commission of Veteran Affairs.

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery: The Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC) is the first state-owned and operated veterans' cemetery in the State of Iowa located 10 miles west of Des Moines.  The cemetery serves the veteran population throughout the state and provides sufficient burial space for more than twenty years (first phase).  When construction is complete, any eligible veteran, their spouse and eligible dependents may be interred at the cemetery.
Eligibility:  State residency will not be a prerequisite to be interred at the cemetery.  Any honorably discharged veteran, their spouse and eligible dependents may be interred at the cemetery.

Grave Headstones and Markers: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will furnish an appropriate marker for the graves of eligible Veterans buried in private cemeteries.
Eligibility: Veterans whose deaths occur on or after September 11, 2001, regardless of whether the grave is already marked with a non-government marker. Application must be submitted by the next of kin, funeral director or cemetery representative, along with a copy of the Veteran's military discharge documents, to request a Government-provided headstone or marker.

Military Service Member Homeownership Assistance:  The Iowa Legislature created the Military Service Member Homeownership Assistance Program in 2005 to help eligible members of the armed forces to purchase qualified homes in Iowa through matching grants.  A grant under the Program is a dollar-for-dollar match of the service member's contribution, up to $5,000.  This program is administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.

Vietnam Conflict Veteran's Bonus:  In 2007, the Iowa legislature passed Senate File 578 "Vietnam Conflict Veterans Bonus".  It will cover the period from July 1, 1973 to May 31, 1975 for those individuals whose time of service in the U.S. military fall between that period of time and were from Iowa prior to going into the service.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Awareness Campaign 2006:  The Iowa General Assembly allocated funds to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis program to create a hepatitis C virus (HCV) awareness campaign for Iowa veterans. The objective of the awareness campaign is to reach veterans in Iowan who are not already accessing hepatitis services through the Veterans Affairs (VA)  medical system.

Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in Iowa

Active Duty:

Army
Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA area: http://www.ria.army.mil/sites/local/

National Guard:

Iowa National Guard Joint Headquarters http://www.iowanationalguard.com/
Camp Dodge Johnston TS, Johnston, IA: http://www.iowanationalguard.com/CampDodge/Default.htm
For ID Cards and DEERs enrollment call the Armory in Johnston, IA at (515) 252-4413.

Iowa Army National Guard:  http://www.iowanationalguard.com/ARNG/Default.htm

Iowa Air National Guard:  http://www.iowanationalguard.com/ANG/Default.htm

United States Army Reserve (USAR):

Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 89th RRC: http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/USARC/RRC/0089RRC/0089_RRC_Overview.htm

Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Iowa:

VA Medical Centers
Des Moines: Des Moines Division - VA Central Iowa Health Care System
Iowa City: Iowa City VA Medical Center
Knoxville: Knoxville Division - VA Central Iowa Health Care System

Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Bettendorf: Bettendorf VA Clinic
Dubuque: Dubuque VA Clinic
Fort Dodge: Fort Dodge VA Clinic
Mason City: Mason City VA Clinic
Sioux City: Sioux City VA Clinic
Waterloo: Waterloo VA Clinic

Veteran Centers
Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids Vet Center Satellite
Des Moines: Des Moines Vet Center
Sioux City: Sioux City Vet Center

Resources

Public Law 107-103, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001

http://www.gibill.va.gov/links.htm#State

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=Iowa

http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/outreachpublic/ia.html

http://education.military.com/Education/Content?file=ncenplns.htm#Iowa

http://www.iowava.org/asp/employment.asp

http://www.iowava.org/asp/services.asp

http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate1.html#IOWA

http://www.1800gogaurd.com/benefits/index.php

http://www.iowava.org/

http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/plates/index.htm

Document Review Date: 30 January 2008