Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Nebraska

Where to start

Quick reference

Nebraska LIHEAP eligibility and 2026 limits

Nebraska DHHS uses gross household income and an income ceiling of 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. A household must also meet state residency and citizenship rules, be responsible for home-energy costs, and meet the rules for the service requested.

The limits below apply from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Being under the income figure does not guarantee assistance. DHHS still reviews the application, household, utility responsibility, documents, and service-specific rules.

Add $8,250 to the annual limit for each person over eight. Monthly figures above are simple annual averages; DHHS applies its own income-counting rules. The official 2026 income guide controls if any figure changes.

What Nebraska LIHEAP can cover

Cooling assistance in July 2026

The regular cooling season is open through August 31. A household must be LIHEAP-eligible and include a child under age 6 receiving Aid to Dependent Children, a person age 70 or older, a person with a severe heat-aggravated condition verified on the required medical form, or someone who received a DHHS air conditioner within the past four years.

Crisis assistance

Crisis help requires an urgent home-energy problem and an unexpected inability to pay during the most recent 90 days. Listed hardships include an unexpected medical or household cost, a permanent involuntary loss of work or wages, departure of a main wage earner, inability to work because of illness or injury, or a major income loss after a household death.

If DHHS finds a household eligible and receives a valid crisis request, state guidance calls for help within 18 hours for a life-threatening crisis and within 48 hours for another eligible crisis. Life-threatening situations include loss of heating or cooling when someone is under 6, age 60 or older, receives disability payments, has a verified medical condition, or uses an electric medical device.

How to apply for Nebraska LIHEAP

Use iServe Nebraska if you can apply online. If you already have an active or pending Economic Assistance case, ask DHHS to add a LIHEAP request instead of starting a new application.

• Online: Apply or request help through iServe Nebraska.
• Lincoln: Call 402-323-3900.
• Omaha: Call 402-595-1258.
• Other communities: Call 800-383-4278.
• In person: Use the DHHS office list before visiting.

DHHS normally must decide a valid LIHEAP application or request within 30 days. Missing documents can delay the decision or lead to denial. A crisis request uses the faster rules only after DHHS has a valid request and enough proof to find the household eligible.

The ASMOM documents checklist can help you prepare files for LIHEAP and other benefits.

OPPD, M.U.D., LES, NPPD, and local help

Utility hardship programs may fill part of the gap after LIHEAP or while a payment plan is being reviewed. These funds can open, close, or run out. Always confirm the current rules.

The ASMOM Community Action guide explains how local agencies work. The Nebraska community guide lists more local starting points.

Nebraska winter shutoff rules

The Nebraska Public Service Commission Cold Weather Rule runs from November 1 through March 31. It applies to the two investor-owned natural gas utilities regulated by the commission: Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy.

During that period, those companies cannot disconnect service without allowing an extra 30 days beyond the normal due date. The rule does not erase the bill, promise uninterrupted service, or cover electric utilities and municipal gas providers such as M.U.D.

Start with the utility and request a payment plan. If a problem with Black Hills Energy or NorthWestern Energy is not resolved, use the PSC complaint form or call the commission at 402-471-3101.

Water and sewer bill help

Nebraska LIHEAP does not pay water, sewer, or trash charges. Water help is usually local. Call the city, village, rural water district, or M.U.D. and ask about an installment plan, shutoff policy, deposit help, and local charity partners.

M.U.D. customers should apply for LIHEAP first if the account includes gas. Then ask whether the Home Fund can help with the remaining gas or water balance. In Lancaster and Saunders counties, Community Action may help with water and other past-due utilities when funding is available.

If the unpaid water bill is tied to eviction or unsafe housing, the ASMOM Nebraska housing guide may help you address the larger problem.

Weatherization and system repairs

The Nebraska weatherization program helps eligible homeowners and renters make homes safer and more energy efficient. Income is generally limited to 200% of the federal poverty level. Preference goes to older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children under 6.

Approved work may include insulation, air sealing, weatherstripping, and safety checks of furnaces, stoves, and water heaters. It does not normally include a new roof, siding, or replacement windows. A local provider inspects the home and chooses cost-effective work.

LIHEAP recipients may qualify automatically for weatherization income purposes during the current program year. Renters can apply, but owner approval and program rules may be required. Call Nebraska DWEE at 402-471-2186 to find the correct provider or ask about HCRRA.

The ASMOM Nebraska health guide may help if loss of heating or cooling is affecting a medical condition. Ask a licensed provider about the state medical verification form rather than writing your own medical statement.

Documents to gather

If assistance is denied, delayed, or too low

Read the DHHS notice and ask which rule or missing document caused the decision. If proof is missing, upload it and ask whether the application can be corrected. If the amount is lower than expected, ask which service type, income, fuel, living arrangement, and crisis limit were used.

A household can request a fair hearing for an Economic Assistance decision. Nebraska’s appeal guidance uses a 90-day filing period, but the notice controls and earlier action is safer. LIHEAP hearing requests should be in writing. The official fair hearing form gives filing choices and accommodation requests.

Keep calling the utility while the appeal is pending. An appeal does not automatically stop shutoff. Ask what amount, arrangement, or agency pledge will protect service.

The ASMOM benefits problem guide can help you organize notices and deadlines. The Nebraska legal guide can help you look for civil legal advice if a shutoff, lease, or benefits process seems wrong.