Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs

Cornhusker Commitment: Nebraska's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Nebraska demonstrates a strong and steadfast commitment to its veterans, offering a variety of benefits designed to support their financial stability, health, and quality of life. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA), these programs provide significant advantages to those who have served. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and crucial life-altering support.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of veteran support, this benefit provides a full exemption from property taxes on the primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or those rated as individually unemployable. This can save eligible homeowners thousands of dollars annually, offering profound and lasting financial security.
2. Nebraska Veterans' Aid (NVA) Fund: A critical and unique safety net, the NVA fund provides temporary emergency assistance to veterans, their spouses, and dependents when faced with unforeseen hardship. The fund can help with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and other necessities, offering a vital lifeline during a crisis.
3. Nebraska Veterans' Homes: With four modern facilities across the state in Bellevue, Grand Island, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff, Nebraska offers high-quality, affordable long-term care. These homes provide skilled nursing, memory care, and domiciliary services in a veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
4. Tuition Waiver for Dependents: Nebraska provides a full waiver of tuition at any University of Nebraska campus, state college, or community college for the dependents of veterans who died in service, are permanently and totally disabled, or are listed as a POW/MIA. This powerful benefit removes the financial barrier to higher education for families who have sacrificed so much.
5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for public employment. Five preference points are added to the application scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
6. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: As of 2022, Nebraska completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
7. Free Park Permits, Hunting, and Fishing Licenses: Nebraska honors its resident disabled veterans with free access to recreational opportunities. Veterans rated 50% or more disabled and all recipients of the NVA fund are eligible for a free lifetime park entry permit. Veterans rated 50% or more disabled can also receive a free annual hunting and fishing license.
8. Nebraska Veterans' Cemeteries: The state operates a beautiful Veterans' Cemetery in Alliance, providing a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, interment, and perpetual care at no cost to the family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
9. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Nebraska driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state as a gesture of appreciation.
10. Waiver of Tuition for Veterans: The Nebraska Reservist Tuition Credit program provides a partial tuition credit at state colleges and universities for enlisted members of a Nebraska-based unit of the active selected reserve, helping to make higher education more affordable for those who continue to serve.

These premier benefits showcase Nebraska's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County or State Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor
PO Box 95083
Lincoln, NE 68509-5083

Phone: 402-471-2458 

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory