An estimated 98,571 veterans live in Nebraska, making up 6.6% of the state's population or the 30th-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Nebraska Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Military retirement pay is tax free. Survivor Benefit Plan payments follow federal tax rules.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Follows federal tax rules.
Nebraska Veteran Property Taxes
Totally disabled veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge and their unmarried surviving spouses may receive a reduction in property taxes. Unremarried surviving spouses of members killed in action may also qualify. However, there are income and home value limits.
Nebraska Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
Enlisted members of Nebraska-based reserve units may be eligible for a 50% tuition credit at state and community colleges.
Military Dependent Education
Children and spouses of a veteran who died of a service-connected illness or injury receive a tuition waiver for base fees only; that does not include laboratory fees, athletic tickets or student union fees, etc. The waiver is valid for one degree, diploma or certificate from a community college and one baccalaureate degree.
Nebraska Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans with passing scores on all parts of an exam or numerical scoring receive 5% added to their passing score if claimed, with disabled veterans receiving an additional 5%.
Veterans and active-duty members may be eligible to receive occupational licenses based on their military experience. They may also be eligible for expedited and temporary license approvals.
Military Spouse Employment
The veterans hiring preference extends to spouses.
Nebraska Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Nebraska's four veterans homes are in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk and Scottsbluff. Nebraska resident veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharges are eligible. The veteran must be disabled and needing care. Spouses and unmarried surviving spouses may also be eligible for admission. There are income requirements.
Homeless Veterans
No specific benefits.
Adaptive Housing
No specific benefits.
Nebraska Veteran Financial Assistance
The Nebraska Veterans Aid (NVA) Fund is a temporary emergency aid fund to assist veterans, spouses and dependents in the event of an emergency. Aid is for food, fuel, shelter, transportation and apparel, as well as funeral, medical and surgical items.
Nebraska Veteran Legal Assistance
The Civil Clinic at the University of Nebraska College of Law offers services to veterans.
Nebraska Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Resident veterans with at least a 50% service-related disability, or a 100% non-service-related disability, and who receive a federal Department of Veterans Affairs pension are eligible for a free Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee.
Resident veterans 64 and older receive the Veteran's Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit for $5.
Active-duty members stationed in the state for 30 days or more can buy hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Parks/Camping
Active-duty service members stationed in Nebraska may buy an active-duty military vehicle park entry permit to access more than 76 state parks year-round. Cost for the annual permit, valid Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 in a given year, is $5.
Resident veterans with at least a 50% service-related or 100% non-service-related disability, and who receive a pension from the federal VA, are eligible for one perpetual Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Park Entry Permit at no fee.
Nebraska Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-provided transportation benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Nebraska Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Nebraska operates a veterans cemetery in Alliance. Veterans and their dependents are eligible for burial at no charge. Eligibility requirements are the same as those of federal veterans cemeteries.
More Information
Visit the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information about any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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