Veterans' Guide to Retiring in Iowa

Although Iowa doesn't have many major military installations, the state does offer some retirement perks for military veterans. Here are several programs veterans retiring to Iowa may want to check out:

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The Injured Veterans Grant -  Iowa injured veterans can apply for an Injured Veterans Grant of up to $10,000, if they sustained serious combat-related injuries after Sept. 11, 2001.
Homeowner Assistance  - You may eligible for a $5,000 homeowner assistance grant to buy a home in Iowa, if you served on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001 and meet other requirements.
Property Tax Exemption  - Your assessed home value could be reduced for property tax purposes by $1,850 if you qualify for the property tax exemption benefit. Visit the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs website for details.
Disabled Veteran's Homestead Tax Credit  - The Disabled Veteran's Homestead Tax Credit provides 100 percent exemption of property taxes for 100 percent disabled service-connected veterans.
Military Tax Exemption  - The military tax exemption prevents federal retirement pay received for military service and survivor benefits from being taxed for state individual income tax.
Veterans' License Plates and IDs  - Honorably discharged veterans can request the "Veteran" designation on their license plate and driver's license.
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses  - Qualifying veterans can receive a lifetime hunting or fishing license for a $7.

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Iowa Veterans Trust Fund  - Vets can apply for trust-fund assistance for unemployment or underemployment related to service-related causes. The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund also helps with medical needs, substance-abuse services, housing repair and emergency housing. Trust fund expenditures must be approved through the Iowa Veterans Commission.
Iowa Veterans' Home -  The state runs a Veterans' home in Marshalltown with 113 residential and 642 nursing beds. Cost is based on need, and spouses may be eligible for admission.
Iowa Veterans Cemetery  - The Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 10 miles west of Des Moines, is available to all veterans, their spouses and dependent children for burial. Honorably discharged veterans will be interred at no charge while spouses and dependents can be buried for a relatively inexpensive fee.

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