How to apply for Iowa Veterans Trust Fund emergency and hardship assistance

Who it's for

The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund helps Iowa veterans and their families with costs they cannot cover from other sources. It can help with vision, hearing, dental care, and prescription drugs; durable medical equipment; counseling and substance abuse services; unemployment or underemployment caused by service-related conditions; emergency vehicle repairs, housing repairs, and temporary housing; travel for medical care for wounded veterans; and job training. Veterans, their spouses and dependents, and unremarried spouses of deceased veterans can apply. Household income, including VA pension, VA disability pay, and Social Security, cannot be more than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the veteran's available cash and liquid savings cannot be more than $20,000 (home, car, life insurance cash value, and burial accounts are not counted). Apply through your County Veterans Service Office, which sends the application to the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs for a decision.

What you'll need

• Application for Veterans Trust Fund (from your county veterans affairs office)
• Proof of the expense and any other documents the commission asks for

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Veterans Trust Fund emergency and hardship assistance. 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 application for Veterans Trust Fund (from your county veterans affairs office), proof of the expense and any other documents the commission asks for — 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. Check that the need cannot be covered by another source. The fund only pays when no other source can meet the need.
2. Contact your County Veterans Service Office to start. You can also apply online or call 1-515-252-4698 for help.
3. Get the Application for Veterans Trust Fund from your county veterans affairs office.
4. Gather proof of the expense and any other documents the commission asks for.
5. Complete the application and submit it through your County Veterans Service Office.
6. Ask the office to send your application to the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs for a decision.

What to expect: After you apply, your County Veterans Service Office sends the application to the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, which makes the final decision. The commission may ask for more documents. Processing times can vary, so ask for an estimate when you apply. This is a one-time benefit for each need, so apply again if you have a new need later. Each type of help has its own limits.

Renewals

one-time (apply for each need)