While the cost of living increases in recent years has impacted the country, those who live in Nebraska enjoy a lower cost of living than most other states. That doesn’t mean, however, that families will not at times experience financial difficulties. There are people who have a low income, and who are hit with unexpected expenses, leading to challenges in getting everything paid. The good news is that there are programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Nebraska.
Being able to keep up with paying the bills is crucial to ensuring that basic needs are being met. Those who fall behind on their bills may end up being evicted or their heat shut off. With programs in place to help prevent this from happening, those who need financial assistance can apply for them to see if they can their basic needs met. This will help people get through each challenging period.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs below will help by providing money assistance for paying bills in Nebraska. You should be able to use the programs to pay bills and have your basic needs met. Plus, you don’t have to stress about ever paying the funds back, because it is not considered a loan.
211 – This number is provided by the organization called the United Way. They offer this number for people to use if they need help with paying bills, obtaining food, etc. You can call the number and let them know where you live and they will look for local programs that can help with your specific situation. Their referral service is free and open to anyone who needs assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – If you need help paying for the rent you may be able to get money assistance through HUD. This is a federal agency that is in charge of helping people with housing issues in Nebraska and around the country. HUD provides more housing assistance than any other agency in the country each year. If you have a low income and you are a citizen or legal non-citizen you may qualify for their programs. They will help with paying rent and housing repairs, as well as helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure. They can also help reduce your monthly utility bills by weatherizing the home. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is also called Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). It is a program that provides money assistance for families that have a low income. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child in the home that you are providing for. There is a limit of 60 months that you can receive money assistance from TANF. This is a lifetime limit. Adults who receive TANF will have to participate in their Employment First program, if they are not already working. Adults also have to comply with Child Support Enforcement to receive the money each month. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program will help pay for bills in Nebraska that are for dental care, pregnancy, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more. Those who are eligible for the program must have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To qualify, you have to meet the low income and asset requirements. They also have a program that is specifically for children, called the Children’s Health Insurance Program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Metropolitan Utilities District – This organization will help families in need with paying their utility bills. To qualify for the money assistance to pay the bills, you have to be experiencing a financial crisis and have no other resources to turn to. You have to have a low income, and have someone in the home age 60 or up. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Christian Outreach Program – This organization will help families with their emergency rent and utility bills. If you have fallen behind and are facing eviction or a shut off of utilities, they may be able to help. You have to be a renter in Douglas County, be experiencing a financial crisis, and have a low household income. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will help with paying for food for your family. Those who are approved will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that will pay for your groceries at the store each month. There is no limit to how long you can get help from the program. As long as you continue to need the assistance you can get it if you meet the qualifications for the program. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help with paying your utility bills if you meet the requirements. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. They will help offset the cost of heating and cooling bills in the state of Nebraska. They also provide crisis assistance, help with purchasing a window air conditioner and fans, and more. To get additional information or apply for the programs, click here.
Salvation Army – While this organization is known for providing those in need with shelters and hot meals, they do help people in various other ways as well. They will provide bill payment assistance at some locations. You can contact the locations in your area to see if they provide bill payment assistance. If they do not at that location then may be able to give you a referral to a local place that can help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
