State Benefit·Iowa·💼Employment

Veteran Employment Preference (Home Base Iowa)

Preference in hiring for state positions over equally qualified non-veteran applicants.

Verified May 12, 2026againstdas.iowa.gov

Who qualifies

Veterans
  • Available to any veteran
  • Honorable discharge required
  • Iowa residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Iowa agency.

Open application

Details

Eligibility

Honorably discharged veteran (general or uncharacterized discharges do NOT qualify). Includes Reserve/National Guard members with 20+ years of service after January 28, 1973, and activated service members (90+ days) discharged honorably or retired. Iowa residency requirement does NOT apply for Chapter 35C purposes.

Covers

5 preference points in hiring for state, county, municipal, and school positions. 10 points for veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, or those receiving VA disability compensation. Per Iowa Code Chapter 35C. Private employers as "Home Base Iowa Businesses" may also offer additional preference.

How to apply

Submit DD-214 (and VA letter for 10 points) to DASHRE.info@das.iowa.gov before the job posting closes. Apply through state employment channels or visit homebaseiowa.gov.

Always confirm current rates and rules with the Iowa state agency before applying.

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