How to apply for Free veterans benefits and VA claims help in Iowa (County Veterans Service Offices and IDVA)

Who it's for

Every Iowa county has a County Veterans Service Office, 99 in all, each with one or more accredited County Veteran Services Officers (CVSOs). They give personal help with veterans benefits: filing VA disability compensation and pension claims, applying for the Iowa Veterans Home, the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, property tax benefits, and other state programs. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs also runs two Iowa Veterans Benefits offices (Camp Dodge and downtown Des Moines) with benefits specialists and veteran service officers, and keeps Iowa veterans' discharge records. Veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and family members can get help. Start with your County Veterans Service Office, or call the IDVA Iowa Veterans Benefits Office at 515-252-4698.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other discharge paperwork, if you have it
• Call to ask what else to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Free veterans benefits and VA claims help in Iowa (County Veterans Service Offices and IDVA). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dD-214 or other discharge paperwork, if you have it, call to ask what else to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Start with your County Veterans Service Office for one-on-one help with veterans benefits and claims.
2. Call the Iowa Veterans Benefits Office at 515-252-4698 if you want help by phone or need help finding where to start.
3. Gather your DD-214 or other discharge paperwork, if you have it.
4. Call ahead to ask what else to bring for your claim or application.
5. Work with an accredited service officer to prepare and file your claim or application for the benefit program you need.
6. Submit your claim or application through the service office or benefits office with the help of the service officer.

What to expect: After you apply, a service officer can help you prepare and file your claim, but the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the state program makes the decision. This help is free. Processing times vary, so ask the office for an estimate and for any next steps.