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Child Support in Nebraska

Child Support in Nebraska

Nebraska Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Nebraska Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-876-6238
  • Immediate legal help: Legal Aid of Nebraska at 1-877-250-2016
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Nebraska (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: No Kid Hungry Nebraska at nokidhungry.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Nebraska DHHS at 1-877-631-9973
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Nebraska Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for SNAP benefits

Main Points

✅ Nebraska uses Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes determine child support amounts¹

✅ $35 annual fee – charged only after $550 has been collected, waived for TANF recipients²

✅ Support ends at age 19 – or when child graduates high school if still enrolled at age 18³

✅ Two payment options: Direct deposit or Electronic Payment Card (ReliaCard)⁴

✅ Modification threshold: 10% change or $25 minimum for at least 3 months⁵

✅ Strong enforcement tools: Income withholding, tax intercepts, license suspension⁶

Understanding Nebraska Child Support in 2025

Nebraska’s Income Shares Model Explained

Nebraska follows the Income Shares Model under the 2025 Child Support Guidelines, last amended January 29, 2025. This system considers both parents’ incomes to determine what a child would receive if the family stayed together.

How it works:

  1. Calculate combined income: Add both parents’ net monthly income
  2. Find basic support amount: Use the official income shares table
  3. Split by percentage: Each parent pays their proportion based on income
  4. Add special expenses: Include childcare, health insurance, medical costs

Reality Check: Recent changes to Nebraska’s guidelines have resulted in decreased child support payments overall. If you have an existing order from before 2025, you may want to have it reviewed.

Who Can Apply for Nebraska Child Support Services

You can apply for child support services through Nebraska DHHS if you are:

  • A custodial parent or guardian of a child under 19
  • A pregnant woman seeking to establish paternity and support
  • Someone owed past-due support (even if the child is now an adult)
  • A state agency providing benefits to a child

Important: You don’t need to be a Nebraska resident to apply, but at least one parent or the child must have a connection to Nebraska⁷.

How Much Nebraska Child Support Can You Actually Get?

2025 Nebraska Child Support Amounts

Based on the Nebraska Income Shares Formula, here are base support amounts before splitting between parents:

Combined Net Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$2,000 $346 $493 $578 $647
$3,000 $519 $739 $867 $971
$4,000 $692 $986 $1,156 $1,295
$5,000 $865 $1,232 $1,445 $1,619
$6,000 $1,038 $1,479 $1,734 $1,943
$8,000 $1,384 $1,972 $2,312 $2,591
$10,000 $1,730 $2,465 $2,890 $3,239

Real-World Example: Maria earns $1,500/month, her ex earns $3,500/month. Combined: $5,000

  • Total support needed for 2 children: $1,232
  • Maria’s share (30%): $370 (provided through direct care)
  • Ex’s payment to Maria: $862/month

Special Circumstances That Affect Support

Courts can deviate from guidelines for extraordinary medical costs, special needs children, or when combined income exceeds $20,000 monthly.

Additional factors considered:

  • Parenting time: More parenting time by paying parent can reduce support if time is documented and consistent
  • Health insurance premiums: Factored into calculations
  • Existing child support: Previous orders reduce available income
  • Retirement contributions: Up to 4% of gross pay may be deducted

How to Apply for Nebraska Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect:

  • Child’s birth certificate (certified copy)
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Social Security cards for you and your child
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full name, Social Security number, date of birth
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Any existing court orders

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Option 1: Online Application

Option 2: Phone Application

  • Call 1-877-631-9973
  • Request application by mail
  • Return completed forms to your local office

Option 3: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local DHHS office
  • Find locations at dhhs.ne.gov
  • Bring all required documents

Step 3: Pay the Annual Fee (If Required)

You’ll be charged a $35 yearly fee once $550 of support has been disbursed.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP benefits

The fee is deducted from your support payments, not paid upfront.

Step 4: Work with Your Caseworker

Once your application is processed:

  1. Parent location: DHHS uses databases to find the other parent
  2. Paternity establishment: If needed, through voluntary acknowledgment or testing
  3. Court proceedings: To establish a support order
  4. Enforcement: Begin collection once order is in place

Timeline expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 60-90 days
  • Complex cases requiring location: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-6 months

Understanding Nebraska Child Support Fees and Payment Methods

Complete Fee Breakdown

Fee Type Amount When Charged Waived For
Annual Service Fee $35 After $550 collected TANF recipients
Genetic Testing $75-150 When paternity disputed Sometimes reimbursed if father established
Court Filing Varies Legal proceedings May qualify for waiver

How You’ll Receive Your Support Payments

Nebraska offers two electronic payment methods:

Option 1: Direct Deposit

  • Funds deposited directly to your bank account
  • No additional fees beyond normal banking charges
  • Fastest method – funds available within 1-2 business days
  • Set up through Nebraska Child Support Payment Center

Option 2: Electronic Payment Card (ReliaCard)

  • Prepaid debit card for those without bank accounts
  • New payment kiosks available at 8 locations across Nebraska accepting cash, debit, and credit cards
  • No fees for purchases or in-network ATM withdrawals
  • Customer service: 1-877-631-9973, option 3

When Nebraska Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What Nebraska DHHS Can Do

Nebraska’s Child Support Enforcement Program has multiple tools to collect support:

Enforcement Method How It Works When Used
Income Withholding Direct payroll deduction Most common method
Tax Intercept Seize state and federal tax refunds Past-due support exists
Credit Reporting Past due support over $500 reported to credit agencies Ongoing collections
License Suspension Suspend driver’s, professional, recreational licenses Non-payment situations
Asset Seizure Freeze bank accounts, seize property Significant arrears
Contempt of Court Possible jail time for willful non-payment Last resort

What You Can Do to Help

  1. Keep detailed records of missed or partial payments
  2. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment or address
  3. Stay in contact with your caseworker monthly
  4. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay

Reality Check: Enforcement isn’t instant. Income withholding is the most effective method, but it requires knowing where the other parent works.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Nebraska

Nebraska child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, establishing legal parentage can be complex in same-sex relationships.

Important considerations:

  • Marriage recognition: Nebraska recognizes same-sex marriages
  • Adoption requirements: Both parents must be legally recognized before support obligations exist
  • Assisted reproduction: Legal parentage may require court determination

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

Native American Families and Tribal Resources

While Nebraska has limited tribal lands, families with tribal connections have additional resources:

Tribal child support services:

  • Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Child Support Enforcement at 402-878-2164
  • Ponca Tribe of Nebraska: Child support services available
  • Santee Sioux Nation: Tribal services for enrolled members

Interstate tribal cases: Nebraska DHHS coordinates with tribal courts and other states when parents live on tribal lands elsewhere.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations: Available through most DHHS offices
  • Mobile services: Some offices provide outreach to rural communities
  • Document submission: Most paperwork can be mailed or faxed

Internet and technology barriers:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
  • Community centers: Often have public computer access
  • Phone support: 1-877-631-9973 for assistance with online applications

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Nebraska law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Specific considerations:

  • Custodial fathers may face different social stigma
  • Same legal protections and services available
  • Legal Aid provides equal assistance to all qualifying parents

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Nebraska Child Support

About Applications and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to live in Nebraska to get child support through Nebraska? A: No, but either you, the other parent, or your child must have a connection to Nebraska. You might need to travel here for court hearings if you live elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: Nebraska DHHS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, motor vehicle registrations, and social media searches. Provide any information you have, even if it’s old.

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Yes. Marriage isn’t required for child support. DHHS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if he claims he can’t afford to pay? A: Nebraska courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity if someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Support can be based on what they could reasonably earn.

About Amounts and Calculations

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under Nebraska’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed. Each parent pays their percentage. Higher-earning parents pay more, but your income does factor into the calculation.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support? A: Yes. Courts can order support back to when you filed your application, or in some cases, back to the child’s birth date.

Q: What counts as “income” for child support? A: Gross income includes salaries, commissions, unemployment benefits, Social Security, overtime, and most other income sources. Some exceptions include means-tested public assistance.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Nebraska? A: For combined incomes over $20,000 monthly, courts can order additional support above guideline amounts. There’s no absolute cap, but very high amounts require special justification.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if the other parent loses their job? A: The support obligation continues even if they’re unemployed. They can petition for a modification, but must show the job loss wasn’t voluntary and provide evidence of job search efforts.

Q: How long does it take to get my first payment? A: Timeline varies greatly:

  • Cooperative cases with income withholding: 4-8 weeks
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: Nebraska can work with other states to enforce support. The order remains valid, and other states will assist with enforcement under federal law.

About Modifications and Legal Issues

Q: How do I modify my child support if circumstances change? A: You can request modification if there’s been a material change – defined as a 10% change or $25 minimum, lasting 3 months with expectation to continue 6 more months.

Q: Can DHHS help with custody or visitation issues? A: Child Support Enforcement cannot help with visitation or custody issues. You’ll need to contact Legal Aid or a private attorney for those matters.

Q: Does child support automatically stop when my child turns 18? A: In Nebraska, child support typically continues until age 19. If your child is still in high school at 18, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Nebraska Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Nebraska DHHS Child Support Services

What they do: Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services Child Support Enforcement Division provides comprehensive services to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders. They work with federal agencies and other states to locate parents, establish paternity, create support orders, and collect payments.

Services provided: Parent location using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, support order establishment and modification, payment processing and distribution, and enforcement through various collection methods.

How to contact: Main line 1-877-631-9973 with specialized options – Option 1 for payment information, Option 2 for case questions, Option 3 for payment issues, and Option 4 for general information.

Application process: Apply online at dhhs-rmnpa.ne.gov, by phone, or at local offices. $35 annual fee applies after $550 is collected, waived for TANF recipients.

Legal Aid of Nebraska

What they do: Legal Aid of Nebraska promotes justice, dignity, hope and self-sufficiency through quality civil legal aid for those who have nowhere else to turn. They provide free legal services to low-income Nebraskans in family law, housing, benefits, and other civil matters.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and self-help resources including forms and guides.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,643/month for a family of three in 2025), with priority for domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call the AccessLine at (402) 348-1060 for Douglas County area or (877) 250-2016 for outside Douglas County. Elder AccessLine at (800) 527-7249 for those 60+, Native American AccessLine at (800) 729-9908.

Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project

What they do: The Volunteer Lawyers Project is the pro bono program of the Nebraska State Bar Association, working for over 35 years to make the legal system accessible to low-income Nebraskans. They provide volunteer attorney services for civil legal matters when Legal Aid cannot assist.

Services provided: Referrals to volunteer attorneys for civil legal issues, family law assistance, consumer law help, and limited-scope representation options for those who qualify financially but don’t receive full Legal Aid services.

Who qualifies: Households below 125% of federal poverty guidelines with non-criminal legal problems. Not all applications qualify for volunteer attorney placement.

How to apply: Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska first. If they cannot assist but you qualify, they may refer you to VLP. Information line: 402-742-8136.

Nebraska Child Support Payment Center

What they do: The Nebraska Child Support Payment Center processes all child support payments in the state and has installed eight self-service kiosk locations for payment convenience. They handle payment processing, distribution, and customer service for payment-related issues.

Services provided: Payment processing and distribution, customer service for payment questions, online payment portal, electronic payment cards (ReliaCard), direct deposit setup, and payment history tracking.

Payment options: Kiosks accept cash, debit card (no fee), credit card (2.49% service fee), personal/business checks, and money orders.

How to contact: Customer service at 1-877-631-9973, option 3. For QR codes, text “code” to 402-205-0116.

Complete Nebraska Child Support Resources and Contact Information

State Agencies and Services

Nebraska DHHS Child Support:

Nebraska Child Support Payment Center:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Legal Aid of Nebraska:

Nebraska State Bar Association:

Financial Assistance Programs

Nebraska Benefits:

Emergency Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Domestic Violence:

  • Nebraska Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-876-6238
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Child Safety:

LGBTQ+ and Specialized Support

LGBTQ+ Resources:

Tribal Resources:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Nebraska Resources:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Nebraska guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Supreme Court, Legal Aid of Nebraska, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Supreme Court, Legal Aid of Nebraska, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Nebraska child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

  • Verify current information with Nebraska DHHS at 1-877-631-9973
  • Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances to DHHS promptly
  • Review your case regularly by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

  • Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every individual situation or case
  • Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to Nebraska child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Nebraska DHHS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Nebraska DHHS at 1-877-631-9973 or visit dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/child-support.aspx.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Nebraska Supreme Court Rules, Chapter 4, Article 2, Child Support Guidelines ² Nebraska DHHS Child Support Services Fee Schedule ³ Nebraska Revised Statutes § 43-512 ⁴ Nebraska Child Support Payment Center Payment Options ⁵ Nebraska Supreme Court Rule § 4-217 ⁶ Nebraska DHHS Child Support Enforcement Tools ⁷ Nebraska DHHS Child Support Services Eligibility Requirements

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