This Veterans Day, we’re thankful for some additional help that Iowa provides to those who have served. It’s an Iowa success story that not every state has.
I’m talking about the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund (IVTF), which was created here in Iowa to provide additional help to veterans and their families beyond federal veterans benefits. It feels good to know that Iowa has a solution like this in place and we have the opportunity to be a part of it.
A portion of the proceeds raised from the sale of lottery tickets in Iowa goes to the IVTF each year. Since lottery proceeds were first dedicated to that cause in 2008, the Iowa Lottery has raised nearly $37.4 million for the IVTF.
If you’re an Iowa veteran or the family member of an Iowa veteran and you’re looking for more information about the IVTF, you can visit va.iowa.gov and click on the Trust Fund link under the Benefits tab.
There, you’ll find the categories for assistance through the fund as well as a copy of the application form. You’ll need to start an application for assistance from the Trust Fund at your local County Veterans Office. (There is a veterans office in every county in Iowa.)
While the Iowa Lottery raises money for the Veterans Trust Fund, applications for assistance through the fund are approved by the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs. Click on the video above to hear two long-time members of the commission share the story of their own service and why the IVTF matters so much to them.
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