Nebraska offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Nebraska Veterans Homes
Nebraska boasts four veterans’ homes situated in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff.
Nebraska resident veterans with discharges other than dishonorable are qualified for admission provided they are disabled and require care.
Additionally, spouses and unmarried surviving spouses may meet eligibility criteria for admission.
Income requirements are applicable.
Nebraska Veterans Financial Benefits
Retired Military Pay
Retired pay is exempt from taxes but must be reported. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments are subject to taxation.
Nebraska Veterans’ Aid Fund
This fund provides temporary emergency assistance to veterans, their spouses, and dependents in the event of an unexpected emergency that disrupts their regular way of life and when other immediate resources are unavailable.
The aid can only be utilized for essential needs such as food, fuel, shelter, clothing, funeral expenses, medical, and surgical items. Applications must be submitted through the county or post service officer of any recognized veterans’ organization in the nearest county.
Nebraska Homestead Exemption
Completely disabled veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, along with their unmarried surviving spouses, may be eligible for a reduction in property taxes.
Additionally, unremarried surviving spouses of service members killed in action may qualify, subject to income and home value limitations.
Nebraska Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment Veterans Preference
Veterans with honorable discharges may receive a 5% addition to their score on employment testing. Disabled veterans are entitled to an additional 5% on top of that. Spouses of active duty members, those separated within 180 days, and spouses of veterans with a 100% disability rating may also be eligible.
This preference applies to all state, county, and municipal job positions.
Occupational Licenses
Veterans, active duty members, and their families may qualify for occupational licenses based on their military experience. They may also be eligible for accelerated and provisional license approvals.
Nebraska Veterans Education Benefits
Tuition Waiver
The University of Nebraska and all state and community colleges have the authority to waive tuition fees for qualifying children of veterans.
Children of veterans who died on active duty, as a consequence of active duty, or who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of active duty service may meet the eligibility criteria.
Reservist Tuition Credit
Enlisted members serving in Nebraska-based reserve units may qualify for a 50% tuition credit at state and community colleges.
Nebraska Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Nebraska resident veterans with a disability rating of at least 50% are eligible for complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.
Veterans aged 64 and above can obtain a hunting and fishing license for a nominal fee of $5.
Active duty members stationed in Nebraska for a duration of 30 days or longer are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Deployed Military Permit
Nebraska residents who have been deployed out of state within the past 12 months are entitled to a one-time Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish Permit for $5. This permit includes all necessary state stamps.
Nebraska Veterans Cemetery
Nebraska residents who have been deployed out of state within the past 12 months are entitled to a one-time Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish Permit for $5. This permit includes all necessary state stamps.
