Polk County Commission on Veteran Affairs provides assistance to veterans, their families, and dependents residing in Polk County.


Assistance is available in the following areas:

Food Assistance (includes "Personal Care Items")

Temporary financial assistance may be provided to qualified applicants.

Temporary Financial Assistance

Temporary financial assistance may be provided to qualified applicants receiving food stamps to use for personal care items.

IN ALL CASES THE VETERAN OR THE VETERAN’S SPOUSE MUST SIGN UP FOR FOOD STAMPS AND PROVIDE PROOF OF ELIGIBLITY BY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, PRIOR TO RECEIVING FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM THE COMMISSION.

Shelter Assistance

Temporary financial assistance may be provided to qualified applicants.

In all cases a budget will be completed to determine eligibility and amount veteran maybe eligible to receive.

Utility Assistance

Temporary financial assistance may be provided to a qualified applicant.

Transportation Assistance

Indigent local medical transportation assistance may be granted by issuing MTA bus tokens and or Greyhound bus ticket. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided to an eligible person, for the purpose of receiving emergency medical care at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics or at the V.A. Medical Centers at Iowa City or Knoxville. A voucher to a local vendor shall be used for such assistance.

Medical Assistance

Assistance shall be allowed for prescription medications, sensory aids, medical equipment and supplies for an eligible person. Other medical programs providing these services shall be utilized prior to the Commission authorizing assistance for these items. Eye care may be allowed, but only by utilizing a program authorized by the Commission of Veteran Affairs.

Funeral Expenses

Funeral expenses up to a maximum of $2,000.00 shall be allowed on behalf of an otherwise qualified veteran, spouse or minor child not over eighteen years of age. Any assistance shall be paid directly to the funeral home, mortuary or funeral director for funeral cost. Any assistance provided for funeral expenses shall not affect the number of month’s eligibility for temporary financial assistance for food, shelter, and utilities.

Markers for Graves

The Commission may furnish a suitable and appropriate metal marker at a cost not exceeding the amount set by the Code of Iowa for the grave of each honorably discharged veteran.