Recognized Service Agencies and Organizations
- County Veterans Service Offices (VSO)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
- National Veterans Service Organizations
County Veterans Service Offices (VSO)
County VSOs are a veterans first stop for assistance. VSOs advocate for veterans and assist veterans and their dependents and survivors to access the benefits veterans earn through their service. There is a VSO in each county in Iowa. Though veterans have options for getting information and assistance with benefits, the county VSOs will have the most information and experience about benefits and programs that are available at the local level. The benefits and programs available to veterans at the county level will differ for each county. It is important that you talk with someone who understands the benefits available in your county in addition to the benefits available to you at the state and federal level. You can find contact information for your county VSO here.
VSOs are staffed by veterans services officers. Veterans services officers at the VSOs are trained and accredited by the VA or other recognized organizations to provide free assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The law does not allow a VSO to charge you a fee and a VSO will not charge you a fee.
VSOs help veterans and their dependents and survivors in many ways. They can answer questions, give advice, and share information. They can talk with individuals and groups about what benefits are available at the federal, state, county, or local level. Veterans can get help with questions about:
- Benefits
- Compensation
- Pensions
- Medical care
- Military records
- Grave markers and burial
- Home loans
- Education
- Training
- Employment
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health care
Some counties may also have money set aside to assist veterans with temporary housing, utilities, food, health needs, medical and dental needs, job placement, counseling, and transportation. This is why it is important to talk with someone who understands the benefits and programs available in your county. If you are not comfortable talking with someone at your county VSO or do not have a good experience there, contact the VA or a public contract representative with IDVA.
If you are looking for information about benefits and services or how to apply for them, it is important to make sure you are talking with someone who understands veterans benefits and is there to serve you. Watch out for organizations or groups who charge a fee to provide information or to assist you or tell you that they can get you more benefits or get your benefits more quickly if you pay their fee. Getting information about benefits and help applying for benefits is free to veterans as a part of their service.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is an agency of the federal government that provides benefits, health care, and cemetery services to military veterans. The VA also accredits, or recognizes, attorneys, claims agents, veterans service organizations, and veterans service organization representatives who are allowed by the VA to prepare, present, and prosecute claims for benefits. You can check if a person or organization is accredited here.
The VA provides information and assistance to veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors. Call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) to get information or help with veterans benefits and services directly from the VA. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, by chat, or by texting 838255. A list of all options for contacting the VA can be found here.
MyVA411 provides information on VA care, benefits, and services, including:
- Health care eligibility and enrollment.
- Information on VA benefits like disability compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loan guaranty, and burial scheduling and markers.
- VA facilities where you live or where you are traveling.
- Debt and payment options.
- Referrals to specialists during business hours.
- Immediate connection to the Veterans Crisis Line or the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for services and support.
For more information about the VA and VA benefits, visit the VA website.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
The IDVA provides veterans services through the Benefits Bureau, Iowa Veterans Home, and Iowa Veterans Cemetery. The IDVA has benefits specialists, accredited by the VA, who are experts in federal and state VA benefits and many other services. Though the IDVA can provide assistance to veterans, the IDVA recommends a veteran's first stop for information and help with questions be at the county veterans service office (VSO).
If needed, veterans may also get assistance from the IDVA Regional Office Public Contact Team. IDVA suggests scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment on the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA). You can also send a secure email message to: www.ask.va.gov. Reach the office by phone at 515-323-7464 (Des Moines area) or 319-338-0581 ext. 6244 (Iowa City area) or call the National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000. The National Call Center can help connect you to the Regional Office.
For more information about the IDVA and its services, visit their website.
National Veterans Service Organizations
There are over 100 VA-recognized, national veterans service organizations, which you can search for here. Each veterans service organization is different, but they all help veterans with the VA claims and benefits system and they help veterans connect with local facilities and programs. VA and the IDVA work most closely with these organizations:
- The American Legion - 515-323-7532 or 800-944-2039 or visit their website
- Veterans of Foreign Wars - 515-255-2139 or visit their website
- Disabled American Veterans - 515-323-7539 or visit their website
- Paralyzed Veterans of America - 515-323-7544 or visit their website
- Vietnam Veterans of America - 515-323-7547 or 800-410-7584 or visit their website