Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)

Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides temporary cash assistance to Nebraska’s neediest families with children up to 18 years of age.

The benefit is intended to help meet essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, food, and clothing, and is limited to a maximum of 60 months over a family’s lifetime.

Most recipients who are not disabled or otherwise exempt are required to participate in Nebraska’s Employment First (EF) program ¹ and complete at least 30 hours a week of designated work activities to remain eligible for assistance.

FAQ

Who qualifies for TANF in Nebraska?

To qualify for TANF in Nebraska, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the state of Nebraska.
3. Be unemployed or under employed for very low wages.
4. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
5. Have countable income within certain limits.

What is the income limit for TANF in Nebraska?

According to NE LB102 , 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.

Based on the current Standard of Need  (SON), a family of three in Nebraska is considered “needy” if its net monthly earned income is less than $1,067.

This figure represents the monthly amount the state considers necessary to meet basic living needs and is used as the initial income test for eligibility.

How much do I get for ADC in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the maximum monthly cash benefit for a family of three with no countable income is $584. Actual benefit amounts may be lower depending on the family earned income. ²

In addition to cash aid, families receiving Nebraska ADC may also qualify for Medicaid, child care and food assistance through SNAP.

Child care subsidy is available to the family if their income doesn’t exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. The family pays a portion of the child care costs based upon a sliding fee scale but not exceeding 20% of their income.

How do I apply for ADC in Nebraska?

Applications for cash assistance in Nebraska can now be made online through iServe Nebraska  or in person at a local Public Assistance office near you. ³

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

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Nebraska?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Nebraska, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact ACCESSNebraska (DHHS) at (855) 632-7633 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.