Nebraska Food Assistance
Food Stamps * Food Banks * Food Pantries * Soup Kitchens * WIC
School Meals * Special Milk * Summer Food * Senior Nutrition
In the State of Nebraska, there are many sources for help with food. The Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens are all helping residents in need to cope with hunger and food insecurity.
ON THIS PAGE
Learn more about
SNAP benefits a.k.a. Food Stamps.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) in Nebraska?
How to apply for Nebraska Food Assistance?
How does Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) determine eligibility?
Approved! When and how do I get the Food Stamps benefits?
How much Food Stamps benefits do participants receive per month?
How and where to use Food Stamps benefits?
Food Stamp (SNAP benefits) in Nebraska
Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the Food Stamps Program as it is known by the public, is a federal program that provides grants to the States for purpose of reducing hunger and malnutrition in all eligible households across the nation. SNAP helps provide healthy food to qualifying low-income families with children, elderly or disabled in each State of the USA, including Nebraska. Learn more about SNAP.
It is important to know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal entitlement program funded by U.S. Government grants. Any U.S. Citizen, even some legal alien residents, will get free food assistance as long as they meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. In other words, there is enough Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for every American that qualifies.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has many rules and they can vary from state to state and year to year. Under the SNAP federal guidelines, each State operates its own version of the food assistance program.
In Nebraska, the SNAP is known as Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) and is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Federal Government pays 100% of Nebraska SNAP Benefits with federal grants appropriated for SNAP. The SNAP federal grants also pay a share of the Nebraska SNAP administrative cost.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, “The purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is to safeguard the health of the nation’s low-income families through better nutrition, increase the food purchasing power of low-income families, and increase the flow of foods from the nation’s farms through the normal trade channels.”
%
Approx. of the total Nebraska population received Food Stamp Benefits in 2018
Recipients in June, 2018 of Food Stamps (SNAP) Benefits in Nebraska
Recipients in June, 2017 of Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits in Nebraska
Who is Eligible for SNAP (Food Stamps) in Nebraska?
The eligibility rules and benefit amounts in Nebraska, like in other States, are based on a limited income, limited liquid resources, household size, and other requirements, some of them specific to each State. Most eligibility rules are determined by regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service.
It is important to know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal entitlement program funded by U.S. Government grants. Any U.S. Citizen, even some legal alien residents, will get free food assistance as long as they meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. In other words, there is enough Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for every American that qualifies.
The federal law allows States some flexibility when implementing SNAP on a State level. State agencies can adapt some of the food assistance program rules in order to meet the needs of the eligible, low‐income local population.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed for individuals and families with limited income resources, who compose a household, and purchase and prepare their meals together for home consumption.
For the purpose of the SNAP, certain people must be included in one household account even if they purchase and prepare meals separately. Husbands and wives of any household member, their children under age 22 when living together, plus children younger than 18 who are dependents of an adult household member are all considered as a part of one household formation.
In Nebraska anyone with limited income and resources may apply for food stamps but, in general, to qualify for Nebraska SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
- Nebraska Resident – must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident with SNAP eligible non-citizen status;
- Work Requirement – unless exempted, each able-bodied household member who is 16 to 60 year old must be registered to work, and accept a suitable employment offer;
- Limited Resources – households must have countable household assets limited to $2,250 or less ($3,250 or less for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years of age or older) for standard resource test, or assets of $25,000 or less for households who receive services from Expanded Resource Program, and no asset limit if categorically eligible (inquire with DHHS for details);
- Income Limits – Income limits eligibility depends on household size and composition. Households with no elderly or disabled individuals must meet both standard gross (130% of the federal poverty level – FPL) and net income (100% of FPL) limits. Households with elderly or disabled individuals must meet only the net income limits. Gross monthly income eligibility standards for households where the elderly, disabled are a separate household is 165% of FPL – see the table below. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, dividends, child support, self-employment income, unemployment compensation, social security benefits, and other listed income sources.
See the table for Maximum Monthly Income allowable for SNAP benefits eligibility in the State of Nebraska as per household size:
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this Pre-Screening Tool to find out if you may be eligible to get Nebraska SNAP benefits (Food Stamps). Although you will be notified immediately if you qualify after completing the questionnaire you still have to make an application for Nebraska SNAP benefits and send it to the DHHS office. There are other federal and state-specific requirements that must be met for Food Stamp benefits applicants in different situations. DHHS is the authority in Nebraska that can make a determination on SNAP eligibility and can approve SNAP benefits.
To figure out, before applying, if you'd qualify for food stamps benefits in your state you have to consider the following:
- Your Household size: How many people you live and buy food with? Count:
- anyone you live with and buy and make food with
- children under 22 years old and,
- elderly 60+ and disabled that you make food for.
- Your Income: How much money does your household make? This includes both:
- earned income - the money you make from jobs and
- unearned income - cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, child support, etc.
Who counts as a member of the household for SNAP eligibility?
In general, anyone who lives with you and you buy food with counts a member of your household.
Your children under 22 of age count as household members, even if they buy and make their own food.
But your tenant, for example, or your adult children that are over 22 of age do not count. They are not counted in the household number for the purpose of food stamp benefits qualification.
The elderly age of 60+ and disabled people count as household members if you buy and make food for them, or you buy and make food together. If they live with you, but they buy and make food separately, they do not count as household members.
See the updated table below for this fiscal year's income limits and monthly benefits (allotments).
What is the gross and net income limit that qualifies you for food stamps?
SNAP Max Income for Food Stamps
Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020
Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of poverty) | Max Food Assistance Benefit Monthly |
---|---|---|---|
1 | $1,580 | $1,215 | $291 |
2 | $2,137 | $1,644 | $535 |
3 | $2,694 | $2,072 | $766 |
4 | $3,250 | $2,500 | $973 |
5 | $3,807 | $2,929 | $1,155 |
6 | $4,364 | $3,357 | $1,386 |
7 | $4,921 | $3,785 | $1,532 |
8 | $5,478 | $4,214 | $1,751 |
Each additional member | +$557 | +$429 | +$219 |
Source: USDA, SNAP Income Eligibility Standards
What are Maximum Nebraska SNAP (Food Stamps) Benefits?
If approved, the Nebraska SNAP benefit amounts depend on the household size and the amount of their net income. USDA has maximum SNAP benefit limits per month per household size. Check the table column about Max Food Assistance Benefit per month in dollars for each size of the household.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps) in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, applicants for SNAP can start the application online at the ACCESSNebraska Web Portal.
Using online tools you can also apply for the following programs:
- Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)
- Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD)
- Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP)
- State Disability Program (SDP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as Food Stamps
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Child Care
- Social Services for the Aged and Disabled (SSAD)
- Social Services for Children and Families (SSCF)
You can also download the Nebraska SNAP application and other assistance application, answer as many questions as you can, sign, and drop your application to any DHHS office.
Follow this link to do a local DCFS office search or call: 1-800-383-4278.
With your SNAP application, you may need to provide some supporting documents that would help the DHHS office determine your eligibility.
If you do not have all the information that is needed to complete the SNAP application, provide as much as you can – but you must include your name, social security number, what you are applying for, and your signature. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has to accept the application with the current date. You can provide the rest of the information later.
After the application is received and processed a DHHS worker will schedule and conduct a SNAP eligibility interview with the applicant. Before a determination is made some of the information must be verified and proofs provided as required.
Within 30 days of the interview, if eligible, you will receive a notice stating how much food assistance benefits and for how long your household is eligible for before a review of the case is due.
The SNAP benefit amount depends on the household size and its net income – that is all countable income minus all allowable deductions.
If Nebraska DHHS finds that you qualify for SNAP benefits, you will be eligible to receive food stamps from the date your signed application is received.
Nebraska SNAP Benefits Approval, Rules, Proofs Required
The DHHS has to verify the provided information and interview you before determining if the household is eligible for SNAP Benefits.
Here is what DCFS lists as examples of proof that you may need to present when applying for SNAP benefits:
- Identity of the person making application and the authorized representative, if applicable;
- Social Security numbers or proof of application for Social Security number;
- Residency;
- Alien status for household members applying for SNAP benefits;
- Eligible student status if claimed;
- Resources if the total amount of countable resources indicated on the application is $1500 or more;
- Income;
- Medical expenses and disability if claimed;
- Dependent care costs; and
- Child support costs;
- Citizenship;
- Work requirements;
- Household composition;
- Shelter costs;
- Utility costs.
Additional information and proof may be required depending upon your situation. In case you are not able to provide all the information during the SNAP application interview, you will be given time to provide the required proof.
Applicants for SNAP benefits in Nebraska should get a response within 30 days from the date they submitted their application to the local DHHS office. When start getting food stamps benefits, households must report any changes of their situation in a set period of time in order to assure their participation in the Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Under the simplified reporting option, households are required to report changes in income between certification and scheduled reporting periods when total countable income rises above 130% of the poverty level or when work hours change for able‐bodied adults without dependents.
SNAP regulations require all non‐exempt household members to comply with work requirements. Work requirements include registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job, and accepting a suitable employment offer. As per federal SNAP guidelines, individuals who fail to comply with SNAP work requirements without good cause are ineligible for program benefits and disqualified from SNAP for certain periods of time, depending on how many prior instances of non‐compliance there have been.
The law limits the SNAP benefits to 3 months in a 3-year period for all able-bodied adults between the ages of 18-49 without dependents, who are not working or participating in a work program for at least 20 hours each week.
As part of the SNAP federal grant assistance requirements, each State has to offer employment and training (E&T) program to its SNAP benefits recipients. Participants in such programs, where available, can get adult education, vocational training, job skills training for specific jobs, and work experience via short-term unpaid work assignments. Nebraska SNAP recipients may choose to participate in the Employment and Training Program if eligible.
The main goal of the work requirement is to help the food stamp recipients get jobs, reduce or eliminate their dependency on the government benefits.
The employment and training activities in Nebraska are known as the Nebraska Employment Training Program.
Call 1-800-383-4278 to find more about the Nebraska E&T Program for SNAP recipients.
Approved! When and How Do I Get the SNAP Benefits?
Nebraska SNAP provides the benefits via the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. The monetary benefits of the Nebraska SNAP benefits are transferred to the accounts of qualified beneficiaries and are accessible through a Nebraska EBT Card, which is issued to anyone approved for SNAP benefits. The Nebraska SNAP Benefits are deposited into the recipients’ accounts each month following the Benefit Issuance Schedule.
Benefits are made available from the 1st to the 5th of every month, based on the last digit of the head of household’s SSN:
SSN ends in 1 or 2 = benefits available on the 1st of the month
SSN ends in 3 or 4 = benefits available on the 2nd of the month
SSN ends in 5 or 6 = benefits available on the 3rd of the month
SSN ends in 7 or 8 = benefits available on the 4th of the month
SSN ends in 9 or 0 = benefits available on the 5th of the month
If you have any question regarding your EBT Account or EBT Card call Nebraska EBT Customer Service: 1-877-247-6328
How and Where to Use the SNAP Benefits?
When approved, Nebraska SNAP beneficiaries will get Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards – Nebraska EBT Card. Nebraska EBT cardholders may use their Nebraska EBT card in any of the authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stores in any of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
Check this list of Nebraska SNAP participating stores that are authorized to take EBT cards for purchasing of SNAP-eligible food items. Eligible food items are any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Seeds and plants to grow food for your own family’s consumption are also allowed to be purchased with food stamp benefits. You cannot buy non-grocery items with food stamp benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
I Need Food Assistance Now. It is an Emergency!
Some households may get Expedited Services – that is getting Food Stamp Benefits within 7 calendar days if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources (cash, checking or savings accounts) of $100 or less; or your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources, or a member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker. In order to get expedite assistance, if you qualify for it, provide all the required information and proof as soon as possible. Call 1-800-383-4278 for more information on the Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Nebraska Food Assistance Program
Find more about Nebraska Food Assistance Program
Search for Food Assistance by County and Town
Food Banks in Nebraska
Nebraska food banks play an important role in the overall Nebraska food assistance effort to end hunger and food insecurity throughout the State of Nebraska.
Their main objective is to collect food from various sources like wholesale organizations, grocery stores, and farms who have food in excess and are willing to donate.
Food banks then, sort, store, and distribute donated food to local soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries.
The Food Bank Association of Nebraska is such a non-profit organization that works to alleviate hunger in Nebraska.
Nebraska Food Banks
Food Pantries in Nebraska
Food pantries offer food directly to people that need it and who have the means to cook it. They usually receive food from local food banks and in turn distribute it to low-income individuals and households at no cost.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be distributed to a particular individual or a family.
Soup Kitchens in Nebraska
Soup kitchens serve cooked meals on-site to needy people at no cost. Like food pantries, they normally receive their food from local food banks.
Soup kitchens take care mostly of homeless people and people who do not have the means to cook for themselves.
They require storage, cleaning, and cooking equipment as they have to do food preparation, serving, and cleaning after the meals.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be served to a particular individual or a family.
WIC Program in Nebraska
Nebraska Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, health care referrals to Nebraska pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children during times of important growth.
Nebraska Women, Infants, and Children Program
School Meals in Nebraska
School meals in Nebraska are offered mainly through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
The Nebraska school meals programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day in the year.
School meals nutritional standards are based on the recommendation from the Institute of Medicine and the U.S. Government and teachers have reported that students perform better in class if they get regular meals.
Children getting school breakfast also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates, according to a Tufts University study.
Nebraska School Lunch Program | Nebraska School Breakfast Program
Special Milk Program in Nebraska
Nebraska Special Milk Program offers milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps. Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk.
Schools may elect to offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for Nebraska Special Milk, the child must be a resident of the State of Nebraska.
Summer Food Program in Nebraska
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is another Nebraska food assistance program that provides free meals and snacks to help low-income Nebraska children get nutritious meals in the summertime.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program that provides grants to local sponsors who want to combine a food service with a summer activity program.
The funding provided by SFSP ensures that Nebraska children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast.
Nebraska Summer Food Service Program
Senior Nutrition in Nebraska
Nebraska Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets. To qualify for Nebraska senior nutrition special checks, the applicants must be 60 years of age or older and their gross household income must not exceed certain limits.
An application must be completed for each person in the household that wants to apply for the SFMNP benefits. Once approved, each beneficiary must reapply every year to continue participating in the Nebraska Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Learn more about how the senior nutrition program works.
Nebraska Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Sources: State Agencies, FNS, USDA