Veterans in Iowa

10 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

10 Resources

1. Iowa City VA Medical Center — Free

Full-service VA healthcare for Iowa veterans including primary care, specialty medicine, mental health, and inpatient services. Fathers who are veterans can enroll by providing DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation. Once enrolled, care is coordinated across the Iowa City hospital and affiliated community-based clinics. Most services are free or low cost depending on service connection and priority group. Central campus on US-6 West.

319-338-0581 · 601 US-6 W, Iowa City, IA 52246 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency providing benefits counseling, advocacy, and support programs for Iowa veterans and their families. Staff help fathers apply for federal VA benefits, state programs like Vietnam Veterans Bonus, and tuition assistance. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and relevant service records. County veteran service officers work with the state agency in all 99 counties. Main office on NW 70th Avenue at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

515-242-5331 · 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line – Iowa — Free

Free 24/7 confidential crisis line for veterans, service members, and their families staffed by responders, many with military backgrounds. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online to reach support. Fathers who are veterans in suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or struggling with PTSD can call anytime. No VA enrollment required. Callers can also be connected to local Iowa VA resources for follow-up care after a crisis.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Iowa Veterans Home – Marshalltown — Paid

State-operated veterans home providing residential long-term care, skilled nursing, and domiciliary services for eligible Iowa veterans and their spouses. Fathers who are veterans needing support with daily living can apply with DD-214, medical records, and income documentation. Fees are based on ability to pay. The Marshalltown campus offers medical, dietary, social, and spiritual care around the clock in a community-style environment.

641-752-1501 · 1301 Summit St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 · 24/7 residential · Visit Website

5. American Legion – Iowa Department — Free

Statewide veterans service organization with benefits support, claim assistance, and community programs. American Legion service officers help Iowa fathers who are veterans file VA disability claims, appeal denials, and access state benefits at no cost. Bring DD-214 and any prior claim paperwork when visiting. The Department headquarters is on Lyon Street in Des Moines with posts in most Iowa cities and towns statewide.

515-282-5068 · 720 Lyon St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. DAV Iowa — Free

Disabled American Veterans Iowa chapter providing free benefits assistance, VA claim filing, appeals support, and transportation to VA medical appointments. Fathers who are veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities, can meet with DAV service officers at the 30th Street office in Des Moines. Bring DD-214, medical records, and prior claim documents. Services are free and no DAV membership is required for benefits help.

515-699-5999 · 3600 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

7. VFW Iowa Department — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars Iowa Department providing advocacy, benefits assistance, and community support for veterans of combat and overseas service. Service officers help Iowa fathers who are veterans file VA disability claims, appeals, and state benefit applications at no cost. Bring DD-214 and prior claim paperwork when visiting. State headquarters on Grand Avenue in Des Moines with posts and auxiliaries across Iowa communities.

515-282-4142 · 2600 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

8. Iowa Workforce Development – Veterans Services — Free

State workforce agency offering priority employment and training services for Iowa veterans under Jobs for Veterans State Grants. Fathers who are veterans can access resume help, job leads, training referrals, and apprenticeship programs at IowaWORKS centers statewide. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and a resume or work history. Priority of service means veterans are seen first for workshops and employment referrals. Free to all qualifying veterans.

515-281-5387 · 150 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Council Bluffs VA Clinic — Free

VA community-based outpatient clinic offering primary care, mental health, and some specialty services for southwest Iowa veterans. Fathers who are veterans can enroll through the VA and request the Council Bluffs clinic as their home facility. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance information at enrollment. Care is free or low cost depending on service connection. The McPherson Avenue clinic works closely with the Omaha VA Medical Center.

712-323-0067 · 1800 McPherson Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Iowa National Guard Family Programs — Free

Support services for Iowa National Guard members and their families including deployment readiness, financial counseling, youth programs, and resilience workshops. Fathers in the Guard can connect to family assistance specialists for benefits info, childcare referrals, and crisis support. Services are free and confidential. Main office at Camp Dodge in Johnston, with outreach to armories statewide. Open to all active, reserve, and retired Guard families.

515-252-4419 · 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.