Grants for Seniors in Nebraska

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Rachel

Help for Seniors in Nebraska – 29 Assistance Programs

Nebraska is one of the best places to live in the middle of America considering affordable housing opportunities and a big job market. The cost of living in this state is lower than the U.S. average. These are very beneficial for older people who are looking for a decent and comfortable place to live. Also known as the Cornhusker State, Nebraska has various job opportunities for low-income seniors. Although it seems very appealing, elder people may be in need of various things, including rent, utility, health, food and cash assistance. Therefore, there are several programs and services provided by the state authorities, the federal government, and local charity organizations.

State Resources for Seniors

The State Unit on Aging is a part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This unit administers funding programs to assist elderly residents who are challenged and unable to maintain their homes. The State Unit on Aging also partners with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide services at a lower, more direct level. Nebraska works with Aging State Plans that are active for four years at a time. These plans outline the objectives, services and targets to be provided or achieved within the activity period. Nebraska’s Aging State Plans are also managed by the State Unit on Aging. More information on this Unit, along with links to valuable resources for seniors can be obtained from https://dhhs.ne.gov/pages/aging.aspx.

Financial Assistance

The Nebraska Emergency Cash Assistance Program is a state-based financial assistance service for low-income families. Even though seniors in financial need are prioritized by this program, there must be a child in the home to be eligible for this monetary aid. The amount of the money can differ depending on the economic conditions of the applicants. To learn more, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Emergency-Assistance.aspx or contact 800 383 4278.

Nebraska’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) Program provides financial assistance in the form of monetary payments to low-income seniors in the state. The program helps the elderly to get access to money that they can use to pay for proper housing, ensuring that they live in homes that are appropriate for their needs. In some cases, AABD provides money for the purchase of furniture and home appliances. AABD also provides medical coverage for seniors, helping them with a portion of their medical costs. This medical coverage is only available for older residents who are ineligible for Medicaid. More information on AABD can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aged-Blind-or-Disabled.aspx.

At the federal level, the Social Security Administration provides financial assistance for seniors over the age of 65 in the form of Supplemental Security Income. This is money paid out to help eligible low-income seniors with funds to pay for their basic needs. Eligibility for SSI is determined by the current income and asset values of the senior applying for assistance. The amount of money awarded varies on a case by case basis and is calculated with consideration for individual needs. Seniors can find information on SSI at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Nebraska Salvation Army runs several programs for low and moderate-income individuals as a charity-based organization. Older people who are struggling with economic problems and about to lose their homes are prioritized by the Salvation Army. It provides permanent or transient decent, secure, and affordable homes. This establishment aims to reduce homelessness in Nebraska. Find out more information at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/provide-housing/ or dial 712 328 2088. More nonprofit organizations are starting to exist all throughout the nation as time goes on. Here are a couple of the most reputable 10 Organizations that Assist Elderly.

Nebraska Section 8-Housing Choice Voucher Program is a widely known federal government for low and moderate-income people who are having trouble paying their rent. Low and moderate-income older people who need rent support are one of the priority groups for this program. Eligible applicants can decide on the house, flat, or apartment they want and the landlord should accept the conditions of the program. After this process, Section 8 pays almost 70 percent of the rent each month. To read more and apply, please go to https://www.hud.gov/states/nebraska/renting.

Catholic Charities of Nebraska is a non-governmental organization that presents various services for people in need. It has six programs in terms of rent and housing support. Some of the programs are joint, some of them are only offered by the Catholic Charities Nebraska. These are Family Housing Advisory Services, United Way of the Midlands 2-1-1, MACCH Connect, Saint Vincent Paul Society, Douglas County Rental Assistance, and Heartland Family Services. These are inclusive programs that can be very beneficial considering necessities at home. To see the details of these programs, click on https://www.ccomaha.org/program-and-services/Financial-Community-Resources or call 402 554 0520. Here are a few well-known major churches that assist seniors with limited or no financial resources.

Home Repair Grants

In a state like Nebraska where storms and tornadoes are frequent, the expenses on home repairs can be significant. grants and loans are available to improve safety and help provide better homes for residents.

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans to help seniors who need to carry out repairs on their homes. This financial assistancec is only available to those living in rural areas, assisting them live in safe housing. The assistance provided is used to get rid of health and safety hazards in the home, carry out structural repairs, make accessibility modifiactions, etc. Grants are also available for seniors who are aged 62 or older. Unlike loans, the grants do not have to be repaid to the government. The grants are restrcited to a maximum of $10,000, while loans may be up to $40,000. The loans have a repayment period of 20 years and a 1% interest rate. Seniors who receive grants are required to retain ownership of their home for at least 3 years. For further deatils, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ne.

Habitat for Humanity offers Home Improvement Programs to help low-income residents make essential repairs and restore their homes. Some of the repairs covered include: roofs, windows, driveways, plumbing, heating systems, etc. Assistance is provided either as grants or as no-interest loans. Habitat for Humanity also serves as the contractor for these repairs, giving a 1-year warranty on the repairs carried out. More information can be found at https://habitatomaha.org/programs/home-repair/.

Healthcare Assistance

Nebraska Prescription Card is also known as the Nebraska Rx Card is a discount card on health-related expenses. Older citizens who are having financial difficulties and cannot afford their prescription bills are qualified for this benefit. Accepted candidates can have a discount of up to 75 percent on their medicine drugs. To apply for this card, please follow the link https://nebraskarxcard.com/ or make a phone call at 877 321 6755.

Nebraska Medicaid Program was formed and has been sponsored both by the federal agencies and the Department of Health and Human Services. This is a special program for low-income seniors who cannot afford their medical treatment or health-related costs.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be 65 years old or above.
• If you are under 65 years of age, you must be suffering a disability.
• You must be a resident of Nebraska.
• You must prove that you are not able to pay your medical bills.

Recipients of Medicaid may also get special non-emergency medical transportation services when going in for scheduled medical appointments. For more information on the operation of Medicaid in Nebraska and the eligibility criteria, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Eligibility.aspx.

Nebraska’s Person-Centered Planning Initiative was created and has been led both by the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This initiative is intended to help seniors with disabilities regarding their home, health, and community-based needs. Some of the programs of this initiative as follows:

• Adult Day Services: Older people who have cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments are qualified for this service. It offers hot and cold meals, health support, social events, and counseling on various issues.
• Assisted Living Service: Anyone who is 18 years old or above and also receiving Medicaid is eligible for this benefit. It provides emergency shelter, meals, social events, housekeeping, medication support, transportation help, and daycare at home.
• Home Delivered Meals: Adult citizens who are 60 years of age or older with disabilities and are not able to cook their food can benefit from this service. Hot, cold, and frozen meals are delivered home each day.

Explore more opportunities through the following link https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Eligibility.aspx or get in touch at 402 471 3121.

The North Omaha Area Health (NOAH) Clinic provides free and low-cost medical services to residents of Omaha. Seniors can book an appointment and come in to get checkups and treatment for ailments and health issues. NOAH offers testing blood pressure tests, blood sugar tests, mental health assessments, among others. Seniors can visit https://www.noahclinic.org/ to schedule an appointment for treatment.

The Healing Gift Free Clinic offers free medical care to seniors in Omaha. The clinic provides basic medical services to meet the needs of uninsured seniors in the area, helping them maintain good health. Patients of Healing Gift Free Clinic can also get referrals to other programs that can help them overcome other challenges that they face. For more details, visit https://healinggiftfreeclinic.com/.

Help with Dental Care

Nebraska Mission of Mercy (NMOM) specializes in providing dental care to the less privileged in the state. Nebraska Mission of Mercy is staffed by dental professionals and other volunteers, and hosts clinics on specific days to provide free dental care services. The organization treats patients on a first-come, first-served basis, providing care to as much as 1,000 patients per day. NMOM focuses on the uninsured and underinsured, and for this reason, all seniors need to do is show up early. Knowing that the wait times can be very long, free breakfast and lunch is provided to patients waiting for treatment. Several services are provided, however some other dental services like braces, root canals on back teeth, crowns, and implants are unavailable. Clinic days are updated regularly and seniors can visit https://www.phsneb.org/2017/04/06/nebraska-mission-mercy/ to see the schedule.

OneWorld Dental is a community clinic that offers dental care services across several locations in Nebraska. OneWorld provides services like periodic dental examinations, dental hygiene, oral surgery, etc. The clinic treats anyone, regardless of income levels. For seniors who are uninsured, a sliding scale fee is charged based on their income. To help process this fee payment structure, the clinic requires a proof of income for at least one month. Seniors who want to book a dental appointment can call 402-932-7204 for scheduling. The scheduler works with a dentist to find the best available time. To further help elderly people who need dental care, OneWorld Dental provides transportation to the clinic sometimes. For more information, visit https://www.oneworldomaha.org/for-patients/services-programs/dental/.

Clinic With a Heart is another medical organization with dental care services. The clinic has volunteer dentists who carry out free dental examinations for seniors, along with medication when necessary. Clinic With a Heart does not, however, carry out any forms of surgical procedures. Rather, seniors are referred to cost-effective dental organizations after their examination. Seniors can visit https://www.clinicwithaheart.org/ for more details.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) runs a program known as SHARING Clinics, which stands for Student Health Alliance Reaching Indigent Needy Groups. The Dental SHARING Clinic program is staffed by student dentists who provide free dental care to uninsured and underinsured seniors, under the supervision of expert dentists. This program brings affordable and comprehensive dental care to seniors in the state and boosts oral health. Information on the program can be found at https://www.unmc.edu/dentistry/outreach/sharingclinic.html.

Seniors over the age of 65 can get full and comprehensive dental treatment through Donated Dental Services. This is a program run by the Dental Lifeline Network to provide dental care to underserved residents. A wide range of services and procedures are available and treatment is free, including laboratory tests. In cases where the senior applying has some financial ability, they may be asked to pay for a part of the treatment costs. For more information, visit https://dentallifeline.org/nebraska/.

For information on free and affordable dental care for the elderly, see Dental Grants in Nebraska.

Utility Bills Assistance

The Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the popular federally funded programs. It aims to help low and moderate-income people who are not able to pay their utilities. Apart from utility assistance, qualified participants may benefit from furniture, repair, and weatherization services of the Nebraska LIHEAP. Find out more at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Energy-Assistance.aspx or call 800 383 4278.

Aquila is a local electric company that presents two programs for low-income residents to help with their utility bills. These programs are the Heat Aid Fund and the Heatshare. Heat Aid Fund offers cash support for utilities during the spring and the winter. People who are 60 years of age or older and having financial problems are qualified for this service. The Heatshare is available for any other utility bills and even promotes energy-saving courses. Low-income individuals who cannot afford their bills can apply for this program. To learn more, please go to https://www.aquila-capital.de/en/ or make a phone call at 1 800 336 4547.

In addition to LIHEAP and Aquila, there are programs and services to help pay bills available to low and moderate incomes seniors.

Food Assistance

The Nebraska Food Stamp Program also recognized as the Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was formed by the federal government and has been managed by the State of Nebraska for low-income families who cannot afford to purchase food. Seniors who are not able to cook for themselves or do not have enough income to buy food are eligible for this program. The main goal of this benefit is to make sure that everyone has access to nutritious and healthy food based on their health condition. For more information, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SNAP.aspx or call 1 800 383 4278. Apart from the Nebraska Food Stamp Program, more Food Programs for Seniors are being established across the country to meet the nutritional needs of low-income senior citizens.

Congregate meals are available for seniors who require nutrition assistance. These are warm, cooked meals served in a group setting at a preapproved location. This arrangement allows the elderly to get access to healthy food that they cannot afford or prepare. The group setting also gives a chance for socialization and interaction, which can boost mental health.

Home delivered meals are similar to congregate meals in the sense of providing food to seniors in need. However, unlike congregate meals, the home delivered meals are taken to the home of the senior and delivered directly. This is helpful for those who have conditions that restrict their mobility, preventing them from making it to congregate meal distribution sites. In both cases, the meals are warm, freshly cooked items prepared by a dietician to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly recipients. Visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Social-Services-Aged-and-Disabled-Adults.aspx for details on the operation of these programs.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is another way that older residents Nebraska can get access to food. CSFP is not intended to provide complete nutrition or food for a time period; it is rather meant to augment the nutrient consumption of recipients. Under the program, food baskets are delivered monthly to seniors over the age of 60, containing nutrient rich foods like cereal, milk, fruits, meat, etc. These items can be consumed alongside other foods to improve nutrition. Seniors can visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Commodity-Supplemental-Food-Program.aspx for assistance.

Nebraska also has several food banks and pantries that give out free food to seniors in need. To locate providers, visit https://foodbankheartland.org/.

Transportation Assistance

Reach Your Destination Easily (RYDE) Transit is a public transit system that seniors can use to get around in various counties. RYDE helps seniors who need to get to shopping areas, congregate meal sites, medical appointments, etc. The vehicles used have facilities to accommodate seniors with reduced mobility who need assistance. RYDE fares are low-cost, making this an affordable option for seniors. For more information, visit https://communityactionmidne.com/ryde-transit-public-transportation-program-reach-your-destination-easily/.

Nebraska Total Care provides rides to seniors to help them get to medical appointments. Emergency services are not provided and eligible seniors may get free rides. It is important to schedule rides at least 2 working days ahead to get a guaranteed ride to appointments. Rides can also be scheduled 60 days ahead. More details can be found at https://www.nebraskatotalcare.com/members/medicaid/benefits-services/transportation.html.

Seniors who receive assistance from the Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adult Program (SSAD) can receive transportation assistance to get to medical and non-medical appointments. For details, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Social-Services-Aged-and-Disabled-Adults.aspx.

Charities and Organizations

People’s City Mission (PCM) is an organization that provides several charity and assistance services to seniors. The organization offers a homeless shelter, free food, a free clinic, transitional housing, etc. PCM’s clinic provides medical and dental care for seniors without medical insurance. Seniors can also pick up items like clothing and furniture for their homes. This charity plays an important role in caring for the underprivileged residents, serving as a support system for those in need. For more information on the activities and help offered by People’s City Mission, visit https://pcmlincoln.org/.

Catholic Charities is another charity organization that helps the elderly residents of Nebraska. This charity runs several programs to meet peculiar needs of the older population, ensuring a healthy life in a dignified environment. Seniors can receive food items, money for rent and utilities, etc. from Catholic Charities. The services provided help seniors maintain independent living, so that they age in place for as long as possible. Additional details on Catholic Charities can be found at https://www.ccomaha.org/.

The Salvation Army provides many supportive services for seniors going through trying times. Food pantries distribute shelf-stable food items that seniors can take home to prepare, while seniors who are unable to cook can come in to get cooked meals served to them at soup kitchens. Financial assistance is often provided to meet urgent needs like payment of rent and utility bills. For seniors who have already been evicted, the Salvation Army provides shelters to give a safe place of refuge. Another very important service available from the Salvation Army is the assistance provided to survivors of disasters. This can be very helpful for seniors whose lives have been adversely affected by storms or tornadoes. To get more information on how the Salvation Army helps the elderly, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/western/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

Veterans in Nebraska can apply for the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund (NVA) to get temporary financial assistance for their needs. NVA provides money to veterans experiencing hardship so that they can pay for urgent needs. The funds provided by NVA can be used for food, shelter, transportation, fuel, clothing, etc. More details on the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund can be found at https://veterans.nebraska.gov/nva.

Other programs provided by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs meet specific needs of veterans in the state. Veterans who are in need of help can check https://veterans.nebraska.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Nebraska? Seniors in Nebraska can access the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility bills, the Nebraska Homestead Exemption to reduce property taxes, and the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for assistance with Medicare-related costs.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Nebraska? Seniors can apply for Medicaid through the ACCESSNebraska website, by calling the hotline, or by visiting a local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office. Documentation required includes proof of income, assets, age, and residency.

3. Are there housing assistance programs specifically for seniors in Nebraska? The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) offers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and has resources on affordable senior living options. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development provides information on home rehabilitation and weatherization programs.

4. Can seniors in Nebraska receive help with heating and cooling costs? Yes, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps seniors with heating and cooling expenses, offering financial assistance to ensure their home remains comfortable throughout the year.

5. What programs help seniors with prescription medication costs in Nebraska? The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers counseling on Medicare Part D plans and other resources like the Extra Help program to assist with prescription costs.

6. How do seniors qualify for the Nebraska Homestead Exemption? The Homestead Exemption provides property tax relief to seniors 65 and older based on income and home value criteria. Applications are submitted through the county assessor’s office with deadlines typically on June 30th each year.

7. What in-home care services are available for Nebraska seniors? The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers programs like the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, providing in-home care, personal care services, and respite care for eligible seniors.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Nebraska? Transportation services for seniors are available through local Area Agencies on Aging, offering rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential activities, often at reduced costs or for free.

9. What nutritional support programs are available for seniors in Nebraska? The Elderly Nutrition Program offers congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals through programs like Meals on Wheels, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious food and social interaction.

10. Are there legal assistance services for seniors in Nebraska? Legal Aid of Nebraska provides free legal services to seniors, covering issues such as healthcare, housing, consumer protection, and elder abuse, helping to safeguard their rights and well-being.