While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Nebraska, the TANF program is known as Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). To learn more about ADC and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Nebraska ADC website here.
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The ADC program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services, the ADC program provides to participating families, review the Nebraska ADC website here.
ADC and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ADC benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Unlike Food Assistance, ADC benefits can be given to participants on the ReliaCard Visa Debit Card. This prepaid debit card is automatically refilled with benefits each month that a family remains eligible for the program.
Many ADC participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or ADC, visit ACCESSNebraska here.
If you have questions about ADC or Food Assistance, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (800) 383-4278.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about ADC and benefit in Nebraska here.
To qualify for ADC in Nebraska, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive ADC benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Aid to Dependent Children, complete the following two steps:
Learn about the ADC eligibility requirements here.
To apply for ADC online, create an account on ACCESSNebraska here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for ADC in person, click here to find the nearest Nebraska Public Assistance Office location.
To apply for ADC by fax, fill out the Application for Benefits found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (402) 742-2351.
To apply for ADC by mail, fill out the Application for Economic Assistance Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
DHHS ANDI Center
Economic Assistance
PO Box 2992
Omaha, NE 68103-2992
To apply for ADC by email, fill out the Application for Economic Assistance Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to DHHS.ANDICenter@Nebraska.gov.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (800) 383-4278.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for ADC, the Nebraska DHHS will contact you for an eligibility interview. You must participate in this interview before your family can be approved for benefits.
Following your interview, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Human Services within 30 days with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If eligible for benefits, you will also receive your prepaid visa card.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your ReliaCard and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (800) 383-4278.
If you do not agree with the ADC benefit decision given to you by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Public Assistance Office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the appeal form attached to your determination letter.
For help with obtaining Aid to Dependent Children, or for any further questions about your application, call the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (800) 383-4278.
To send the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (402) 742-2351, email your documents to DHHS.ANDICenter@Nebraska.gov, or mail them to the following address:
DHHS ANDI Center
Economic Assistance
PO Box 2992
Omaha, NE 68103-2992
You can also visit or call a local Public Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.