Please visit the Program Policy and Procedures tab to view further guidelines regarding Temporary Emergency Assistance.

Chapter 35B of the Code of Iowa outlines the legal basis for the emergency assistance program. In Johnson County, the Veterans Affairs program is administered by the Veterans Affairs Director under the supervision of the Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Board of Supervisors. 

  1. Eligibility Requirements
    1. "Veteran" means a person residing in Johnson County for at least 30 days with the intent to remain and meets the criteria per Iowa Code § 35.1 (available online and in the VA office). A copy of the DD-214 must be provided.
    2. Emergency assistance aids indigent Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria and who have a household income level at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level Income Guidelines.
    3. Current bank statements for all of the household must be submitted to the Veterans Affairs Director before any assistance is provided.
    4. All assets belonging to the decedent and surviving immediate family members (parents, spouse, or children) who reside in the same household will be considered when determining eligibility.
       
  2. General Description
  • The next of kin must work with the funeral home to identify eligible burial and cremation expenses as well as submitting the application for burial assistance through Johnson County Veterans Affairs. The family of the decedent, or the person who has the right to control the final disposition of remains according to Iowa Code §144C.5 must contact Johnson County Veterans Affairs before making final burial/cremation arrangements. This notification is to determine the eligibility of the decedent for emergency assistance and to communicate the limitations of the assistance.
  •  
  • The Commission of Veterans Affairs may authorize a one-time payment for funeral expenses incurred by an eligible Veteran or an eligible dependent family member. This application must be signed by the applicant and Funeral Home Director. If an agreement with the funeral home is reached and signed on or before Veterans Affairs Assistance funding is approved by the Director of Veterans Affairs, the application and assistance will be denied.
  •  
  • Johnson County will provide payment directly to the Funeral Home from an itemized invoice. The invoice must include the decedent’s name and will be billed to Johnson County Veterans Affairs. The benefit and payment from Johnson County represents payment in full. Limitations of assistance are detailed as follows:
     
  1. Expenses
    1. Funeral service expenses for burial - up to a maximum benefit of $3,200. These expenses may include: funeral home services, memorial services, embalming, basic casket, grave liner, transfer of deceased to funeral home and cemetery, and preparation and filing of the death certificate.
    2. Funeral service expenses for cremation – up to a maximum benefit of $2,200. These expenses may include but are not limited to: funeral home services, memorial service, embalming, cremation, basic urn, transfer of deceased to funeral home, and preparation and filing of the death certificate.
    3. Eligible cemetery expenses (include on funeral invoice if applicable) – up to a maximum of $1,000.
      1. Plot purchase
      2. Grave opening/closing 

The Veterans Affairs Director will inform the decedent’s family of the option for burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, the National Cemetery in Keokuk, or the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Ill. 

All insurance proceeds, Veterans Affairs Federal burial reimbursement, Social Security death benefits, other financial resources, and assets of items purchased by family/friends of the decedent will be deducted from the total cost listed on the funeral service provider invoice. The Johnson County payment will be limited to this invoice. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs may provide a headstone or marker for the grave and a flag upon application from either the funeral director or the Johnson County Commission of Veterans Affairs, if eligibility requirements are met. 

Read a copy of the Burial and Cremation Policy and Procedures PDF document here.

The signed original agreement and the final funeral service provider itemized invoice must be submitted directly to the Johnson County Commission of Veterans Affairs Director for payment.

Johnson County Veteran Services 
855 S. Dubuque St
Suite B & C (Box #15)
Iowa City, IA 52240

Located in the Johnson County Health & Human Services Building.

Phone: 319-356-6049
Confidential Fax: 319-688-5849

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (By Appointment)