NEVADA

Nevada Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Nevada TANF provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to low-income families with children as they work toward self-sufficiency.

In Nevada, the Division of Social Services (DSS) classifies its five TANF benefit programs into two distinct categories:

Assistance Programs (Ongoing Cash)

These programs provide monthly cash payments to cover basic ongoing needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

1. TANF-NEON
2. TANF Child-Only

Non-Assistance Programs (Temporary/One-Time)

These programs provide cash benefits but are not considered “assistance” under federal definitions, meaning they often have different rules regarding time limits

3. Self-Sufficiency Grant (SSG)
4. TANF Loan
5. Temporary Program

How much does TANF pay in Nevada?

In Nevada, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $386 per month.

Families may apply for TANF online through ACCESS Nevada  or in person at the nearest Division of Social Services district office.

Nevada Division of Social Services
Customer Service / TANF
(800) 992-0900

Nevada Self-Sufficiency Grant (SSG)

The Self-Sufficiency Grant (SSG) is a one-time cash benefit provided to non-TANF families who are either starting a job and awaiting their first paycheck, or are on temporary leave from a job.

The amount of the SSG is negotiated based on the family’s immediate need. Although it’s intended to be a one-time service, it may be provided if a new or unforeseen circumstance appropriate for another payment occurs.

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for TANF and sign Form 2136-EE if they choose to receive a SSG payment in place of ongoing TANF.

Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Nevada SNAP, also known as Food Stamps, helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.

The program serves low-income families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

Most families in Nevada with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month for a family of three, may qualify for SNAP.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Nevada?

How do I apply for SNAP in Nevada?

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is through Access Nevada . All initial applications will now require an interview with a DSS Family Services Specialist,

Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be able to access your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application.

Nevada Division of Social Services
Customer Service / SNAP
(800) 992-0900

Nevada SUN Bucks

Nevada is offering the new SUN Bucks grocery benefit that provides low-income families with $120 per eligible school-aged child when school is out for the summer.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

If you’re already enrolled in benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, your school-age children will automatically be enrolled in SUN Bucks.

To determine if your child is eligible for SUN Bucks, start by searching for your child in the S-EBT Child Search Tool . If your child is not found, it means they are not enrolled, and you will need to complete an application.

Nevada Medicaid

Nevada Medicaid offers health care coverage for eligible adults and families with children whose family income is characterized as low income or very low income.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Nevada residents who previously were not eligible may now have access to Medicaid — including those earning over 400% of the federal poverty level.¹

Individuals with income above 400% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for premium tax credits (PTCs) to help lower their health insurance premiums.

What are the Nevada Medicaid plans?

Nevada has announced that CareSource  will join the state’s Medicaid managed care program beginning January 1, 2026, as part of a broader managed care expansion.

Nevada Medicaid provides health coverage through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in urban areas. Current Medicaid plans include:

1. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions
2. Health Plan of Nevada (HPN)
3. Molina Healthcare of Nevada
4. SilverSummit Healthplan
5. CareSource

These plans coordinate medical, behavioral health, and prescription drug benefits for eligible Medicaid members in managed-care regions of the state.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid in Nevada?

As Nevada is expanding Medicaid coverage, uninsured children ages 6—18 and adults age between 19—64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage under the ACA.

Children ages 0—5 and pregnant women of any age are covered up to 165% of the federal poverty level. Coverage is available during pregnancy and for 60 days postpartum.

Nevadans who have received unemployment insurance may also be able to take advantage of $0 premium plans sold on the Exchange.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Nevada?

Nevada is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Nevada Health Link , through which you can apply for Medicaid, Nevada Check Up or other private health insurance.

Nevada Division of Social Services
General Medicaid/Enrollment
(800) 992-0900

Nevada Check Up (CHIP)

Nevada Check Up is the state of Nevada’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that provides low-cost, comprehensive health care coverage to low income children from birth through age 18 who are not covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

It covers a full range of essential services, including regular doctor visits and specialist care, immunizations, prescription drugs, dental check-ups, vision exams, and mental health services.

Beginning in 2026, Nevada is launching Battle Born State Plans . These plans are specifically designed to lower monthly premium for the same quality coverage.

What is the income limit for Nevada Check Up?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most uninsured children from families with income up to 205% of the poverty level are eligible for Nevada Check Up.

How much does a Nevada Check Up cost?

Nevada Check Up has no co-payments or deductibles. Families pay a quarterly premium of $25, $50, or $80 per family, based on household size and income, with exemptions for eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Families can apply for Nevada Check Up online through Access Nevada , or apply in person at any local DSS District Office.

Nevada Division of Social Services
Nevada Check Up Main Line
(877) 543-7669

Nevada Child Care Fund

The State of Nevada has launched the new Nevada Child Care Fund to assist low-income families with children in obtaining child care so they can work and earn a living, including families receiving Nevada’s TANF and those transitioning from public assistance.

The program helps pay licensed child care providers on behalf of eligible families. Parents are responsible only for a small co-payment of $0, $90, or $150 per month, depending on their income and household size.

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

For new applicants, the income limit for child care assistance in Nevada is 41% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is approximately $2,889 or less per month for a family of three. The eligibility threshold is higher for renewals. ²

How do I apply for child care assistance in Nevada?

Families may apply for child care assistance for their child and receive a formal evaluation through Access Nevada , the official online portal for Nevada residents to apply for public assistance programs.

Please note that your application will be forwarded to Las Vegas Urban League if you are applying from Southern Nevada, Clark and Nye County. All other counties applications will be sent to The Children’s Cabinet.

Northern & Rural Nevada
The Children’s Cabinet 
(775) 856-6200

Southern Nevada
Las Vegas Urban League 
(702) 473-9400

Nevada Unemployment Insurance

Nevada Unemployment Insurance provides temporary, limited income replacement to workers during periods of involuntary unemployment.

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have, prior to filing a claim:

1. earned at least $400 in one of the highest quarter of the base period prior to filing a claim, and
2. total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the earnings in the highest quarter.

For example, if your highest paid quarter was $1,800, your total base-period earnings must be at least $2,700 ($1,800 × 1.5) to qualify.

How long are unemployment benefits in Nevada?

A maximum of 26 weeks of your full weekly benefit amount is all that can be paid in one benefit year unless benefits are extended by law.

During that time, you must be actively engaged in efforts to seek and secure employment to be eligible to receive UI benefits.

How much unemployment will I get in Nevada?

The benefit amount that you will receive depends on how much you have earned in your base period. Typically the weekly benefit amount in Nevada is from $16 to $631.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Nevada?

You may file your claim using the Internet Claim  filing system or using the automated system called QuickClaim by dialling the QuickClaim telephone number for your area:

If you are eligible to receive unemployment compensation, you should start receiving a check within 2 to 3 weeks after filing the initial claim.

Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps eligible low-income households meet the costs of home heating during the winter and cooling during the summer. Eligibility is based on gross income, household size, primary heating source, and type of residence.

Households may receive an annual one-time benefit called a “fixed annual credit” of up to $3,136, paid directly to their utility provider, including arrearage assistance.

What is the income limit for energy assistance in Nevada?

How do I apply for Nevada Energy Assistance Program?

Nevada has a combined year-round heating and cooling program. The EAP program begins July 1 and applications are accepted through June 30 or until funding is exhausted.

To apply for EAP, submit a completed application along with the required verification through any of the EAP office  that serves your area.

Nevada Division of Social Services
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(800) 992-0900

Nevada Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Nevada LIHWAP provides financial assistance for low-income households in Nevada who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills. Eligible households may receive a one-time benefit paid directly to their utility providers.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, a household must have an income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level. Priority will be given to households that have been disconnected or are at risk of being disconnected.

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

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you must complete and submit your application through any of the EAP office  that serves your area.

Nevada Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG)

Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG) is Nevada’s first state-supported, need-based financial aid program for low-income students attending a community college or state college within Nevada.

The maximum annual award for students in 12 credits for each of two semesters is $4,400. However, funds are first awarded to students enrolled in at least 15 credits.

To be eligible for an SSOG award, a student must:

1. Be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate
2. Enroll in at least 12 credit hours that apply toward their chosen program of study
3. Be college-ready in math and English, based on placement or successful completion of entry-level college courses.
4. Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less, which is determined through completion of the FAFSA.
5. Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree

Funds for the SSOG program are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students with the most financial need first, until funds are exhausted.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

The Nevada Promise Scholarship application is available August 1, 2025 and closes at 11:59 PM on October 31, 2025, for the 2025—2026 graduating class.

Nevada Promise Scholarship (NPS) is the state’s newest scholarship program and is targeted at all graduating high school seniors, regardless of income or academic performance.

As a last-dollar scholarship, the Nevada Promise Scholarship covers up to three years of tuition and fees not covered by other gift aid, ³ contingent on available funding.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a Nevada resident
2. Be less than 20 years of age prior to receiving the scholarship
3. Not have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
4. Enroll in at least 12 credits in an eligible degree or certificate program
5. Complete all required steps 
   Students must complete an application, complete a training, meet with a mentor, and complete 8 hours of community service in order to be eligible for the NPS

Students can apply for the Nevada Promise Scholarship at any community college and submit the FAFSA no later than the April 1 deadline.