Financial assistance programs in Nebraska.
Nebraska residents who are struggling to pay bills may qualify for financial assistance from government programs, nonprofit organizations, and local charities. Help may be available for a variety of bills such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and local housing costs. Some programs provide direct financial help or give out free items, while others pay money on behalf of a household to a landlord, utility company, or the company owned money too.
Financial assistance in Nebraska is available in every county as listed below and is often combined with supportive services. In addition to possible money to help with bills, residents may be able to access job training, budgeting tips, free or low-cost child care support, and referrals to other public benefits. The resources below provide an overview of the main programs available statewide, with links to more detailed and local information.
Financial help, grants, and social services in Nebraska
Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy program helps eligible low-income families pay for child care and daycare expenses while a parent works, attends school, or participates in job training. The assistance is usually paid directly to an approved child care provider on behalf of the family. Income limits and work requirements apply for the Nebraska free child care assistance program, and benefit availability (including the possibility of free daycare) varies by location. Call (402) 471-9325,
TANF, which sometimes be issued as a form of Emergency Assistance in Nebraska, provides short-term government help for families with children (including single parents) who are facing a financial crisis. Cash assistance in Nebraska may help pay for essential needs such as transportation to work including gasoline, housing costs, food / groceries, or other urgent expenses. This program is administered as part of Nebraska’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families system and is intended for immediate, short-term support. Call (800) 383-4278.
Pregnant women in Nebraska may qualify for financial help and free material support from government programs and nonprofit organizations. Assistance may include help with basic living expenses. Other support includes medical care and essential baby items such as free diapers, formula, and infant supplies. When applying for how to help when pregnant, eligibility and services vary by program and location.
Nebraska’s Rental Assistance Program, including the Regional RRAP, helps very low-income adults with serious mental illness maintain safe and stable housing. Financial assistance is used to help pay rent and housing-related costs, and participants may also receive supportive services including supportive housing placement. Applications for rent assistance are typically handled through local community action agencies or partnering organizations.
Nebraska offers eviction and foreclosure prevention assistance through nonprofit organizations, Continuum of Care agencies, and the Department of Health and Human Services. These programs are funded by government grants and are designed to prevent homelessness. Assistance to stop an eviction in Nebraska may help cover past-due rent, legal costs, security deposits, moving expenses, or coordinate short-term housing stabilization services.
Residents of rural communities in Nebraska may qualify for financial help and social services through government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and USDA-supported programs. Financial resources for rural communities may include housing support, transportation for seniors or people with disabilities, referrals, counseling, and limited business or agricultural assistance. Availability depends on location and program funding.
Nebraska administers several state and federally funded public assistance programs from DHHS for low-income families, seniors, and people with physical or mental disabilities. Some programs provide short-term cash assistance for basic needs such as food, utilities, or rent, while other government benefits in Nebraska focus on long-term stability through employment services and supportive programs.
Older adults and seniors in Nebraska may qualify for financial resources and supportive services through regional Agencies on Aging and nonprofit organizations.Financial help for seniors in Nebraska may include food programs including Meals on Wheels, health services, utility help, and in-home support, with a focus on people over 60. Programs are designed to help seniors remain independent and meet essential living needs.
Community action agencies in Nebraska provide emergency grants and long term support. Examples include career counseling, education support, budgeting and referrals to financial resources Services from community action agencies in Nebraska may include help finding employment, access to computers or internet services, transportation assistance for work, and referrals to other financial assistance programs.
Nebraska residents who are struggling to pay heating or utility bills may qualify for assistance from government programs, nonprofit organizations, and utility company supported programs such as payment extensions. Financial help may be available for past-due bills, emergency shutoff prevention, or ongoing energy costs, depending on income and household circumstances as detailed here on Nebraska energy bill assistance programs.
- The LIHEAP / Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay for winter heating and, on occasion, summer cooling costs. Priority for LIHEAP in Nebraska is given to seniors, people with disabilities, and households with the lowest incomes. Financial assistance is usually paid directly to utility providers and may help cover electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or other energy sources. In addition, Nebraska’s Weatherization Assistance Program works alongside LIHEAP to help low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.
United Way offices in Nebraska can provide referrals to charities, nonprofit organizations, and government programs that offer help with bills. They also offer support around filing taxes and money management. The offices and free advice, including from 211, will help residents find, and apply for, additional local and national assistance programs. The list of offices is here https://www.unitedway.org/local/united-states/nebraska.
- The United Way also has the 211 database in Nebraska. This is free to search and will help people find other resources in their part of the site, with the website here: https://search.ne211.org/.
The Salvation Army and other organizations provide emergency assistance and social services across Nebraska. Depending on location and funding, help from the Nebraska Salvation Army may include free food, limited financial help for utilities or rent, seasonal programs including at Christmas, and case management services. They also operate Family Stores may give out vouchers for free items, based on location.
Nebraska has free and low-cost medical clinics that provide basic health care services to low-income residents and people without insurance. Income-based clinics in Nebraska typically offer primary care and referrals, and services are provided regardless of income or ability to pay, depending on the provider.
Where to get help to pay bills in local Nebraska cities and counties
Financial assistance programs often vary by county and city. The resources below, with links to each county, provide local information on help with bills, housing, food, and other services across Nebraska.
Adams County (Hastings)
Buffalo County (Kearney)
Dawson County (Lexington)
Kearney County (Minden)
Keith County (Ogallala)
Lancaster County (Lincoln)
Lincoln County (North Platte)
Omaha and Douglas County
Red Willow County (McCook)
Sarpy County (Papillion)
Sioux County (Orange City)
We also have topics and real life discussions from Nebraska residents in our forum. There you can read about other possible local resources, share your story, help others and more. Our forum discussing Nebraska assistance programs may also help you find tips from people in the state.
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