State file · NE
Veteran benefits in Nebraska
Nebraska offers military retirees a choice of income exclusions, a homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and four state veterans homes. Here is the terrain, category by category.
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Financial benefits
Retired military pay exclusions
Retirees can choose between a 40% exclusion of military retirement income for seven consecutive tax years or a 15% exclusion for all tax years beginning at age 67. The election must be made within two years of discharge, and Guard and Reserve members whose benefits do not begin immediately must elect within two years of retirement.
Nebraska Veterans' Aid Fund
Temporary emergency assistance for veterans, spouses, and dependents covering food, fuel, shelter, clothing, funeral, medical, and surgical items, with applications submitted through County Service Officers.
Homestead exemption
Veterans with a 100% disability rating and unmarried surviving spouses qualify for a property tax reduction, subject to income and home value limits.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 5.5%, counties may add up to 2.0%, and the current average is roughly 6.02%.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more receive free lifetime licenses, veterans age 64 and older pay $5, and active duty members stationed in Nebraska for 30 days or more buy at resident rates.
Deployed military permit
Residents deployed within the past 12 months can get an Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish Permit for $5, state stamps included.
Education programs
Tuition waiver for dependents
The University of Nebraska and state and community colleges waive tuition for eligible children of deceased or permanently disabled veterans.
Reservist tuition credit
Enlisted Nebraska reserve members are eligible for a 50% tuition credit at state and community colleges.
Veteran housing
Nebraska State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes operate in Bellevue, Norfolk, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff, serving honorably discharged veterans who require skilled nursing care; residents pay based on income.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans receive a 5-point bonus on employment examinations for state, county, and municipal positions, and veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and Reserve members.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Nebraska
Options include Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Omaha National Cemetery, and the Forest Lawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in Omaha.
VA resources in Nebraska
Lincoln Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Nebraska for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteGrand Island VA Medical Center
VA medical care in Grand Island, part of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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