Life insurance options for Iowa veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in Iowa
VA national cemeteries
- Keokuk National Cemetery — Keokuk
State veterans cemeteries
- Iowa Veterans Cemetery — Adel
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration — Find a Cemetery: Iowa
Iowa state benefits for veterans
Each county commission of veteran affairs is responsible for burying a veteran, or a veteran's spouse, surviving spouse or child, who died without enough means to pay funeral expenses, up to an amount set by the county board of supervisors. Source: Iowa Code §35B.14
Veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating, or a permanent and total rating based on individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate, receive a homestead credit equal to the entire property tax on their home. Source: Iowa Code §425.15 — Disabled veteran tax credit
Honorably discharged veterans are interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at no charge; spouses and dependents are buried for a $300 fee. Source: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs — State Benefits
The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund can help eligible veterans with needs such as vision, hearing and dental care, prescription drugs, vehicle and housing repairs, and emergency transitional housing; apply through a county veteran service officer. Source: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs — State Benefits
Veterans who served at least 18 months on active duty may qualify for a military property tax exemption that lowers their home's assessed value by up to $4,000. Source: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs — State Benefits
For help applying, contact the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Iowa.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in Iowa?
Iowa has 1 VA national cemetery and 1 state veterans cemetery, including Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan Iowa veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in Iowa?
Veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating, or a permanent and total rating based on individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate, receive a homestead credit equal to the entire property tax on their home.
Check veteran optionsDoes Iowa pay a burial benefit for veterans?
Each county commission of veteran affairs is responsible for burying a veteran, or a veteran's spouse, surviving spouse or child, who died without enough means to pay funeral expenses, up to an amount set by the county board of supervisors.
Check veteran options