If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Nebraska-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) NEworks portal, and certify weekly.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance) and Medicaid through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) using ACCESSNebraska. Check eligibility for WIC via the Nebraska DHHS WIC Program.
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through DHHS or your local Community Action Agency. Contact OPPD, LES, or Black Hills Energy for hardship and bill payment plans.
- Housing stability: Seek rental and mortgage help through the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and HUD Nebraska.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Nebraska or visit ne211.org for food, rent, utilities, and legal help.
🔗 Links & Resources (Nebraska)
Income & Jobs
Nebraska Department of Labor (Unemployment Insurance):
🔗 https://dol.nebraska.gov/
NEworks (File or Manage Claim):
🔗 https://neworks.nebraska.gov/
Job Search & Career Services:
🔗 https://dol.nebraska.gov/Employment
Food Access
SNAP (Food Assistance Program):
🔗 https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SNAP.aspx
Apply via ACCESSNebraska:
🔗 https://accessnebraska.ne.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx
Food Bank for the Heartland:
🔗 https://foodbankheartland.org/find-food/
Health Coverage
Nebraska Medicaid:
🔗 https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx
ACCESSNebraska (Apply or Renew Benefits):
🔗 https://accessnebraska.ne.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.communityhealth.net/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Energy-Assistance.aspx
Weatherization Assistance Program:
🔗 https://neo.ne.gov/wx/
OPPD (Omaha Public Power District):
🔗 https://www.oppd.com/residential/save-energy/energy-assistance/
LES (Lincoln Electric System):
🔗 https://www.les.com/save-money/payment-assistance
Black Hills Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/assistance-programs
Housing
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA):
🔗 https://nifa.org/
HUD Nebraska:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/nebraska
Rental & Mortgage Assistance:
🔗 https://nifa.org/programs/homeowner-assistance
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Nebraska:
🔗 https://ne211.org/
Community Action of Nebraska:
🔗 https://canhelp.org/
Legal Help
Legal Aid of Nebraska:
🔗 https://www.legalaidofnebraska.org/
Volunteer Lawyers Project:
🔗 https://nebar.com/?pg=vlp
Disability Rights Nebraska:
🔗 https://www.disabilityrightsnebraska.org/
Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest:
🔗 https://neappleseed.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.