Assistance for Single Moms in Nebraska

Single moms can receive aid and assistance in all cities and counties in Nebraska. Assistance programs help with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, and free health care.

Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Millions of eligible, low-income single moms and families can receive nutrition assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a program that also provides economic benefits to communities. In the domestic hunger safety net, SNAP is the largest program. Helping those eligible make informed decisions about applying for the program and giving them the ability to access benefits, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood faith based organizations. In order to improve program administration and ensure program integrity the FNS also works with State partners and the retail community. 877-247-6328.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Schools now have the possibility to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day, using the funding provided by the School Breakfast Program. By providing nutritious school meals every day, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children. Schools can offer a nutritious school lunch with the funding provided by the NSLP. Provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards, schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch they serve. For further questions contact the Nebraska Nutrition Services at 800-731-2233.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) . Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. If you have questions about the WIC Program call Nebraska DHHS toll-free at 800-942-1171.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible cams that do not participate in the Federal child nutrition meal service program are provided with milk from the Special Milk Program. Schools and institutions are reimbursed for the milk they server. In 2001, 1300 summer camps and 562 non-residential childcare institutions participated alongside nearly 7000 schools. For other inquiries regarding the program call the Nebraska Department of Education-Nutrition Services office at 800-731-2233.

Nebraska Summer Food Service
Free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need throughout the summer months when day are out of school are provided by the federally assisted meal program known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). At a central site, such as a school, park, community center, low-income housing complex, center, or camp sponsors will provide free meals to a group of children. For more information, call Joan Orender of the Department of Nutrition services at 402-471-2746.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) is the name of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Nebraska. Low-income single moms with minor children can receive cash assistance from this program. Living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, clothing, and other necessities can be paid for with the ADC income. ADC usually represents the only source of cash assistance for a family. 800-383-4278 for more information about the program.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Helping income-eligible participants afford safe, healthy homes in their community, the Section 8 Housing Choice voucher Program is the federal government’s major program. The program allows single moms to choose a home, including the one they already live in, and use a voucher to obtain rental assistance. For more information on the program call 800-955-2232.

Credit Services
Credit counseling and non-profit housing organizations offer help to Nebraska single moms to eliminate their medical and credit card debts. Assistance with home loans and foreclosure services are other forms of help that many centers will provide. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
One of the leading non-profits that single moms can call for help is the Salvation Army, operating several centers across the state. Christmas assistance, funds for paying utility bills, food, and ongoing case management are some of the services that may be provided to those seeking help.

Medical Assistance Program
A program that is jointly funded by the state and the Federal government, the Nebraska Medical Assistance Program, also known as the Medicaid Program, provides medical coverage to single moms who meet certain categorical eligibility criteria and who cannot afford to pay for medically necessary services. Some of the covered services are:

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Prescription drugs
• Nursing facility care
• Services of physicians, dentists and other practitioners
• Home health services
• Screening and diagnostic services
• Home health services
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Medical supplies

To reach Medicaid Eligibility Customer Service Center please call 855-632-7633.

Nebraska Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP is an expansion of Medicaid in Nebraska that serves as health care coverage for qualified children who are without other health insurance and who do not qualify for Medicaid. It provides the same services covered under Medicaid, being Federally called the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In order to apply for this program you may call 855-632-7633 Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (CST).

Legal Assistance
Free legal support on civil matters can be provided by several pro-bono law firms in Nebraska to single mothers across the state. A review on your rights on housing, taxes and other matter can be done by meeting with an attorney. For legal assistance from the Legal Aid of Nebraska Program, please call 877-250-2016.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Rhode Island during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. Unemployment Insurance benefit claims may be filled by calling a Claims Center at 877-725-9918.

Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Single moms with limited incomes can get help to offset the cost of heating and cooling in their homes from the Nebraska Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Electricity, fuel oil, gas, coal, wood, kerosene, propane and other fuel sources will be partially paid for by the program. 402-471-9291 for more information on eligibility and benefits.