Veterans Benefits Services Disclosure

The 2015 Iowa General Assembly unanimously passed opens in a new windowHouse File 414opens PDF file  on 17 March 2015. Governor Branstad signed the legislation on 24 April 2015. This bill requires that private individuals or businesses offering to help veterans get their benefits for a fee must give all prospective clients a written statement disclosing that veterans may apply for these same serves at no charge through a local service organization or county veterans affairs offices.  Before entering into an agreement or contract, the veteran must sign a veterans disclosure statement. (See attachment on right side of page.) The statement has been coordinated with the Consumer Protections Division, Iowa Department of Justice.

Any individual who violates these requirements faces a maximum civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation.  Any civil penalties recovered will be deposited in the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.