Nebraska Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Nebraska, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Nebraska veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Nebraska's central location and affordable cost of living, combined with full military retirement pay exemption and property tax relief for disabled veterans, make it an increasingly attractive option for veterans. The state's support infrastructure, anchored by Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, provides a solid foundation of resources.
Getting help in Nebraska
Accredited claims help
Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs
Phone: (402) 420-4021
3800 Village Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Nebraska is required by law to have a veterans service office.
County & Tribal Veterans Service Offices
Financial help: the Nebraska Veterans' Aid Fund — a county veterans service officer or another accredited service officer starts your application, and the state director decides it
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full homestead exemption for 100% service-connected or IU-rated veterans
Honorably discharged veterans drawing VA compensation for a 100% permanent service-connected disability, or a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability, are exempt on the full taxable value of the homestead (the residence and up to one acre), with no income or value limit (Neb. Rev. Stat. 77-3506). Veterans with a temporary 100% rating get the same exemption but apply every year. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans, or spouses who remarry after age 57, also eligible. A home substantially contributed by the VA for a paraplegic veteran or multiple amputee is also exempt. File Form 458 with the county assessor after February 1 and on or before June 30. Separately, veterans totally disabled by a non-service-connected accident or illness may qualify for an income-limited exemption.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Nebraska fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free lifetime hunt/fish/fur harvest permit for 50%+ disabled veterans
Nebraska residents deemed 50 percent or more disabled (service-related), or 100 percent disabled (non-service-connected) and receiving a VA pension, are eligible for a Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee, which includes all state stamps. Resident veterans 64 and older can buy an annual small game hunt/fish/fur harvest permit for $5, and honorably discharged resident veterans can get a free one-day hunt permit and stamps for Veterans Day.
Education Benefits
Waiver of tuition at University of Nebraska for dependents of KIA/disabled veterans
Nebraska provides tuition waiver for dependents of veterans who died or became disabled in service.
Employment & Hiring Preference
5%/10% score bonus in state and local government hiring
Nebraska grants 5% score bonus to veterans and 10% to disabled veterans in state and local government competitive exams. Nebraska Department of Labor provides dedicated veteran employment representatives.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free lifetime entry permit for 50%+ disabled veterans
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides free lifetime state park entry permits for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Nebraska Veterans Homes
Nebraska operates 4 Veterans' Homes (Norfolk, Bellevue, Kearney, Scottsbluff) providing assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to roughly 110,000 veterans, with the largest concentration in the Omaha metro area near Offutt Air Force Base — home to U.S. Strategic Command. The Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System provides VA medical care through facilities in Omaha and Grand Island. Nebraska operates four state veterans homes (Norfolk, Kearney, Scottsbluff, and the Eastern Nebraska Veterans' Home in Bellevue). In each Nebraska county, a county veterans service committee appoints the county veterans service officer, subject to the county board's confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Veteran Benefits
Does Nebraska offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full homestead exemption for 100% service-connected or IU-rated veterans. Honorably discharged veterans drawing VA compensation for a 100% permanent service-connected disability, or a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability, are exempt on the full taxable value of the homestead (the residence and up to one acre), with no income or value limit (Neb. Rev. Stat. 77-3506). Veterans with a temporary 100% rating get the same exemption but apply every year. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans, or spouses who remarry after age 57, also eligible. A home substantially contributed by the VA for a paraplegic veteran or multiple amputee is also exempt. File Form 458 with the county assessor after February 1 and on or before June 30. Separately, veterans totally disabled by a non-service-connected accident or illness may qualify for an income-limited exemption.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Nebraska?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Nebraska fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Nebraska offer veterans?
Waiver of tuition at University of Nebraska for dependents of KIA/disabled veterans. Nebraska provides tuition waiver for dependents of veterans who died or became disabled in service.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Nebraska?
Free lifetime hunt/fish/fur harvest permit for 50%+ disabled veterans. Nebraska residents deemed 50 percent or more disabled (service-related), or 100 percent disabled (non-service-connected) and receiving a VA pension, are eligible for a Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee, which includes all state stamps. Resident veterans 64 and older can buy an annual small game hunt/fish/fur harvest permit for $5, and honorably discharged resident veterans can get a free one-day hunt permit and stamps for Veterans Day.
Does Nebraska give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
5%/10% score bonus in state and local government hiring. Nebraska grants 5% score bonus to veterans and 10% to disabled veterans in state and local government competitive exams. Nebraska Department of Labor provides dedicated veteran employment representatives.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Nebraska?
Nebraska Veterans Homes. Nebraska operates 4 Veterans' Homes (Norfolk, Bellevue, Kearney, Scottsbluff) providing assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Nebraska?
Free lifetime entry permit for 50%+ disabled veterans. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides free lifetime state park entry permits for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Nebraska benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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