Nebraska Hardship Program: Financial Assistance for Residents

When facing financial hardship, knowing where to turn for help is the first and most critical step. For residents searching for a "Nebraska hardship program," it is important to understand that while no single, official program exists under this name, the state offers a robust network of assistance programs designed to provide support during difficult times.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves as the central agency for many of these resources, helping people with essentials such as direct financial aid, food and nutrition, housing and utility costs, healthcare coverage, and child care support.

Accessing State Assistance

The primary gateway for accessing many of these benefits is the i Serve Nebraska portal, an online platform designed to streamline the application process for multiple programs at once. For those who prefer or require telephone assistance, the ACCESS Nebraska customer service center is available at (800) 383-4278.

Navigating these systems can feel overwhelming, but a clear understanding of the available programs and how to apply for them can empower individuals and families to secure the stability they need. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the specific types of assistance available in Nebraska, outlining what each program offers, who is eligible, and the precise steps to take to apply for support.

Direct Financial and Emergency Cash Assistance

Direct financial assistance programs provide cash payments to help households cover essential living expenses. In Nebraska, these programs are highly targeted, with specific eligibility criteria based on household composition, income, and the nature of the financial hardship.

The income requirements for direct cash aid are often stricter than those for other forms of support, like food or child care assistance. This structure means that while many low-income working families can receive help with specific costs, direct cash programs are generally reserved for those with very little to no income.

Aid to Dependent Children (ADC/TANF): Support for Families

Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) is Nebraska's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides direct cash payments to low-income families with children to help pay for fundamental necessities like rent, utilities, food, and clothing. For many families facing severe financial strain, ADC is the primary source of cash income.

Eligibility Requirements for ADC

To qualify for ADC, families must meet several stringent criteria related to their household structure, income, and work participation.

• Household Composition: The program is designed for low-income families with children under the age of 18. Eligibility can extend to age 19 if the child is a full-time student in a secondary, vocational, or technical school. Pregnant individuals in their final trimester may also qualify. The child must live with a parent or a "specified relative," which can include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins.
• Income Test: A family's income must be below Nebraska's "Standard of Need" (SON). The SON is a figure set by the state to represent the minimum amount a family needs for basic living expenses and is adjusted periodically. As of July 2023, the SON for a two-person family was $843 per month. However, the maximum cash payment a family can receive is statutorily capped at 55% of that standard. This means a two-person family qualifying for the maximum benefit would receive approximately $464 per month.
• Work Requirements: All able-bodied adults in a family receiving ADC are required to participate in the Employment First program. This program provides job training and employment-related support to help participants achieve self-sufficiency. There are exemptions from this requirement, such as for parents caring for a child under 12 weeks of age or individuals who are medically incapacitated.
• Lifetime Limit: For most families, there is a 60-month (five-year) lifetime limit on receiving ADC cash assistance. This time limit does not apply to households where the adult is a non-parent relative (like a grandparent), is disabled, or is otherwise determined to be unable to work.

How to Apply for ADC

The application for Aid to Dependent Children is submitted through the state's centralized benefits portal.

• Online: The primary method is to apply online through the i Serve Nebraska portal.
• Phone: Applicants can also call the ACCESS Nebraska customer service center at (800) 383-4278 to apply over the phone or request a paper application.

Emergency Assistance (EA): Help in a Crisis

The Emergency Assistance (EA) program is designed to provide immediate, short-term financial aid to families with children who are facing a crisis that threatens their health or well-being. This can include situations where a family lacks essential food, shelter, or medical care due to an emergency.

Eligibility and Covered Expenses

To be eligible for EA, a household must have at least one child and be facing a verifiable emergency. The family's gross income cannot exceed 185% of the ADC Standard of Need. The assistance is targeted and can be used for specific, urgent expenses, including:

• Shelter costs to prevent eviction or foreclosure.
• Relocation expenses.
• Non-medical transportation.

Applications for Emergency Assistance can be made through the i Serve Nebraska portal, where it is listed as an option under the "Family and children" category.

Assistance for Seniors and People with Disabilities (AABD/SDP)

Nebraska provides two primary cash assistance programs for individuals who are elderly or have a disability.

• Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD): This program offers financial assistance to individuals who are age 65 or older, are legally blind, or have a disability as determined by the Social Security Administration or a State Review Team. It is designed for those with long-term or permanent conditions who have limited income and resources.
• State Disability Program (SDP): The SDP is for individuals under 65 who have a temporary disability expected to last at least six months but not more than twelve. It is specifically for those who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits due to "lack of duration".

Both AABD and SDP can be applied for through the iServe Nebraska portal under the "Aged and Disabled" program category.

Securing Food and Nutrition for Your Household

Nutritional assistance programs are a cornerstone of support for low-income Nebraskans, helping families afford healthy food. These programs are federally funded and generally have less restrictive income requirements than direct cash assistance, making them accessible to a broader range of households, including the working poor.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets. These benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread.

Eligibility Requirements for SNAP

Eligibility for SNAP is determined by household size, income, and assets.

• Income Limits: Nebraska has expanded its income eligibility for SNAP. A household's gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions) must be at or below 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of three, this is approximately $3,998 per month. Additionally, the household's net income (after deductions for expenses like child care and housing) must be at or below 100% of the FPL. This expanded gross income limit allows more working families to qualify for assistance.
• Asset Limits: Most households in Nebraska fall under the Expanded Resource Program (ERP), which allows them to have up to $25,000 in countable assets (like cash or money in a bank account) and remain eligible. For households that do not meet ERP requirements, the asset limits are lower: $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member and $3,000 for all other households. A primary home and one vehicle are typically not counted as assets.
• Non-Financial Requirements: Applicants must provide proof of identity and residency. Able-bodied adults without dependents may need to meet certain work requirements to maintain eligibility.

How to Apply for SNAP

Applications for SNAP should be submitted through the i Serve Nebraska portal. Community organizations, such as the Food Bank for the Heartland, also offer SNAP outreach and application assistance and can be contacted for support.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a specialized program providing healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to a specific, nutritionally vulnerable population. It is a vital resource for ensuring healthy pregnancies and positive child development.

WIC Eligibility and Benefits

WIC has four main eligibility criteria that applicants must meet.

1. Categorical: Applicants must be pregnant women, postpartum women (up to six months after pregnancy), breastfeeding mothers (up to the infant's first birthday), infants, or children up to their fifth birthday. Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and other legal guardians can apply on behalf of eligible children.
2. Residential: Applicants must live in Nebraska.
3. Income: The household's gross income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. A crucial point is that families who are already participating in SNAP, Medicaid, or ADC are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC.
4. Nutrition Risk: A health professional, often at the WIC clinic itself, must determine that the applicant is at "nutrition risk." This can be a medical-based risk like anemia or a dietary risk like an inadequate diet. This assessment is provided at no cost to the applicant.

WIC provides a monthly food package of specific healthy items, such as milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula. The program also offers nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support from peer counselors, and access to breast pumps.

How to Apply for WIC

Unlike SNAP and other DHHS programs, WIC applications are not processed through the i Serve portal. Instead, applicants must contact their local WIC clinic directly to schedule an appointment.

To find a nearby clinic, individuals can use the clinic finder on the Nebraska WIC website or call the statewide toll-free number at (800) 942-1171.

Housing and Utility Bill Assistance Programs

Maintaining stable housing and essential utilities is a primary concern for anyone facing financial hardship. Nebraska offers several programs aimed at preventing homelessness and ensuring homes remain safe and habitable.

However, this area of assistance is the most fragmented. Large-scale, pandemic-era rental assistance programs are ending, shifting the support landscape toward a patchwork of targeted government programs, non-profit aid, and utility-specific funds. This makes it essential for residents to act quickly and explore multiple avenues for help.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay their home energy bills. It is a critical resource for preventing utility shut-offs and ensuring families can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

LIHEAP Eligibility and Services

To qualify for LIHEAP, a household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The household must also be responsible for its own energy bills and meet state residency and citizenship requirements.

DHHS administers several types of assistance through LIHEAP:

• Heating Assistance: A one-time payment made directly to a utility provider during the heating season (October 1 - March 31).
• Cooling Assistance: A one-time payment made during the cooling season (June 1 - August 31).
• Crisis Assistance: Available year-round to eligible households facing a disconnection or shut-off due to an unanticipated event, such as a job loss or medical emergency.
• Equipment Repair and Replacement: Provides up to $750 for the necessary repair or replacement of a furnace or central air conditioner.

Applications for all forms of LIHEAP assistance can be submitted online through the i Serve Nebraska portal or by calling ACCESS Nebraska at (800) 383-4278.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program aims to reduce energy costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. This program provides long-term relief by lowering monthly utility bills. Eligibility is based on income, generally set at 200% of the poverty level, and households receiving ADC or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible.

Trained technicians conduct a home energy audit to identify the most cost-effective improvements, which may include:

• Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors.
• Performing efficiency inspections and tune-ups on furnaces and water heaters.
• Sealing air leaks and installing weatherstripping.

This program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) in partnership with local non-profit organizations, and it has a separate application process from the LIHEAP assistance provided by DHHS.

Rental and Home Repair Assistance

Securing aid for rent or home repairs requires navigating a complex system of programs, each with a specific purpose.

• Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): This program, established with federal pandemic relief funds, provided significant support for rent and utility payments. However, these funds are now limited, and the program is transitioning to a waitlist. This means that while applications may be accepted, assistance is not guaranteed and depends on remaining funds. It is crucial to check the status at NebraskaRentHelp.org.
• USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504): This federal program is specifically for very-low-income homeowners in rural areas. It provides loans of up to $40,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate to repair or modernize a home. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to elderly homeowners (age 62+) to remove health and safety hazards. Applications are accepted year-round through local USDA Rural Development offices.
• Eviction Prevention Resources: For those facing eviction, immediate action is key. Legal Aid of Nebraska provides free legal assistance to low-income residents and can be a vital resource in a housing crisis. Calling 211 can also connect individuals with local non-profits and community action agencies that may offer emergency rental assistance.

Local and Utility-Specific Assistance

Beyond state and federal programs, many local utility companies in Nebraska manage their own emergency assistance funds, often supported by customer donations. These programs can provide direct, immediate help to customers struggling to pay their bills. Residents should contact their utility provider directly to inquire about these options.

Key programs include:

• M.U.D. Home Fund: For customers of the Metropolitan Utilities District in the Omaha area, this fund provides assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing a verifiable financial crisis.
• NPPD's Pennies for Power: Nebraska Public Power District customers can apply for this program, which is administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, to help with energy-related expenses.
• Black Hills Cares: Black Hills Energy offers this program, funded by customer and employee donations, to help eligible customers with their energy bills.
• The Salvation Army Heat Share: This program partners with several utility companies across the state to provide energy assistance and is often a key distributor of funds.

Accessing Healthcare and Child Care Support

Access to affordable healthcare and child care is fundamental to a family's financial stability and well-being. Nebraska offers comprehensive programs to ensure that low-income families, children, and other eligible individuals can receive the care they need.

Nebraska Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Nebraska Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage to hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans. These programs cover a wide range of medical services for eligible individuals.

Populations served include:

• Low-income children and teenagers up to age 19.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults aged 19 to 64 who meet income requirements.
• Seniors aged 65 and older.
• Individuals with disabilities.

The application for Medicaid and CHIP is integrated into the single i Serve Nebraska application. By completing one application and selecting "Healthcare," an individual's eligibility for all available state health coverage programs is automatically determined.

Child Care Subsidy Program

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families pay for child care, making it possible for parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training programs. This support is a critical component of the state's workforce infrastructure.

Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy

Eligibility is based on a family's activities, income, and the age of the children.

• Activity Requirement: In a two-parent household, both parents must be participating in an approved activity, such as working or attending school or training. In a single-parent household, that parent must meet the activity requirement.
• Income Guidelines: Nebraska temporarily expanded the income limits for this program to better support working families. Currently, a family's initial eligibility is determined if their household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, this is approximately $4,810 per month.
• Transitional Support: Once in the program, a family can continue to receive assistance as their income rises, with transitional support available up to 85% of the state median income. It is important to note that this 185% FPL expansion is temporary and scheduled to revert to a lower level in the future, which could impact families who currently qualify.
• Child's Age: The program primarily serves children age 12 and younger. However, care can be provided for a child up to age 19 if they have a documented special need.

Payment Process and Application

Depending on their income, some families are required to pay a portion of their child care costs, known as a "family fee," directly to their chosen provider. The state then pays the remainder of the cost. Families can choose any provider approved by DHHS, including licensed centers, in-home daycares, or even a trusted friend or family member who completes the state's approval process.

Applications for the Child Care Subsidy Program are submitted online through the i Serve Nebraska portal.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide to i Serve Nebraska

The i Serve Nebraska portal (iserve.nebraska.gov) is the state's centralized online system for applying for most major assistance programs, including SNAP, LIHEAP, ADC, Emergency Assistance, Child Care Subsidy, and Medicaid. Understanding how to navigate this system is the most direct path to securing benefits.

• Step 1: Access the Portal and Choose Your Path. Go to iserve.nebraska.gov. The homepage gives you two main options: "Apply for Benefits" or "Explore Benefits." It is highly recommended to start with "Explore Benefits." This is an anonymous, three-minute questionnaire that gives a preliminary idea of which programs you might qualify for without requiring you to create an account or provide sensitive information.
• Step 2: Start the Application and Create an Account. When you are ready to apply, click "Apply for Benefits." You will be asked if you want to apply "with an account" or "as a guest". It is strongly advised to create an account. An account allows you to save your application progress and return to it later, which is essential when gathering documents. It also serves as your portal to manage your benefits, complete renewals, and report household changes in the future.
• Step 3: Gather Your Information. Before or during the application, gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth process. This includes:
  • Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate).
  • Social Security numbers for everyone applying.
  • Proof of all household income from the last 30 days (e.g., pay stubs, Social Security benefit letters).
  • Information about housing costs (e.g., rent receipt, mortgage statement) and utility bills.
  • Information about other assets, like bank account balances.
• Step 4: Select Your Programs. The application will present a page with categories of assistance. You can select multiple programs in one application. Check the boxes for every type of help you need, such as "Healthcare," "Food and utilities" (for SNAP and LIHEAP), and "Family and children" (for ADC, EA, and Child Care Subsidy). The system will then ask questions relevant to the programs you selected.
• Step 5: Complete, Sign, and Submit. Fill out the application thoroughly. The system will guide you through sections on personal information, income, and expenses. At the end, you must read and agree to the Rights and Responsibilities statements and provide an electronic signature by typing your full name.
• Step 6: Save Your Confirmation. After submitting, a confirmation page will appear with a confirmation number. This page is your only proof of submission. It is critical to download or print this page for your records, as you will not be able to access it again once you navigate away.
• Step 7: Follow-Up. After submission, DHHS will review your application. You may be contacted for an interview, typically by phone. You can also use the confirmation page to upload any required supporting documents. Most applications are processed within 30 days.

Additional Community and Non-Profit Resources

For those who do not qualify for state assistance, or who need immediate help while their application is being processed, Nebraska's network of non-profit and community organizations provides a vital safety net.

• Nebraska 211: This is the most important first call for anyone needing help. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website, you can connect with a trained specialist who can provide confidential referrals to a wide range of local services, including food pantries, utility assistance programs, shelters, and mental health resources.
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: This organization offers free civil legal services to low-income Nebraskans. They are an essential resource for anyone facing a legal issue related to basic needs, such as an eviction, a utility shut-off, debt collection, or an improper denial of public benefits.
• Community Action Agencies: These are local non-profits dedicated to fighting poverty. They often provide direct emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, as well as other services like weatherization and employment support. Key agencies include the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) and the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska.
• The Salvation Army: With locations across the state, The Salvation Army offers material assistance, runs food pantries, and often administers emergency utility funds, such as the HeatShare program, in partnership with local energy companies.
• United Way of the Midlands: This organization funds and supports a wide network of community programs and is a key partner in the Nebraska 211 service, helping to connect residents with the resources they need.

Frequently Asked Questions