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$158/month
in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults and young families in Nebraska pay for food.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, and some online retailers to buy foods that qualify for SNAP. Many farmers markets across Nebraska also take part in SNAP, and you can use your card there as another form of payment.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Nebraska SNAP work?
- What is the SNAP application process like in Nebraska?
- How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Nebraska?
- What happens after I apply for SNAP in Nebraska?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Nebraska SNAP work?
The Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people pay for groceries for themselves and their families. Once known as Food Stamps, this program is run by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). SNAP allows older adults, people with disabilities, and others to stretch their grocery dollars further. This is because the money they would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs.
If you qualify for SNAP, you will receive your benefits through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. This card works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. It only works with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you choose when you get your card.
Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items.
What foods are covered by SNAP in Nebraska?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Snack foods
- Seeds and plants that produce food
What items are not covered by SNAP in Nebraska?
- Beer, wine, and liquor
- Cigarettes
- Pet food
- Live animals
- Pharmacy items
- Personal care items
- Household supplies
What is the SNAP application process like in Nebraska?
While the idea of applying for SNAP in Nebraska may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHHS caseworker can assist you.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Nebraska SNAP:
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Nebraska SNAP online, in person, over the phone, by fax, or by email. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
- Have an interview: You will be called for an interview once DHHS receives your SNAP application. A face-to-face interview can be arranged if required.
- Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP in Nebraska?
SNAP is typically available to people with little or no income. To be eligible for SNAP, a household must meet certain guidelines, including income and resource limits. A “household” is defined as people who live together and buy and prepare meals together.
Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Nebraska to qualify for SNAP. However, certain non-citizens may also be eligible. This includes some lawful permanent residents, refugees, and others. The SNAP program only requires citizenship or legal status information for those in the household who wish to receive benefits (participants).
The amount of money you will get in SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
SNAP income limits
The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Nebraska. The maximum gross monthly income limit for most households is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and the net monthly income limit is set at 100% FPL. Those who qualify as an Elderly, Disabled, Separate Household (ERP) must meet a gross income limit of 165%.
What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?
- Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
- Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.
These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’
| Family size | Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL) | Maximum gross monthly income (130% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,255 | $ 1,632 |
| 2 | $ 1,704 | $ 2,215 |
| 3 | $ 2,152 | $ 2,798 |
| 4 | $ 2,600 | $ 3,380 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$ 449 | +$ 583 |
Deductions
Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the SNAP income limit; these are called deductions. Deductions are permitted for things like rent, utilities, certain medical expenses, and child care. Your DHHS caseworker can tell you which specific deductions your household qualifies for.
SNAP resource limits
Resources (assets) include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, properties, and certain other limited assets. The home you live in, vehicles, tax-preferred educational and retirement accounts, and other resources are not counted toward the SNAP limit. In Nebraska, households must meet the following resource limits:
- Households with an older member (60+) or member with a disability: $4,250
- All other households: $2,750
- ERP households: $25,000
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for Nebraska SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your SNAP application process easier:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or other government-issued I.D.
- If not a U.S. citizen, proof of legal non-citizen status
- Proof of your monthly earnings from the last 30 days, such as recent pay stubs
- Copy of check or benefit statement from Social Security, pensions, SSI, or other unearned income
- Medical bills of household members age 60 or older and those who have a disability (if these bills are not paid by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare)
- Current bank statements or bankbook
- Receipts for child care or other dependent costs
- Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, propane, garbage, telephone)
- Rent bills (or proof of mortgage and property tax payments, if you own your home)
- Proof of any assets you have, such as bank accounts, trust accounts, CDs, stocks, or bonds
If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your SNAP application.
How do I apply for Nebraska SNAP?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Nebraska is online. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
Apply Online Now- To get started, visit the iServe Nebraska Portal and click 'Apply for Benefits.’
- On the next screen, click ‘Apply with an account.’ While you can apply without an account (as a ‘guest’), we encourage you to create an account. This will allow you to save your application progress and return any time to complete it. You will also be able to manage your benefits online later on.
- If you already have an account, enter your user name and password to log in. If you do not have an account, click 'Create your account.' The system will walk you through the process of creating a user name and password.
- Once you have successfully logged in, click ‘Start a new application.’
- On the next screen, check the box next to ‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)'. The system will walk you through the process of completing and submitting your SNAP application.
- Allow yourself 20 to 30 minutes to complete your Nebraska SNAP application. Make sure to provide a current and accurate mailing address, phone number, and email address so that you don’t miss out on any important communication. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. You will also be able to upload the requested documents online.
Language options: The iServe Nebraska Portal provides information and assistance in English and Spanish. You can switch to Spanish by clicking the black box in the top right corner of your screen and selecting 'Español’ from the drop-down menu.
To complete a SNAP application over the phone, call DHHS toll-free at 1-800-383-4278.
You can also call the Food Bank for the Heartland SNAP Outreach hotline at 1-855-654-7627 or request someone to call you by completing a short form. The SNAP Outreach team can answer your questions about SNAP, check your eligibility, and help you complete an application. Outreach workers are available to speak with you in English or Spanish (they can set up interpretation services if you speak another language).
Apply in Person
Pick up a paper SNAP application and/or drop off a completed application at any Public Assistance Office location. Find one near you.
Apply by Mail
If you have a printer, you can download a copy of the SNAP application by visiting the DHHS website and clicking on ‘Application for Benefits.’ This will download a copy of the form to your computer that you can print out at home. You can then mail your completed application to:
DHHS ANDI Center
Economic Assistance
P.O. Box 2992
Omaha, NE 68103-2992
Apply by Fax or Email
Fax your completed application to 1-402-742-2351 or email it to DHHS.ANDICenter@nebraska.gov.
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner in Nebraska (within 7 days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. To qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, you must file a SNAP application with at least your name, address, and signature. You must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Your household monthly rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s total monthly income before deductions and combined resources, such as cash or checking/savings accounts.
- Your total household income this month, before deductions, is less than $150, and your household resources, such as cash or checking/savings accounts, are $100 or less.
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker household, you are destitute and your resources are $100 or less.
Need food today? Visit the Food Bank for the Heartland website to find resources near you.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help filling out your Nebraska SNAP application. You can:
- Call DHHS toll-free at 1-800-383-4278 or call your nearest Public Assistance Office. Find one near you.
- Call the Food Bank for the Heartland SNAP Outreach hotline at 1-855-654-7627, or request someone to call you by completing a short form.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Nebraska?
It can take up to 30 days for DHHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, benefits are based on the date your application is received.
An interview is required to qualify for SNAP assistance in Nebraska. But don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHHS caseworker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions you have, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
Once your interview is complete and DHHS has all the information it needs to make a decision, your application will be processed. If more information is needed, your caseworker will contact you. You should receive a notice of decision regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice shows whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most Nebraska households, that period is 6 months. Households with adults age 60+ or who have a disability typically qualify to receive SNAP benefits for 12 months.
Within 30 days, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Nebraska's card has an image of the State Capitol's Sower statue outlined against a blue sky.
Your SNAP EBT card will be automatically reloaded with your benefit amount between the 1st and 5th calendar day of each month. The last digit of your head-of-household’s Social Security number determines the exact date your benefits are available.
Other Important tips to know
If you are not satisfied with the explanation of the reason for your SNAP denial, you can request a fair hearing. Your case will be reviewed by a DHHS Hearing Officer. You may represent yourself or ask someone, like a trusted family member, to assist you.
Your SNAP denial notice should contain instructions on how to request a fair hearing. You can send a written request by email to DHHS.DDAppeals@nebraska.gov or by regular mail to:
DHHS - Division of Developmental Disabilities Appeal
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
You can also call Nebraska Appleseed’s Community Assistance Line at 1-402-438-8853 (extension 205) for more information about how to challenge a decision about your eligibility or the amount of your SNAP benefits.
You can manage your SNAP benefits through your iServe Nebraska Portal account. Actions you can take include:
- Opting into paperless notices
- Reporting a change to your situation
- Uploading documents for your case
- Renewing your SNAP benefits
- Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-247-6328 (or the number on the back of your card) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. You can also visit ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).
- You must renew your Nebraska SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if you should apply?
BenefitsCheckUp helps assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
