Nebraska offers a comprehensive suite of benefits for veterans, ranging from housing assistance and financial support to educational benefits and employment services. Here’s an overview of key benefits available to veterans in Nebraska:
Housing and Financial Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Nebraska operates veterans homes in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff, offering care for veterans and their spouses under certain eligibility requirements.
- Retired Military Pay: Retirement pay is tax-exempt in Nebraska, though SBP payments are taxable.
- Nebraska Veterans’ Aid Fund: Provides temporary emergency aid for unforeseen emergencies disrupting normal living conditions, available for food, fuel, shelter, and other needs.
- Nebraska Homestead Exemption: Offers property tax reduction for totally disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses.
- Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption: Provides a tax exemption for one motor vehicle owned and used for personal transportation by a disabled or blind veteran.
Educational Benefits
- Tuition Waiver: Available for eligible children of veterans, covering tuition at the University of Nebraska campuses, Nebraska state colleges, and Nebraska community colleges.
- Nebraska Reservist Tuition Credit Program: Offers a 50% tuition credit for active Selected Reserve members at approved colleges.
- Operation Recognition: Awards high school diplomas to qualifying wartime veterans who left high school to serve and did not graduate due to their military service.
Employment Benefits
- State Employment Veterans Preference: Grants an additional 5% to the score on employment testing for honorably discharged veterans, with another 5% for disabled veterans. This benefit extends to spouses of active duty members, those separated within 180 days, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans.
- Occupational Licenses: Veterans, active duty members, and their families may receive occupational licenses based on military experience, with expedited and temporary license approvals.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting & Fishing Licenses: Free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses are available for Nebraska resident veterans who are at least 50% disabled. Veterans aged 64 and older can acquire licenses for $5, and active duty members stationed in Nebraska can purchase licenses at the resident rate.
Veteran Cemetery
- Nebraska Veterans Cemetery: Located in Alliance, offers burial for veterans and their dependents at no charge, with eligibility requirements mirroring those for federal veterans cemeteries.