How to apply for County veterans office and help (Commission of Veteran Affairs) — Shelby in Iowa

Who it's for

The Shelby County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Shelby County Veteran Services Office helps veterans and families with VA disability compensation, pension, death and burial benefits and state services. The county-funded Shelby County Veteran's Relief program gives emergency help with basic needs (rent, utilities, food, medical needs and burial) to resident veterans. You must have an honorable, under-honorable-conditions or general discharge (a DD214 is required), live in Shelby County, meet county income guidelines, and have emergency needs that cannot be met another way. Call or email to request an application; return it in person by appointment, by mail, by email, or in the drop box at the southeast basement entrance of the courthouse. Visit the office at Room 109 in the basement of the Shelby County Courthouse, 612 Court St., Harlan, or call 712-755-3907.

What you'll need

• DD-214 (discharge papers)
• Call or email the office to request the relief application

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about County veterans office and help (Commission of Veteran Affairs) — Shelby. 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 (discharge papers), call or email the office to request the relief application — 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.

Renewals

none