As of April 24, 2015, the state of Iowa enacted a new law that combats financial advisors, insurance companies and others from charging veterans and their families for services many VA county offices can provide for free. Please click the “Resources” tab and look under Veterans for a disclosure form that must be presented to anyone being asked to pay for services in applying for VA benefits.

The Veterans’ Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that some may not be aware of. This Improved Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted living communities also qualify.

This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. This is a “pension benefit” and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home or assisted living community.

Contact

  • Nicole Kehres
    Director of Linn County Veterans Affairs
    319-892-5160

  • Gary Boseneiler
    Director of Johnson County Veterans Affairs
    319-356-6049

Veterans Benefits Services Disclosure

Read This Before You Agree To Pay For Help In Obtaining Veteran Benefits

If you are thinking about paying someone for help in obtaining veterans benefits, please carefully read the following DISCLOSURE:

Veterans benefits services are offered at no cost by federally chartered veteran service organizations and by county commission of veteran affairs offices.

  • If you answered NO, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs urges you to consider contacting these free resources, before you pay for services.

    Because free help is available, anyone wishing to charge you for services related to obtaining veterans benefits must obtain your signature on this form. Do not sign this form or sign any agreement to pay for services if you wish to contact free help first.

    Remember:

    •You are not required to pay for assistance in obtaining veterans benefits.

    •You are not required to sign this form in order to obtain your veterans benefits

  • By my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this document.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Reference: Iowa House of Representatives File 414, signed into law by Governor Terry E. Branstad, 24 April 2015.
If you need help locating a veteran service organization or county office, or have questions about obtaining veterans benefits, contact:
Download Veteran’s Services Disclosure