Nebraska VA Disability Benefits & Resources for Veterans

State benefit details verified against official state sources on September 27, 2026.

Overview

Nebraska treats a VA rating of 100% permanent, or a total rating through individual unemployability, as the key to a complete homestead exemption with no income test. Two thresholds lower down also matter: 50% for free lifetime hunting, fishing and park permits, and any service-connected rating for a motor vehicle tax exemption that began January 1, 2026. The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) runs four veterans homes and a State Service Office in Lincoln, and County Veterans Service Officers work in every county.

Key benefits at a glance

Property tax relief

Nebraska’s homestead exemption has three veteran categories, according to the DOR Information Guide (February 2026):

• Category 4V: a veteran with an honorable or general discharge who is paid by the VA for a 100% service-connected permanent disability, or has a 100% individual unemployability rating. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 77-3506, 100% of the homestead’s taxable value is exempt, with no income or home value limits. The rating’s effective date must be on or before January 1 of the application year.
• Category 4S: the unremarried surviving spouse (or one who remarried after 57) of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, died on active duty from service-connected causes or during wartime, or was paid for a 100% permanent service-connected disability.
• Category 5: paraplegic or multiple-amputee veterans whose home was substantially paid for by the VA. That home is fully exempt for life, and the exemption can move to a replacement home (77-3527).

A category 7 also covers veterans with a 100% service-connected temporary rating, who apply every year.

When and how: file Form 458 with the county assessor after February 1 and on or before June 30, and own and occupy the home from January 1 through August 15. Category 4V veterans file Form 458 plus a VA certification the first year and in years ending in 0 or 5 (and whenever their status changes). If a 4V veteran dies during that five-year period, the surviving spouse keeps the exemption through the period and then files yearly under 4S.

State income tax

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, retirees can exclude 100% of military retirement benefits included in federal AGI, with no election or form required (NDVA). VA disability compensation is excluded from federal gross income (IRS Publication 525), so Nebraska doesn’t tax it.

Vehicle registration and plates

• Motor Vehicle Tax and Fee exemption (new in 2026): under LB650, starting January 1, 2026, any disabled veteran (the 5 U.S.C. 2108 definition, meaning a service-connected rating of 0% or higher or receipt of VA compensation or pension) or blind veteran is exempt from the Motor Vehicle Tax and Motor Vehicle Fee on one personal vehicle. Plate fees, sales tax and wheel tax still apply. You must be in the NDVA Military and Veterans’ Registry, and you must claim the exemption within 30 days of buying the vehicle or before your renewal month ends (NDVA guide).
• Plates: Disabled Veteran plates are available at a 10% or higher service-connected rating, and Military Honor plates to registry-enrolled veterans (NDVA overview).

Hunting, fishing and parks

Per the NDVA guide:

• Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit: no fee for Nebraska residents rated 50% or more service-connected, or 100% disabled non-service-connected and receiving a VA pension. It includes all state stamps.
• Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Park Entry Permit: no fee for the same group. The application must be signed by a veterans service officer.
• Veterans 64 and older: an annual small game hunt/fish/fur permit for $5.
• Nebraska Game and Parks also runs a special waterfowl season for veterans and active-duty members.

Education benefits

Nebraska’s Waiver of Tuition (Neb. Rev. Stat. 80-411) covers 100% of tuition and tuition-related fees at University of Nebraska campuses, state colleges and community colleges for the spouse or child of a veteran who is rated 100% permanent and total from service, died of a service-connected disability or of an injury or illness from service, or was MIA or a POW. Children qualify until age 26 (with an extension for their own active service). The waiver covers one community college credential and one bachelor’s degree, but no graduate study. Books, housing and non-tuition fees aren’t covered.

Members of Nebraska-based Selected Reserve units can also get a 75% tuition credit (50% for graduate study).

State veterans homes

NDVA operates four veterans homes, in Bellevue, Kearney, Norfolk and Scottsbluff. Spouses, surviving spouses and Gold Star parents may also be eligible, and each member’s contribution is on a sliding scale based on income and assets (NDVA guide).

Employment preference

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-227, preference eligibles who pass an exam or numerical scoring for a state or local government job get 5% added to their score, and disabled veterans get another 5%. When no scoring is used, a preference eligible wins a tie between equally qualified candidates. Bring your DD-214. Spouses of veterans who are 100% P&T or died in service can also claim preference with documentation.

How to apply in Nebraska

1. Join the NDVA Military and Veterans’ Registry. It’s required for the vehicle tax exemption, Military Honor plates and the veteran license designation.
2. See a County Veterans Service Officer or the NDVA State Service Office (3800 Village Dr, Lincoln; 402-420-4021) for free help with state and VA claims.
3. Homestead: file Form 458 and your VA certification with the county assessor between February 2 and June 30.
4. Permits: apply to Nebraska Game and Parks with your VA letter; the park permit needs a VSO signature.
5. Waiver of Tuition: apply through NDVA before the term starts.

VA regional office and medical centers

The Lincoln VA Regional Benefit Office is at 3800 Village Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System runs the Omaha and Grand Island VA medical centers and clinics in Bellevue, Holdrege, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Papillion. The Panhandle is served by VA Black Hills clinics in Gordon and Scottsbluff.

Filing a federal VA claim

The claim process is set federally: see how to file a VA claim, check your claim status, and current compensation rates. Because Nebraska’s homestead exemption needs the rating to be permanent or TDIU, confirm how your decision letter is worded. A CVSO can help at no cost.

If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.