How to Get on Welfare in Omaha

Applications submitted online are received the next business day.

Omaha, Nebraska families in need of assistance through public welfare can apply for help to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Available help includes food stamps, cash assistance, Medicaid and child care support. Other welfare programs such as energy assistance and children's health insurance are also administered through the NDHHS. Each household that applies for assistance must meet certain requirements, including income and citizenship.

Instructions

1. Access the ACCESS Nebraska website (accessnebraska.ne.gov) in your Web browser. Download the printable application for assistance.

2. Complete the application for assistance. The application requires that you provide information such as Social Security numbers and addresses for each member of your household. Do not leave any field empty when filling out the application.

3. Mail the application to the address listed Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. As of September 2011, all Omaha residents should mail their applications to ACCESSNebraska, P.O. Box 85801, Lincoln, NE 68501-5801. A letter for an interview will be mailed to the address listed on your application.

4. Attend your eligibility interview. Be sure to take any requested documentation to the interview. The list of items needed was included with the interview letter. Examples of requested documentation includes pay stubs, utility bills and birth certificates.

5. Wait for a decision letter. The information you provided during the interview and on the application will be used to determine whether or not you qualify for welfare assistance. A decision letter will be mailed to you when your caseworker determines your eligibility.

Tips & Warnings

• Prior to completing an application for assistance, you can use the pre-qualification online tool to determine if you may meet the requirements for receiving welfare assistance.

• Contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services by phone at [phone] to request an application if you are unable to print the online application.

• Depending on your household's situation, you may qualify for emergency assistance. Contact the NDHHS by phone to request information on how to receive emergency assistance.

• If your request for assistance is denied, steps to appeal the decision will be included in the decision letter. You must file for an appeal within the time specified in the letter.

References

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: ACCESS Nebraska

Resources

• ACCESS Nebraska: Home
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Douglas County-Omaha