The In the Line of Duty Dependent Education Benefit was established by the State of Nebraska for children of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. For a child to be eligible for the benefit, the fatal injury must have occurred on or after April 23, 2009. Those who qualify will receive a credit of 100% of their tuition and fee charges after subtracting any awarded federal financial aid grants and state scholarships and grants.
Requirements of the waiver:
- Must be 25 years of age or younger.
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Must submit the FAFSA.
The eligible child may receive the education benefit for up to five years as long as they maintain eligibility. To remain eligible, the child must also comply with all requirements of the institution for continued attendance and award of a bachelor’s degree. All education benefits under the In the Line of Duty Dependent Education Act end when the eligible child reaches the age of 26.
To apply for the benefit:
- Complete the benefit form (PDF)
- Provide a copy of eligible child’s birth certificate or adoption record.
- Provide verfication of death of the law enforcement officer or firefighter who was the child’s parent. This can be obtained from the following sources:
- Superintendent of Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- State Fire Marshal
- Department of Health & Human Services (for members of a volunteer fire department)
The institution will notify the applicant in writing within 45 days of receipt of a completed application of the eligibility or ineligibility.