What help is available if I'm a Nevada parent struggling to afford childcare?

Nevada administers a federally funded Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program that can help eligible low-income working families pay for licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, work or school status, and the age of your child. To apply or get a referral, contact the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or call 2-1-1, which can also connect you to local childcare resource and referral agencies.

What should I do if a child in Nevada is being abused or neglected?

Nevada's child abuse and neglect reports are handled by the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) under the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. To report suspected abuse or neglect, call the statewide child abuse hotline — the number is listed at dcfs.nv.gov. Mandated reporters are required by law to report; anyone else may also report anonymously. In an immediate emergency, call 911 first.

Are there housing or shelter resources for families with children in Nevada who are facing eviction or homelessness?

Yes. HUD-funded Continuum of Care programs operate in Nevada's major regions (including Southern Nevada and the Reno-Sparks area) and fund family shelters, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention assistance. The specific shelter and program names and availability change frequently, so calling 2-1-1 Nevada is the most reliable way to find currently open resources in your area. If you've received an eviction notice, many Nevada counties also have civil legal aid organizations that may provide free advice — 2-1-1 can refer you to those as well.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Nevada

Q: How do I apply for multiple benefits at once in Nevada instead of applying separately for each?

Nevada's online portal at access.nv.gov allows you to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF cash assistance through a single application. You can also visit a local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) office and request a combined intake screening. Calling 2-1-1 Nevada first can help you identify every program you may qualify for before you start the paperwork.

Last updated September 23, 2026

Nevada families facing hardship have access to a range of state and federally funded programs covering food, healthcare, housing stability, child welfare, and crisis support. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves as the primary gateway to many of these programs, and local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) offices process applications for benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF across the state.

If you're not sure where to start, calling or texting 2-1-1 Nevada is often the fastest first step. Trained specialists are available around the clock to connect you with local resources in Las Vegas, Reno, rural counties, and everywhere in between — including emergency assistance, childcare referrals, and legal aid. You can also visit nevada211.org to search by zip code.

Eligibility for most programs is based on household income, family size, and sometimes residency duration. Many families qualify for more than one program simultaneously, so it's worth doing a full needs screening rather than applying for programs one at a time. A social worker or case manager at your local DWSS office can help coordinate multiple benefits at once.

Key programs in Nevada

Nevada SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Monthly electronic benefits (EBT card) to help low-income households purchase groceries. Benefit amounts are set by federal formula based on household size and income.

How to access: Apply online at access.nv.gov, in person at any Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) office, or call 2-1-1 for the nearest office location.

Nevada Medicaid & Nevada Check Up (CHIP)

Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities. Nevada Check Up specifically covers children who do not qualify for full Medicaid but whose families cannot afford private insurance.

How to access: Apply at access.nv.gov, through Nevada Health Link (healthcare.gov during open enrollment), or call the DWSS at the number listed on dhhs.nv.gov. Many community health centers also offer enrollment assistance.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children) — Nevada WIC

Provides nutritious foods, infant formula, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, and children up to age five.

How to access: Contact the Nevada WIC program through the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or call 2-1-1 to find the nearest WIC clinic. Appointments are required; bring proof of income, Nevada residency, and identity.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Nevada

Helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling utility bills and, in some cases, covers costs for emergency utility shut-off situations or weatherization.

How to access: LIHEAP in Nevada is administered through local community action agencies and the DWSS. Call 2-1-1 Nevada to find the agency serving your county and to ask about current funding availability, which varies by season.

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.

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Nevada

Key programs in Nevada

Nevada SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Nevada Medicaid & Nevada Check Up (CHIP)

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children) — Nevada WIC

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Nevada

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline

Child & Family Assistance resources for Nevada

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 Nevada

Child & Family Assistance in other states