How do I find out quickly which programs my Nebraska family qualifies for?

Call or text 2-1-1 (available 24/7) to speak with a trained resource specialist who can screen you for multiple programs at once—including food, rent, utilities, child care, and health coverage—and help you apply or connect to the right agency. You can also visit the Nebraska DHHS ACCESSNebraska portal at access.ne.gov to apply online for SNAP, Medicaid, child care subsidies, and other benefits in one place.

Is there emergency help available if my family is about to lose housing in Nebraska?

Yes. Nebraska has HUD-funded Continuum of Care programs in various regions that coordinate emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention services. The best way to locate the program serving your area is to call 2-1-1 Nebraska, which can connect you to local emergency housing resources, community action agencies that may offer rental assistance, and shelter availability. If you are fleeing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can also help locate safe emergency housing.

My child needs health coverage but I'm not sure we qualify for Medicaid. What should I do?

Nebraska's CHIP program (Kids Connection) covers children up to age 19 in families with incomes above the Medicaid limit but who still cannot afford private insurance. Income limits are higher than many people expect. The easiest way to check eligibility and apply is through ACCESSNebraska at access.ne.gov, by calling 1-855-632-7633, or through HealthCare.gov. Enrollment is open year-round for children, and coverage can begin quickly once approved.

Who do I contact if I'm worried about a child's safety in Nebraska?

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Nebraska, contact the Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline operated by Nebraska DHHS. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find the current hotline number on the Nebraska DHHS website (dhhs.ne.gov) or by calling 2-1-1, which can also connect you to local family support and prevention services.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Nebraska

Last updated September 11, 2026

Nebraska families facing financial hardship, housing instability, or health challenges have access to a range of state and federally funded programs administered through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Whether you need help affording groceries, health coverage for your children, or support during a family crisis, there are real options available—and navigating them is easier when you know where to start.

The single best first step for most Nebraska residents is to call 2-1-1 Nebraska (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with local assistance programs for food, rent, utilities, child care, and more. Many programs are income-based, so having a general sense of your household size and monthly income before you call can help the process go faster.

If your situation involves immediate safety concerns—such as domestic violence, a mental health crisis, or a child at risk—specialized hotlines and emergency services are available around the clock. You do not have to navigate a crisis alone, and reaching out is always the right call.

Key programs in Nebraska

Nebraska SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Provides monthly electronic benefits to help low-income families and individuals purchase groceries. Children in households that qualify may also gain easier access to other assistance programs.

How to access: Apply online through the Nebraska DHHS ACCESSNebraska portal at access.ne.gov, call the ACCESSNebraska helpline at 1-855-632-7633, or visit your local Nebraska DHHS office. You can also call 2-1-1 for help completing your application.

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

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income families, pregnant women, and children. Nebraska's CHIP program (called Kids Connection) extends coverage to children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

How to access: Apply through ACCESSNebraska online at access.ne.gov, call 1-855-632-7633, or apply through HealthCare.gov. Local community health centers and hospital financial counselors can also assist with enrollment.

Nebraska Child Care Subsidy (Child Care and Development Fund)

Helps income-eligible working families, families in job training, or families involved with the child welfare system pay for licensed child care. This federally funded program is administered by Nebraska DHHS.

How to access: Apply through ACCESSNebraska at access.ne.gov or call 1-855-632-7633. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for needing care. Call 2-1-1 to find child care providers in your area who accept the subsidy.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Nebraska

Helps low-income Nebraska households pay heating and cooling bills, and may provide emergency assistance if utilities are about to be shut off. Administered in Nebraska through DHHS and local community action agencies.

How to access: Contact your local community action agency (find yours by calling 2-1-1) or apply through Nebraska DHHS. Funding is seasonal and limited, so applying early in the heating season is strongly encouraged.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Nebraska

Key programs in Nebraska

Nebraska SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

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

Nebraska Child Care Subsidy (Child Care and Development Fund)

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Nebraska

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline

Child & Family Assistance resources for Nebraska

Alliance for Period Supplies

American Pregnancy Association

Babylist

Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Cribs for Kids At Home

I Support The Girls

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Share The Love

She Supply

Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

WIC Breastfeeding Support

Other resources in Nebraska

Child & Family Assistance in other states