Nebraska, NE

Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) #

Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides small cash assistance to low-income families with children up to 18 years of age. It is used to pay for family living expenses like rent, utilities, food, clothing, and other necessities.

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

How do I apply for TANF in Nebraska?

There is no longer a need to mail in a paper application. It is now easier to apply for TANF online through ACCESSNebraska which is the official website to apply for public assistance programs in Nebraska.

Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

SNAP helps low-income people buy food. While it’s not necessary to be receiving other public assistance to qualify, Nebraskans don’t receive SNAP automatically — they must apply and be found eligible.

SNAP eligibility starts right at 165% of the poverty line, or about $3,167 a month for a family of three in Nebraska.

Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

How do I apply for food stamps in Nebraska?

You can apply for SNAP using a paper application or online at ACCESSNebraska or by calling the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-254-4202.

Nebraska Medicaid #

Nebraska Medicaid offers health care coverage for Nebraska residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements for Medicaid. It covers families with children, pregnant women, and people who are aging, blind and disabled.

There are two benefit packages: Basic and Prime.

Basic package is for eligible adults who are 19 to 64 years old while the Prime package is for eligible 19 and 20-year olds, pregnant women and the medically frail.

How much can I make in Nebraska and still get Medicaid?

Under the newly expanded eligibility rules, adults ages 19-64 with income up to 138% of the poverty level are now eligible for Medicaid in Nebraska.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Nebraska?

If you haven’t done so, you may fill out an application online by visiting ACCESSNebraska or you may call 1-800-383-4278 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 certain uninsured children under the age of 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid, providing the same services covered under Medicaid.

It is primarily designed to provide health coverage, at no cost, for children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.

Currently, only kids with family income not exceeding 218% of the federal poverty level are eligible for medical assistance through Kids Connection. That's about $54,190 for a family of three.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $31,780
• 2 $42,990
• 3 $54,190
• 4 $65,400
• 5 $76,610
• 6 $87,810
• 7 $99,020
• 8 $110,220

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

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.

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

If you need more information about Kids Connection, you can call

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
1-800-383-4278.

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 $3,833 or less per month.

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

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

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 1-800-892-4453.

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.

To be fully eligible for the program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, through a health and diet assessment, to be “at nutritional 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?

WIC is open to Nebraska families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of three could make up to $3,833 per month and still qualify.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in Nebraska?

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

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.

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

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 do I apply for energy assistance in Nebraska?

Apply online at ACCESSNebraska. If you do not have Internet access, call 1-800-383-4278 to obtain a paper application. Cooling assistance ends on August 31 or when funding is exhausted.

Nebraska Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Nebraska LIHWAP provides financial assistance to water utility providers for eligible households whose water utility services are disconnected or past due. The program is designed to cover both drinking water and wastewater.

Nebraskans eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit applied to their water utilities account. Depending on the household’s income and water needs, that credit will be between $50 and $500.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, the household's gross monthly income must not exceed 150% of the poverty level. For a household of three, the income amount is $3,108.

What is the income limit for LIHWAP in Nebraska?

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $1,823
• 2 $2,465
• 3 $3,108
• 4 $3,750
• 5 $4,393
• 6 $5,035
• 7 $5,678
• 8 $6,320

How do I get help with my water bill in Nebraska?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you may apply online or in-person at your local DHHS Office.

Nebraska Unemployment Insurance #

Nebraska Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to Nebraskans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

As a condition of eligibility, all claimants are required by the state law to complete a personal profile and online resumé at NEworks — Nebraska’s on-line public labor exchange.

How much do I get from unemployment in Nebraska?

Depending on how much you have earned in your highest paid quarter, you may receive up to $514 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

How do I file for unemployment in Nebraska online?

You can file your claim anywhere using the internet at UIConnect or if you are unable to complete your claim online, call the Nebraska Claims Center at 402-458-2500.

Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) #

Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) is the State of Nebraska’s only need-based financial aid program for postsecondary students who meet certain qualifications.

Eligibility is based on EFC and availability of funds. NOG is awarded on a first-come basis to those who have qualified for Pell Grants.

For 2020—2021 academic year, the average grant awarded was $1,721.

The NOG is awarded through postsecondary institutions within the state. Students must complete and submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 for priority consideration.