NEBRASKA

Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)

According to Nebraska Legislative Bill 102, starting July 1, 2026, the standard of need (SON) will be set at $1,132.50 for a single individual, with an additional $393 for each additional person in the ADC unit and this translates to a payment rate of $623 per month for a single-person household.¹

Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with minor children to help cover basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, clothing, and other essentials.

Eligible families receive monthly payments and must cooperate with child support requirements and meet work participation rules to continue receiving benefits.

Unless otherwise exempt, all adult participants are required to complete at least 30 hours a week of designated work activities to remain eligible for assistance.

How much is TANF in Nebraska?

Currently, a family of three in Nebraska with monthly income of less than about $1,067 may qualify for a maximum payment of $584 per month.

To qualify for cash assistance, the family’s net income must be below the Standard of Need (SON) for its household size which is the monthly amount the state considers necessary to meet basic living needs.

How do I apply for TANF in Nebraska?

There is no longer a need to mail in a paper application. Families can apply for TANF online through iServe Nebraska  or in person at a local Public Assistance office. ²

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Economic Assistance Customer Service
(855) 632-7633

Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Nebraska SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford a nutritionally adequate diet by providing monthly food assistance benefits.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, a household may have gross monthly income up to 165% of the federal poverty level under the state’s Expanded Resource Program, and must meet applicable resource limits to be eligible for SNAP.³

The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Nebraska.

How do I apply for SNAP in Nebraska?

You can apply for SNAP online through iServe Nebraska  or in person at a local Public Assistance office. ² You may need to provide proof of income, rent/mortgage, utilities, and medical expenses.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Economic Assistance Customer Service
(855) 632-7633

Nebraska Medicaid

Nebraska Medicaid covers eligible children, pregnant women, adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. Adults ages 19 through 64 may qualify for Heritage Health Adult, Nebraska’s Medicaid expansion program, with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For a household of three, that is about $3,142 per month.

Adult expansion members receive a unified benefit package through Heritage Health and enroll in a managed care plan. Children and pregnant women have different income limits. See the Nebraska Medicaid guide for program details.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Nebraska?

If you haven’t done so, you may fill out an application online by visiting iServe Nebraska  or you may call the following numbers to request a paper application that you may submit by mail.

Nebraska Kids Connection

Kids Connection is Nebraska’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — an expansion of Medicaid for children in families whose families earn too much for traditional Medicaid.

It covers the same services as Medicaid, including well-child checkups, immunizations, dental and vision care, hospital visits, and specialty services.

Under the newly expanded eligibility rules, children under 19 from families with income up to 218% of the federal poverty level are now eligible for medical assistance through Kids Connection.

Families can apply for Kids Connection at a local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office or apply online through iServe Nebraska .

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nebraska Kids Connection
(877) 632-5437

Nebraska Prenatal Plus Program

The Prenatal Plus Program (PPP) supports Nebraska Medicaid-eligible pregnant mothers identified by their prenatal healthcare provider as being at risk for health complications during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Implemented on January 1, 2025, Prenatal Plus mirrors similar successful programs in Colorado and Florida and covers at-risk mothers who are currently NOT in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Nebraska Prenatal Plus
(402) 471-6585

Medicaid for Unborn Children

For unborn children of pregnant women who are otherwise ineligible for coverage under Medicaid or CHIP may apply for the 599 CHIP Program .

Coverage includes prenatal visits, ultrasound, delivery, and postpartum checkups. The coverage is active during pregnancy and ends at the end of the month of delivery.

There is no separate application for the program. Individuals who are interested in the 599 CHIP Program must first apply for Medicaid.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nebraska Kids Connection
(877) 632-5437

Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program

Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy Program assists low-income families with the cost of child care through subsidy, while they work, attend school, or both.

The program helps pay for child care for children under age 13 whose families earning less than 185% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $4,212 or less per month.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Nebraska?

At the time of initial application, families must have a gross income at or below 185% of the FPL to qualify, or about $4,212 per month for a family of three.

At renewal, your child care continues for 12 months if your income is at or below 200% of the FPL. If it rises during that period, you remain eligible as long as it stays below 85% of State Median Income.²

Families who are no longer income eligible for Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) may qualify for up to 24 months of “subsidized” child care under Transitional Child Care.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Nebraska?

The first step is to apply through Nebraska’s iServe  and complete a phone interview. If you need help finding a child care provider, call.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Child Care Resource and Referral
(800) 892-4453

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
(855) 632-7633

Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit

Families in child care programs may also be eligible for the Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit, which offers up to $2,000 per child for qualified households. ⁴

To qualify, households must meet the following requirements:

• The child must be age 5 or younger as of December 31 of the tax year.
• Total household income must not exceed $150,000.
• The child must be enrolled in a licensed child care program, or the family must meet alternative qualifying conditions.

The amount of the refundable credit is tiered based on total household income:

Families must apply for the credit through the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s (DOR) eDASH portal  before claiming it on their state income tax return.

Nebraska Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Nebraska WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding women and families with children younger than 5 who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Nebraska.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

WIC benefits are issued to WIC participants for the purchase of specific foods  at WIC authorized local grocery stores throughout the state.

What is the income limit for WIC in Nebraska?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC is available to Nebraska families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level.⁵ For example, a family of three could earn up to $4,212 per month and still qualify.

How much does WIC pay per month in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, children ages 1—4 receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Nebraska?

Nebraska WIC serves every county in the state with 13 main agencies and over 100 clinics statewide. Find the WIC clinic  closest to your home to schedule an appointment. If deemed eligible, you will get WIC checks for food on the same day of your appointment.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
(800) 942-1171

Nebraska Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Nebraska LIHEAP helps eligible low-income Nebraska homeowners and renters in meeting the costs of home heating during winter and cooling during summer. Those with the lowest incomes and the highest cost for energy will get the most help paying their bills.

The heating season for LIHEAP begins October 1, 2026 and continues through March 31, 2027. Cooling assistance runs from from June 1 through August 31 each year, or when funding is exhausted.

In addition to regular energy assistance, LIHEAP also provides home weatherization and year-round crisis assistance to households threatened with a utility shutoff or have received a shutoff notice.

How much does LIHEAP pay in Nebraska?

Eligible households will receive a one-time payment between $154 to $1,050 depending upon household size, income, type of dwelling, and fuel type.

How do I apply for energy assistance in Nebraska?

Apply online through iServe Nebraska  or in person at a DHHS Office.² If you do not have Internet access, call (800) 383-4278 to obtain a paper application.

Nebraska Promise

Nebraska Promise is a financial aid program that guarantees full tuition coverage for qualifying Nebraska residents attending any University of Nebraska campus.

It is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the university first applies all federal and state grants and other scholarships to your tuition bill. If any tuition balance remains, the Nebraska Promise covers the rest.

To qualify for the Nebraska Promise, students must:

• Be a Nebraska resident
• Be eligible for the federal Pell Grant or have a total family income of $65,000 or less
• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester at a participating University of Nebraska campus
• Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA

How much does the Nebraska Promise cover?

Nebraska Promise covers 100% of undergraduate tuition for up to 30 credit hours per academic year. It does not cover fees, books, housing, food, or transportation.

How do I apply for the Nebraska Promise?

To apply for the Nebraska Promise, you must submit the FAFSA by the May 1 deadline, and complete all follow-up paperwork by June 1 of each year. No separate application is needed.

Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)

Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) is Nebraska’s only need-based financial aid program for postsecondary students attending eligible in-state colleges and universities.

Unlike the Nebraska Promise, which is specific to the University of Nebraska system, the NOG can be used at almost any eligible public or private college in the state

Eligibility is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and the availability of funds. Students must complete and submit the FAFSA no later than May 1 for priority consideration.

Nebraska Department of Education
Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)
(402) 471-2847

Nebraska Earned Income Tax Credit

EITC is a tax benefit for working people who earn lower or moderate incomes. According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, Nebraska offers a refundable state earned income tax credit (EITC) equal to 10% of the federal EITC.⁶ If a family qualifies for a $2,000 federal EITC, they can claim an additional $200 on their state income tax bill.

Nebraska’s EITC is a refundable tax credit, meaning that if it exceeds the amount of tax owed, they will get a refund for the rest of the credit.

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Nebraska?

If your Nebraska EITC is $805 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $805 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

How do I claim the Nebraska EITC?

To claim the credit, file your Nebraska individual income tax return (Form 1040N) and follow the earned income credit instructions that come with the form. You must have claimed the federal EITC.

Nebraska Department of Revenue 
(402) 471-5729