Housing Assistance for Seniors in Nebraska

Last updated: August 23, 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• If you received an eviction, utility shutoff, or foreclosure notice:
  • Call 211 to get same-day referrals to rent, shelter, utility, and legal help: Nebraska 211
  • Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska right away for free legal help: Legal Aid of Nebraska – Housing Help
  • For disaster damage (flood, tornado, fire), apply at: DisasterAssistance.gov and check state updates at Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Quick emergency contacts

Key Takeaways

• Nebraska seniors can lower housing costs through federal rental programs (Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and Section 202 senior apartments), rural rental properties, and state/local aid. Start with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA): Find Nebraska PHAs on HUD’s directory.
• Homeowners 65+ may qualify for Nebraska’s Homestead Exemption to reduce property taxes. Apply through your county assessor: Nebraska Department of Revenue – Homestead Exemption.
• Repair and accessibility help is available through USDA Rural Development (Section 504 loans and grants for 62+), the Weatherization Assistance Program, Medicaid HCBS waivers (for eligible seniors), and Nebraska’s Assistive Technology Partnership.
• Utility help (LIHEAP) can prevent shutoffs and keep your home heated/cooled. Apply through Nebraska DHHS: Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
• Be prepared for waitlists and paperwork. Use 211, Area Agencies on Aging, and HUD-approved housing counselors to navigate applications and avoid scams.

What This Guide Covers

• Realistic paths to rent help, senior apartments, home repairs, weatherization, and property tax relief
• Who qualifies, how to apply, and where to get unbiased help
• Special sections for veterans, LGBTQ+ seniors, people with disabilities, tribal members, and rural residents
• Links to official Nebraska and federal sources (no guesswork)

Who Qualifies? The Basics

Eligibility depends on the program, but common factors include:

• Age: Many senior-specific programs require age 62+ (for example, HUD Section 202 and USDA 504 grants).
• Income: HUD “low income” limits vary by county and household size. Check current limits: HUD Income Limits.
• Residency and citizenship/eligible immigration status: Some programs have requirements; others (like legal aid or 211 referrals) do not.
• Housing need: For example, unsafe housing may qualify you for repair programs; being cost-burdened may qualify you for rental assistance.

Reality check: Many rental programs use waiting lists. Put your name on multiple lists (nearby towns/counties) to improve your chances. Keep contact info updated so you don’t lose your spot.

Top Programs at a Glance

Renting: Vouchers, Senior Apartments, and Rural Options

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

• What it does: A voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the rest. You rent from a private landlord who accepts the voucher.
• Who qualifies: Low-income households; local PHAs set preferences (e.g., seniors, people with disabilities, homeless).
• How to apply: Contact several PHAs and join all open lists you can travel to.

Start here: HUD PHA directory for Nebraska

Tips:

• Ask each PHA if they accept “portability” (moving your voucher to another area after you receive it).
• Keep a folder with ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and current addresses.

Public Housing

• What it does: Apartments owned by PHAs at reduced rent.
• Reality check: Buildings may have long waits, but often are near transit and services.
• Apply: Through your local PHA. Use the same HUD directory above.

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly (62+)

• What it does: Affordable senior apartments with support services (like service coordinators who connect residents to meals, transportation, and care).
• How to find units: Use HUD’s map to locate senior properties, then call properties directly to join their waiting list.

Search: HUD Resource Locator – “Find Affordable Housing Opportunities Near Me”

USDA Rural Rental Housing

• What it does: Reduced rents in USDA-financed rural apartment complexes, sometimes with rental assistance attached to units.
• Who qualifies: Low- and moderate-income renters; seniors are welcome and often prioritized by need.
• How to search: Enter your town or ZIP here: USDA Rural Rental Property Search

Reality check: Rural apartments may have fewer amenities but often shorter waitlists. Ask about accessibility features (elevators, grab bars).

Homeowners: Lower Taxes, Repair Hazards, and Stay Safe at Home

Nebraska Homestead Exemption (Property Tax Relief)

• What it does: Reduces or exempts part of your home’s property taxes.
• Who qualifies: Seniors 65+ (and certain disabled or disabled veterans). Income and home value limits apply and change yearly.
• When to apply: Typically February 1 to June 30; deadlines and rules can change by year and county.

Learn more and get forms: Nebraska Department of Revenue – Homestead Exemption

Tip: Apply early with your county assessor. Bring proof of income, ID, and any disability or veteran documentation if applicable.

Home Repair and Accessibility

Reality check:

• USDA grants are only for 62+ AND very-low-income rural homeowners; lifetime grant cap applies. Many seniors combine a small grant with a small 1% loan.
• Weatherization focuses on energy savings, not general remodeling. It won’t replace a roof unless needed for energy measures.
• CDBG/HOME funds are limited and offered periodically; watch your city/county website for application windows.
• For accessibility, get an occupational therapist’s recommendation if possible. It helps justify ramps, roll-in showers, or stair lifts.

Utility Bills and Energy

• LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): Helps with heating/cooling bills and crises. Apply via Nebraska DHHS: Energy Assistance
• Weatherization (WAP): Reduces energy use long-term; see above.
• Local utility hardship funds:
  • Omaha area water: Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) – Home Fund
  • Omaha area electric: Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) offers assistance; check programs and authorized partners: OPPD
  • For other utilities, call 211 or check your provider’s website for “Customer Assistance” or “Energy Assistance.”

Homeowner Hardship and Foreclosure Prevention

• Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF): Nebraska’s HAF helped with mortgages, taxes, insurance, and utilities during/after the pandemic. Status can change based on remaining funds. Check official links via the U.S. Treasury’s HAF page and follow to Nebraska’s program: Treasury – HAF Program Links
• HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can help you work with your lender or servicer: Find a HUD-approved counselor
• Reverse mortgages (HECM): Consider carefully. Get unbiased info: CFPB – Reverse Mortgages

Health, Independence, and Staying at Home

• Medicaid HCBS Waivers (Aged & Disabled): May cover in-home supports and some environmental modifications. Learn more: Nebraska DHHS – HCBS Waivers
• Money Follows the Person (MFP): Helps people leave nursing facilities for community living with supports: Nebraska MFP
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Local help for in-home services, care coordination, home-delivered meals, and sometimes minor home repairs (availability varies). Find your AAA: Nebraska DHHS – Aging Services
• Housing counseling: Not just for homebuyers—counselors help renters, seniors, and caregivers navigate options: HUD Housing Counseling

How to Apply (and Avoid Delays)

1. Gather common documents:
   • Photo ID, Social Security number
   • Proof of all income (Social Security, pension, work)
   • Bank statements, recent bills, lease or mortgage statement
   • Proof of hardship (eviction, shutoff, medical bills) if applicable
2. Put your name on multiple lists:
   • Apply to several PHAs and senior properties. Keep a list of where you applied and your confirmation/waitlist numbers.
3. Check your mail and voicemail:
   • If you miss a response window, your application can be closed.
4. Ask for help:
   • Call your local AAA or 211. Consider a HUD-approved housing counselor for free/low-cost application help.
5. Watch for scams:
   • Housing help is free. No one can “sell” you a Section 8 voucher. Verify websites end with .gov or are well-known nonprofits. When in doubt, call 211.

Property Taxes and Homeownership Aid (Summary)

Rental Options for Seniors (Summary)

Special Populations and Focused Help

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Fair housing protections apply regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity under HUD’s Equal Access Rule. Report discrimination: HUD Fair Housing and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission: NEOC
• Emotional support and referrals: SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (1-877-360-LGBT)

Veteran Seniors

• HUD-VASH combines a rental voucher with VA case management for eligible veterans: VA HUD-VASH
• Nebraska Veterans’ Aid can help with emergency rent, utilities, or other basic needs (eligibility applies): Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Housing adaptations for service-connected disabilities: VA SAH/SHA grants

Seniors with Disabilities

• Medicaid Aged & Disabled Waiver may fund home modifications and in-home supports: DHHS – HCBS Waivers
• Assistive Technology Partnership helps plan and fund modifications and devices: Nebraska ATP
• Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides statewide navigation help: Nebraska ADRC

Tribal Members and Native Elders

• Tribal housing is supported by HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP). Find contacts and programs: HUD Codetalk – ONAP
• Water/sewer improvements may be available through Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities: IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction
• For emergency or rental help, also contact 211 and your tribe’s housing authority (ask at tribal offices for the housing program contact).

Rural Seniors (Small Towns and Farms)

• Look first at USDA options—both repair grants/loans and rural rental properties:
  • Repairs (62+ grants, 1% loans): USDA Section 504
  • Rural rentals: USDA property search
• Community Action Agencies often handle LIHEAP and Weatherization locally. Find your local agency: Community Action of Nebraska
• Transportation can be a barrier. Ask your AAA about transportation to medical and benefit appointments: Nebraska Aging Services

Resources by Region (Statewide + Major Metros)

Statewide starters:

• Find affordable and senior housing: HUD Resource Locator
• All Public Housing Agencies (apply to several): HUD PHA directory – Nebraska
• Energy assistance (LIHEAP): DHHS – Energy Assistance
• Weatherization: DOE – Nebraska WAP
• Area Agencies on Aging: Nebraska Aging Services
• Community Action Agencies: Community Action of Nebraska
• Housing counseling: HUD Counseling
• Fair housing complaints: HUD Fair Housing and NEOC

Metro-area highlights:

• Omaha metro
  • Omaha Housing Authority (public housing/Section 8): Omaha Housing Authority
    • Note: If this link does not load, use the HUD PHA directory and select Omaha.
  • OPPD – customer assistance: OPPD
  • M.U.D. – Home Fund: M.U.D. Home Fund
  • Homeless services coordination via local CoC: HUD CoC list – Nebraska
• Lincoln metro
  • Lincoln Housing Authority: Lincoln Housing Authority
  • Energy assistance: DHHS – LIHEAP
  • Aging Partners (senior services for Lincoln-area counties): see Nebraska Aging Services for local contact
• Central, Western, and Northeast Nebraska (Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, Columbus, etc.)
  • Rural rentals and repairs: USDA rural rentals and USDA repairs
  • Community Action Agencies (local LIHEAP/WAP and more): Community Action of Nebraska
  • PHAs in your county/city: HUD PHA directory

If a city website or program link changes, use the HUD directory, 211, or your AAA to get the current application link.

Step-by-Step: Finding and Applying to Senior Apartments

1. Use the HUD Resource Locator to find “Elderly” or “Senior” housing near you: HUD Resource Locator
2. Call properties directly. Ask:
   • Age and income requirements
   • Current rent range and utilities included
   • Wait time and application process (and whether they accept a common application)
3. Join several lists. Keep a notebook with property names and your application dates.
4. Update your contact info if you move or change phone numbers.

Tip: If mobility is a concern, ask about ground-floor units, elevators, and accessible features. If you need to modify a unit (e.g., grab bars), ask about landlord consent and whether your program will help pay.

Common Challenges (and Workarounds)

• Long waitlists: Apply in multiple towns/counties you can reasonably get to. Rural USDA properties sometimes have shorter waits.
• Income just over the limit: Check if a different program uses a different income calculation. Ask a HUD counselor to review your situation.
• Landlord won’t accept vouchers: Your PHA can give you a list of voucher-friendly landlords. Keep looking; don’t give up after one “no.”
• Paperwork overwhelm: Ask your AAA, a trusted family member, or a housing counselor to help you assemble and submit documents.
• Repair urgency vs. program timelines: For immediate hazards (no heat, unsafe wiring), apply to multiple sources (USDA, CDBG, charitable funds) and request a priority review if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if I qualify as “low income” for housing?
A: HUD sets income limits by county and household size. Look up your county’s limits here: HUD Income Limits. Programs can use different thresholds (e.g., 50% or 80% of area median income).

Q: Can I get both LIHEAP and Weatherization?
A: Yes—many households receive both. LIHEAP helps pay bills and prevent shutoffs; Weatherization lowers energy costs long-term. Apply separately: LIHEAP and Nebraska WAP.

Q: I’m 75 and own my home in a small town. Can I get a grant for repairs?
A: Possibly. If you’re 62+ and very-low-income in a rural area, USDA Section 504 grants (up to $10,000) may help fix health/safety hazards. Loans at 1% interest are also available and can be combined with grants: USDA Section 504.

Q: What is Section 202 senior housing and how is it different from public housing?
A: Section 202 are privately owned, HUD-subsidized senior-only buildings with supportive services. Public housing is owned by PHAs and serves mixed populations. Search for senior properties here: HUD Resource Locator.

Q: I got an eviction notice. What should I do first?
A: Call Legal Aid of Nebraska immediately and 211 for emergency help and shelter referrals. Keep all papers, write down dates, and go to your court hearing. Legal Aid of Nebraska and Nebraska 211.

Q: Are there programs just for veterans?
A: Yes. Ask your local VA about HUD-VASH vouchers and supportive housing. For emergency financial help, check Nebraska Veterans’ Aid: VA HUD-VASH and Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Q: Can undocumented seniors get help?
A: Eligibility varies. Many emergency services, legal aid, and some charity programs do not ask about immigration status. Federal housing programs usually require eligible status. Call 211 to explore options.

Q: Who do I call to report housing discrimination?
A: File with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission: HUD Fair Housing and NEOC.

Q: What if disaster damages my home?
A: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and contact NEMA for state updates: NEMA. Keep photos, receipts, and contractor estimates.

Resource Tables You Can Use

Table: Who to Call for What

Table: Documents Checklist

Real-World Example Scenarios

• Rent too high in Omaha: You apply to Omaha Housing Authority’s Section 8 list and two nearby PHAs. You also search Section 202 properties on HUD’s map and join three senior property waitlists. While waiting, 211 connects you to a short-term rent fund and a legal consult after a rent increase notice. Result: You secure a senior unit offer in six months.
• Rural homeowner in North Platte with a failing furnace: You apply for LIHEAP crisis aid for immediate utility/furnace help, then weatherization for long-term savings. You also apply for a USDA Section 504 loan/grant to replace unsafe wiring. Result: Heat restored quickly; bills lower over winter.
• Lincoln widow on a fixed income with rising property taxes: You file for Homestead Exemption with the county assessor. A HUD housing counselor reviews your budget and helps you explore downsizing to a Section 202 property. Result: Lower taxes now, and a plan for a senior community later.

Note: Outcomes vary; wait times and funding depend on location and demand.

Verify Before You Apply: Key Official Links

• Rental programs and senior housing search: HUD Resource Locator
• Public Housing Agencies in Nebraska: HUD PHA Directory
• Energy bills (LIHEAP): Nebraska DHHS – Energy Assistance
• Weatherization: DOE – Nebraska WAP
• Rural repairs and rentals: USDA Repairs, USDA Nebraska, USDA Rentals
• Property tax relief: Nebraska Homestead Exemption
• Aging services and ADRC: Nebraska Aging Services, Nebraska ADRC
• Housing counseling: HUD Counseling
• Veterans: VA HUD-VASH, Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Fair housing: HUD Fair Housing, NEOC

Disclaimer

Programs, income limits, and application windows change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.