Summary: Nebraska offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including veterans Emergency Assistance, Nebraska Homestead Exemption, Nebraska State Tuition Waiver, Dependents of POW/MIA or Deceased Veterans' Special Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting and Fishing licenses. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Taxes:
Retired Military Pay: Follows federal tax rules.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Nebraska Homestead Exemption: A homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the valuation of the homestead from taxation. The maximum exemption is the taxable value of the homestead up to $50,000 or 100 percent of the county's average assessed value of single family residential property, whichever is greater. The homestead maximum value is $110,000, or 175percent of the county's average assessed value of single family residential property, whichever is greater. The exempt value will be reduced by ten percent for each$2,500the assessed value exceeds the maximum value up to $20,000 over the maximum value.
Eligibility: A veteran must have received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions. There are three categories of veterans' exemptions: A wartime veteran drawing compensation from the Department of Veterans' Affairs because of a 100 percent disability that was service-connected, a wartime veteran totally disabled by a non-service connected illness or accident, and a veteran whose home is substantially contributed to by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. This homestead is 100 percent exempt regardless of homestead value and income level. The veteran must also own and occupy the homestead January 1 through August 15 and file an application or status certification and an income statement with the county assessor after February 1 and on or before June 30 each year.
Education Benefits:
Waiver of Tuition: The University of Nebraska, the state colleges, and community colleges on behalf of any eligible child, spouse, widow or widower that meets the following requirements may waive tuition.
Eligibility: He or she is a resident of this state and meets the appropriate institutions requirements for paying in-state tuition. He or she has a parent, stepparent or spouse who was a member of the armed forces of the United States and who: (1) Died of a service connected disability; (2) Died subsequent to discharge as a result of injury or illness sustained while in service; (3) Is permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service; (4) Is classified as missing in action or as a prisoner of war during armed hostilities after August 4, 1964. The waiver shall be valid for one degree, diploma, or certificate from a community college and one baccalaureate degree. Applications are submitted to the Department of Veterans' Affairs by contacting the County Veterans Service Officer nearest the applicant's place of residence.
Nebraska National Guard Education Assistance Program: 75% of tuition paid at state supported college/university or technical college. Up to 75% of UNL undergraduate resident charge paid to select private college/university and technical schools. Tuition waiver limited to state resident rate.
Eligibility: National Guard enlisted service member. Service member has to be working towards the first BA degree only. No more than 1,200 members will be granted tuition assistance during any State fiscal year (1 July - 30 June).
Employment Benefits:
Employment Assistance: State Political Subdivision employees receive 15 work days military leave per year.
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Drill or active duty.
Compensation for State Active Duty Pay and Allowances: Pay and Allowances, travel, lodging and other expenses paid by state.
Eligibility: National Guard service member on state active duty.
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Purple Heart License Plate: Issued to any resident of Nebraska who is a recipient of the Purple Heart Award. Application must be accompanied by verification that the applicant has been awarded the Purple Heart by the Federal Government. Acceptable verification is discharge papers listing the applicant as a recipient of the award or written notification of the award from Veteran's Affairs. Only one motor vehicle owned by the applicant may be licensed with a Purple Heart plate at any one time. Vehicles registered with Purple Heart plates cannot be used for the transportation of persons or property for hire. Commercial and farm plated vehicles must be registered for 10 tons or less and must display a tonnage sticker. Purple Heart plates are also available for motorcycles. Fee is $5.00 in addition to all other applicable and registration fees and taxes. Plates are renewed annually.
Ex-Prisoner of War (Ex-POW) License Plate: Issued to any resident of Nebraska who has been honorably discharged or who is currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with that enemy. A letter from the Veterans Administration verifying the applicant was a prisoner of war must accompany the application. Only one motor vehicle owned by the applicant may be licensed with EX-POW plates at any one time. Vehicles registered with Ex-Prisoner of War plates cannot be used for the transportation of persons or property for hire. Commercial and farm plated vehicles must be registered for 10 tons or less and must display a tonnage sticker. Ex-POW plates are also available for motorcycles. Fee is $5.00 in addition to all other applicable registration fees and taxes. Plates are renewed annually
Pearl Harbor Survivor: Issued to any resident of Nebraska who was honorably discharged and was a member of the United States Armed Forces on December 7, 1941 and on station, not to exceed a distance of three miles from shore, during the hours of 7:55 am to 9:45 am, Hawaiian time at Pearl Harbor. Initial application must be approved by the Nebraska Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and annually thereafter as verification of continued active membership in the Association. Only one motor vehicle owned by the applicant may be licensed with a Pearl Harbor Survivor plate at any one time. Vehicles registered with Pearl Harbor Survivor plates cannot be used for the transportation of persons or property for hire. Commercial and farm plated vehicles must be registered for 10 tons or less and must display a tonnage sticker. Fee is $5.00 in addition to all other applicable registration fees and taxes. Plates are renewed annually.
Disabled Veteran License Plate (DAV): Issued to any resident of Nebraska who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces and is classified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs with a disability that is 100% service-connected. Written verification from the Department of Veterans Affairs of applicant's disabled status must accompany application. These platesdo notallow for parking in a space specifically designated for handicapped parking. Only one motor vehicle owned by the applicant may be licensed with DAV plates at any one time. Vehicles registered with Disabled American Veteran plates cannot be used for the transportation of persons or property for hire. DAV plates are also available for motorcycles. Fee is $5.00 in addition to all other applicable registration fees and taxes. Plates are renewed annually.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Medical Benefits: Worker's Compensation
Eligibility: National Guard service member onState active duty.
Worker's Compensation: Same as State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard service member onState active duty.
Group Insurance: National Guard Association offers term life insurance of$5,000.00-$75,000.00, call 1-800-633- 8333 for information. National Guard Association vision plan, reduced rates on glasses and exams $18.00 per year.
Eligibility: National Guard service member.
Injury/Death Benefits: Worker's compensation.
Eligibility: Disease, Injury or Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses:
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License: Nebraska residents who are veterans may receive a Fee exempt permit. These permits are Fee exempt and good for the life of the veteran.
Eligibility: A 50 % disabled veteran as a result of injuries incurred in the line of duty while in the military or receives a pension from the Veterans Administration as a result of a total permanent disability not incurred in the line of duty in the military service. To obtain one of these fee exempt permits, your disability application must be signed & verified by the Veterans Service Center Manager, whose address is on the front of the Veteran's Application.
Veteran Hunting and Fishing License: Veterans may qualify for hunting and fishing license permits for a fee of $5.00.
Eligibility: Nebraska residents who are veterans and are 64 years of age or older and that has served on Active duty other than Basic training. To obtain a veteran's permit for Hunting/Fishing you must complete an application form and return it to your nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office along with a copy of your DD 214 that verifies dates of service and the $5.00 fee. The veteran's permit must be renewed each year for a fee of $5.00.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Nebraska Veterans' Service Office: The function of the State Service Office is to interview military veterans, their spouses, and dependents to establish tentative eligibility for veterans' benefits provided by federal and state laws; to advise applicants with claims before the US Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA); and to assist them in the accurate completion of application forms and transmit them to the proper federal or state agency for processing. State Service Officers are recognized representatives for the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Ex-POWs, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Retired Enlisted Association and the National Association of County Service Officers and are authorized to accept Power of Attorneys from claimants on behalf of the organizations. State Service Officers are located at the VA Regional Office, Lincoln.
Discharge Certificates: Honorable discharges are recorded free at the court house of the county seat.
Eligibility: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Discharges: The Department has approximately 700,000 discharges of Nebraska veterans on microfilm. If a veteran entered from and returned to Nebraska upon separation from military service, a copy of the discharge may be on file in the Department. Documents previously filed with the Selective Service System and National Guard was referred to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Since October 1, 1979, if requested by the service-member, Military Separation Centers have sent a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from active duty (DD214) to the Department.
State Veteran Homes: The state Veterans' Homes are part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and are located in Omaha, Norfolk, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff. The focus of the Veterans' Homes is on wellness, and allowing people to live their lives to the fullest through different levels of health care: domiciliary care for people who are ambulatory and need minimal assistance; and both intermediate and skilled nursing care. The Homes provide specialized services like physical therapy, plus a wide range of recreational and religious services. The Homes also enjoy a unique relationship with various veterans' organizations, whose members donate time, money, and companionship to people living there. Veterans' Homes are located in Grand Island, Norfolk, Omaha, and Scottsbluff.
Eligibility: The veterans must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States or Nebraska military forces, released from service under honorable conditions. The veteran must be a bona fide resident of Nebraska when applying. Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also apply. Admissions to the four Homes are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Inquiry and Review, a separate, independent entity that works closely with the four Homes. The Board also determines the maintenance fees paid by members who can't fully pay for services.
Nebraska Veterans Aid (NVA) Fund: A temporary emergency aid fund assists veterans, their spouses, and dependents when an unforeseen emergency occurs disrupting their normal method of living and when other resources are not immediately available. Aid can only be used for food, fuel, shelter, wearing apparel, funeral, medical, and surgical items.
Eligibility: Veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than active duty for training, who received an honorable discharge, or its equivalent, from such service or who, being a citizen of the United States, at the time of his or her entry into such service, served with the military forces of any government allied with the United States in a period of conflict pursuant to Section 80-401.01 and who received an honorable discharge, or its equivalent, from such service. Application must be made through the County Service Officer or post Service Officer of any recognized veterans' organization in the county nearest the applicant's place of residence and submitted to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Grave Registration: The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall preserve a permanent registry of the graves of all persons who shall have served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. in time of war and whose mortal remains rest in Nebraska. Information concerning the registry can be obtained from the Department of Veterans' Affairs or a County Service Officer.
Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in Nebraska
Active Duty:
Army
No active duty Army installations are located in Nebraska.
Air Force
Offutt Air Force Base (AFB): http://www.offutt.af.mil/Base_Information/Newcomers/default.htm
Offutt AFB offers DEERS enrollment and Military I.D. Card processing for all service members and their dependents. Additional services include Temporary Lodging Facilities, Veterinarian Services, Base Housing, Child Development Center, Youth Center, Family Child Care Office, Family Support Center, Bowling Center, Commissary and Base Exchange.
National Guard:Nebraska Military Department: http://www.neguard.com/index.html
Nebraska Army National Guard: http://www.neguard.com/army/index.htm
Nebraska Air National Guard: http://www.neguard.com/ang_site.htm
United States Army Reserve (USAR):
Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 89th RRC: http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/USARC/RRC/0089RRC/0089_RRC_Overview.htm
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Nebraska:
VA Medical Centers
Grand Island: Grand Island Division VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
Omaha: Omaha Division - VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Allian: Alliance VA Clinic
Lincoln: Lincoln Division - VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
Norfolk: Norfolk CBOC
North Platte: North Platte VA Clinic
Rushville: Rushville VA Clinic
Scottsbluff: Scottsbluff CBOC
Sidney: Sidney Outpatient Clinic (Nebraska)
Veteran Centers
Lincoln: Lincoln Vet Center
Omaha: Omaha Vet Center
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) Satellite Office - Lincoln: VISN 23: VA Midwest Health Care Network
Resources
Nebraska Homestead Exemption Guide, Revised December, 2005
Nebraska Hunting Guide
http://www.gibill.va.gov/Vet_info/statengaid.htm#Nebraska
http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=Nebraska
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/ags/vets.htm
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate2.html#NEBRASKA
http://education.military.com/Education/Content?file=cenplns.htm#Nebraska
http://www.vets.state.ne.us/index_html?page=content/benefits.html
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/guides/permfees.asp#vets
http://www.dmv.state.ne.us/dvr/plates/index.html
http://www.dmv.state.ne.us/dvr/specialty/index.html
http://www.nebraska.gov/index.phtml?section=nol
http://www.nebraskaveteran.com/index_html?page=content/benefits.html
Document Review Date: 01 June 2008
